The Color of Diamonds

The diamond coloring can greatly affect its value, as this can cause a diamond to appear less sparkly and shiny. The coloring of the diamond can be graded on a letter scale, referred to as the GIA scale, making it a lot less complicated to determine the acceptability of the diamond.

In verifying the diamond coloring and inspecting the diamond itself, you'll find that many jewelers will place the stone on a black velvet background. This serves to hide flaws and inconsistencies, as well as to keep customers who know little about diamonds from noticing when a diamond is not white. The black background drowns any yellow coloring out. Always insist on viewing the diamond on a bright white background. This allows you to compare the "white" color of the diamond to the white background and take note of any yellowing.

Depending on your purposes for the stone, diamond coloring rated between M-Z is typically not desired. This grade of diamond is normally utilized only in costume jewelry. While D-F grades are the most greatly desired grades of diamond coloring, as they are the most clear and white, they are very rare and extremely expensive, often out of the price range of the average seeker of diamonds. J, K, and L grade diamonds are the most affordable that are of decent enough color quality to be offered on a special occasion, but most customers will aim for a G, H, or I class diamond. Opting for a diamond of this grade balances quality with cost.

Verifying diamond coloring can also be done with a coloring chart. These can be found in publications that give other tips for purchasing diamonds and understanding grades and ratings. With the assistance of careful research and information on grade quality, you'll be able to choose the best and most cost effective diamond choice.