The Definition Of Diamond Colour Grading

By Author: jacksmith
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The beauty of diamonds is that they are so unique. Each diamond that is cut from the rough gem that is hewn from the ground is a one off and the absolutely flawless and coloured diamonds command some of the highest prices ever paid for stones.

There are many differing scales used by different organisations for colour, but the most common one is an alphanumeric scale starting at the colour D. This is the whitest colour exhibited by diamond. A typical commercial colour seen in jewellery shops in Australia is probably around J to K which is still very pleasing when set in a ring. Below is a grading scale which will give you some idea of how the most regular diamond's are colour graded.
Colour:
Description:
D
Pure White - the most prized colour
E
Exceptional white - colourless group
F
Excellent white - colourless group
G
Good white - colourless group
H
White - colourless group
I
Slightly tinted white/ white when viewed from top
J
Slightly tinted white/ commercial white
K
Tinted white/ still acceptable white when ...
... mounted
L
Tinted white/ needs yellow setting to look its best
M
Slightly yellowish/Tinted colour-champagne
N
Slightly yellowish/Tinted colour-champagne
O-R
Yellowish/Tinted colour
S-Z
Yellow/Tinted colour

Although most of the world's diamonds are graded as to the grading scale as seen in the above table, (the majority of diamonds sold in the industry range from near colourless to very light yellow or brown) there are of course those diamonds that are termed 'fancy coloured diamonds.' These diamonds come in a variety of colours and are extremely rare and totally unique.

Where does the Fancy Colour Come From?
The presence of certain elements in the natural rough stone, like boron or nitrogen will determine the colour of a stone. For a stone to be classified as a 'Natural' Coloured stone, the diamond laboratories that are consistently used by diamond retailers across the world, such as GIA, EGL, or HRD. Every certificated stone has a personal identification. This will include a number, measurements of the stone, the 4Cs, Colour, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight, it's symmetry and fluorescence.

How Are They Priced?
Every stone will have a unique price and this is determined by the 4Cs and other attributes. Coloured diamonds are not polished in the same way as other diamonds. The cut and polish that is used will emphasise the depth of colour, and the expert diamond polisher will take this into consideration.

As you can see from the above illustrations, the colour of diamonds vary enormously. There is an exciting array of stunning and exquisite colours, for example fancy pink, fancy blue and can also be found to have inherent colours that are a variation of the hue, such as Greyish Blue or Orangey Pink.

How Are They Graded?
The grading of Natural Fancy coloured diamonds ranges from Light, Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, Fancy Deep, Fancy Dark and Fancy Vivid. If the colour is very strong in a diamond, you will be expected to pay a very 'strong' price.

My Diamonds Loose Diamonds
My Diamonds, the respected and trusted diamond retailer in Australia, sources the world's most wonderful diamonds for a widening audience of clients. Each client is as unique as the diamond they are searching for and My Diamonds always finds the perfect stone.
If you're looking for a fabulous fancy coloured diamond, then call My Diamonds on
1800 766 567 and speak to a professional diamond specialist. You will be only moments away from owning one of the most beautiful diamonds in the world.

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