Diamonds are the usual choice of stone for an engagement ring. But there are different kinds of color which determines their value and quality. How to determine them is easy, just take note of the four C’s. The clarity, carat, cut and color. Understanding the diamond characteristics can help you choose the diamond according to your taste, and most especially according as to how much you can afford.
Diamonds are not actually colorless, they are toned. The colorless diamonds are often called as “white diamonds” where all the other shades are judged against it.
The GIA or Gemological Institute of America has set guidelines how to grade a diamond color. The color of graded diamonds is being compared to the color of the control stones.
Diamonds should be loose stones, because once this stone is set into a metal, the color is affected.
Diamonds are laid down the table, pavilion-up and is viewed by a 10X loupe.
The lettering system from D to Z is used in identifying the color present in each diamond. The D is rarely awarded; this is the grade where the diamond is totally colorless.
Diamonds that are colorless and yellowish or yellowish brown is classified according to the categories shown below. These categories only apply to the real diamonds, not the fancy ones as they have their own grading standards.
Category D, E, F falls under colorless.
Category G, H, I, J fall under nearly colorless
Categories K, L, M are those that are faintly tinted and are usually color yellow
Category N, O, P, Q, and R are the lightly tinted, which is usually yellow and the color is visible on the naked eye.
Categories S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z are those that are tinted with yellow and progresses to brownish color. The color is also seen with the naked eye.