Diamond color scale
In reality, diamond is hue less
and colorless material like water. The diamond color evaluation of most
gem-quality is based on the lack of its color. GIA’s D-to-Z diamond color-grading
system measures the degree of colorless by comparing the stone under controlled
lighting and precise viewing conditions to master stones of established color
value. This color scale distinction is quite difficult for untrained eyes.
Nevertheless, these distinctions make a very big difference in quality and
price of the diamond.
The table below shows the diamond
color scales.
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D
E
F
|
Colorless
|
While there are differences in color between D, E, and F
diamonds, they can be detected only by a gemologist in side by side
comparisons, and rarely by the untrained eye.
D-F diamonds should only be set in white gold / platinum.
Yellow gold reflects color, negating the diamond's colorless effect.
|
|
G
H
I
J
|
Near Colorless
|
While containing traces of color, G-J diamonds are
suitable for a platinum or white gold setting, which would normally betray
any hint of color in a diamond.
Because I-J diamonds are more common than the higher
grades, they tend to be a great value. An I-J diamond may retail for half the
price of a D diamond. Within the G-J range, price tends to increase 10-20%
between each diamond grade.
|
|
K
L
M
|
Faint Color
|
Beginning with K diamonds, color (usually a yellow tint)
is more easily detected by the naked eye.
Set in yellow gold, these warm colored diamonds appeal to
some, and are an exceptional value. Others will feel they have too much
color. Due to its perceptible color tint, a K diamond is often half the price
of a G diamond.
|
|
N
_
R
|
Very Light Color
|
Diamonds in the N-R color range have an easily seen yellow
or brown tint, but are much less expensive than higher grades.
Lumera does not carry diamonds in this color range due to
a lack of demand. If you desire a diamond in this range, request a price quote using the custom diamond search.
|
|
S
-
Z
|
Light Color
|
For almost all customers, S-Z diamonds have too much color
for a white diamond.
Lumera does not carry diamonds in this color range. If you
desire a diamond in this range, request a price quote using the custom diamond search.
|
GIA’s diamond D-to-Z color
–grading scale is the industry’s most widely accepted grading system. Letter D,
is the beginning of the scale representing colorless and continues, with the
increasing presence of color, to the letter z.
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