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| | COLOR
When we think of color, we usually think of red, blue, green, etc. However, color in diamonds almost always refers to yellow. Because of this, diamonds are rated on a yellowish grading scale.
Color in diamonds is measured using an alphabetized scale ranging from D-Z. This scale was developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The D color represents the least amount of color a diamond can have, and each successive letter grade down to Z represents a very slight increase of yellow color in the diamond. It is important to note that each color grade presents a range of yellow from light to dark. For example, the range of E might be described as an extremely tiny amount of yellow at the beginning of the grade, increasing in darkness to a tiny amount of yellow by the end of the grade. In fact, there is a gradual increase of yellow from the beginning of the D grade all the way to the end of the Z grade.
As far as value, the less color a diamond has, the more it is worth. The reason for this is that the less color a diamond has, the brighter it will appear. Therefore, D color is the most valuable, and each successive color grade down to Z becomes less valuable.
The physical measurement of color in diamonds is accomplished by comparing the diamond being graded to a color standard. The color standard most recognized in the United States and increasingly worldwide is the G.I.A. diamond color master. This standard measure is a diamond in which the G.I.A. states both the exact color grade, and where within that grade the color falls.
There are G.I.A. diamond masters for each color grade on the color scale. The color of the diamond being graded must be compared to the stated colors of different master diamonds in order to pinpoint the exact color grade. There are also imitation diamonds available (mostly cubic zirconia) for color grading which approximate the G.I.A. color grades. It should be noted that, although the G.I.A. color scale is primarily used for comparing diamonds of yellow tints, it is also used for the occasional brown or gray tinted diamond. In this situation, it is necessary to match the darkness of the brown or gray diamond to an equivalent darkness of the yellow color master diamonds.
When grading diamonds, it is very important to have the proper lighting and viewing techniques. The proper lighting for color grading is cool white or daylight fluorescent tubes. A good lamp to use is a desk top or desk overhang lamp. Also, the diamond must be viewed correctly. Looking at the diamond upside down, at a 45 degree angle and parallel to the girdle is the best way. In addition, while being viewed, the diamond must rest against a white background for contrast. A white card folded to 90 degrees will suffice.
Viewing the diamond correctly against a white background, using proper lighting, and using color master stones, are all essential for accurate color grading.
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