The 4Cs are the main parameters for valuating a diamond’s cost. They include weight in Carat, Color, Clarity and Cut.
Usually, an untrained person might be able to differentiate two of the four parameters: weight and color. The other two parameters, clarity and cut, are more complex and require expertise.
In general, the ideal situation is when a diamond is completely colorless. However, because color diamonds are so rare and unique, they are often considered more valuable than colorless stones. Needless to say, the size, cut, and clarity is important as well; as the 4Cs are all considered when estimating a diamonds worth in today’s market. Although, with fancy colors, since this characteristic is the most important, the more vivid the color, the more valuable the stone.
Color is part of the natural composition of the diamond and never changes over time. It is caused by varying quantities of nitrogen and other trace elements present in all diamonds, displacing the carbon atoms within the crystal’s structure. The body color of a stone greatly affects the appearance of a diamond and its price.
Color in clear diamonds is graded according to the GIA system, on a scale of no color (D), to deep color (Z), as follows:
D,E,F: colorless/white;
G,H,I,J: near colorless;
K,L,M: faint yellow or brown;
N,O,P,Q,R: very light yellow or brown;
S,T,U,V,W,X,Y,Z: light yellow or brown.
The rarity of D through F graded stones makes them the most desirable and valuable among colorless diamonds. Their fire and brilliance are mesmerizing. Yet, diamonds rated G through J seem colorless to the untrained eye, and are more affordable.
Beyond Z grade, stones are entered into the fancy color diamond category and are rated on a different scale:
-Light,
-Fancy Light
-Fancy
-Fancy Intense
-Fancy Deep and Fancy Vivid.
They come in pink, orange, yellow, brown, green, grey and blue hues, while the rarest is red.
Yellow Diamonds Color scale:
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From Left to Right: Light Yellow, Fancy Light Yellow, Fancy Yellow, Fancy Intense Yellow, Fancy Vivid Yellow
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Pink Diamonds color scale:
From Left to right: Very Light Pink,Light Pink, Fancy Light Pink, Fancy Pink,Fancy Intense Pink, Fancy Vivid Pink, Fancy Deep Pink |
The color in natural fancy colored diamonds occurs in different ways:
- Trace elements, such as nitrogen;
- Radiation present during the creation process of the stone. Fancy green color is the result of radiation;
- Although inclusions deem the stone less valuable in the colorless category, they can add to the color of fancy colored stones.
Gemologists have the ability to create fancy color diamonds by color manipulation through irradiation and heat treatment. Naturally, these stones are more affordable.
Synthetic colored diamonds are also available for those who look for affordable diamonds. These are genuine stones created in a laboratory. Since these types of enhancement treatments are very common, it is recommended to ask for a lab certificate to prove the authenticity of a colored stone marketed as 'natural.'
Fluorescence:
About one third of diamonds fluoresce under ultra violet light. While the lack of fluorescence is no indication that the stone is not a diamond, a stone that fluoresces under ultra violet light is definitely a diamond.
