The colour scale used for describing different types of diamonds goes from D through Z when referring specifically to white coloured stones (colourless), but actually ranges all colours from blueish green through yellowish orange tones until finally reaching reds at GIA’s highest level (Z). As far as the human eye can tell, there would be absolutely no difference between two identical stones.
The beauty of a truly colourless diamond is a rare find
Diamond colour is graded against a D-Z colour scale. Developed by the Gemological Institute of America, the spectrum consists of 23 letter grades.
Absolutely colourless diamonds are defined by a D grade. Diamonds with an I-J grade begin to emit colours detectable to the naked eye. Most diamonds embody some yellow to brown tinting. A diamond darker then Z is considered a Fancy Coloured Diamond and is priced considerably higher due to its rarity.
The stunning power of a brilliantly coloured diamond is simply irresistible.
The allure of diamond fluorescence is debatable. A soft coloured glow awakened in a diamond under ultraviolet light is a unique effect sought by some and avoided by others.
Strong fluorescence can cause a near-colourless grade diamond to look even whiter. Consequently, excessive fluorescence can create a slightly hazy or oily appearance, decreasing the price of the diamond by up to 50%.
The quality of a round brilliant cut has to do with the way light enters and exits the stone. A well-cut diamond will reflect light more than any other type of shape (square, oval, pear and so on).
This refers to how many flaws or inclusions (i.e., tiny imperfections) are present in your diamond; the fewer the better. A flawless stone is considered ideal because it has no visible marks…
(the size of your stone) is perhaps the most well-known “C” in diamond buying terms. The bigger your stone is, the more expensive it will be—and big stones can add up quickly.
