| DIAMOND EDUCATION |
|
Carat Weight |
Diamond Color |
Diamond Clarity | Diamond Cut |
| DIAMOND COLOR |
| It is interesting to note that
diamonds actually come in the widest variety of colors of any gem
material. Most gem quality diamonds however are desired for their
lack of color. In fact, the closer a diamond is to colorless, the
more rare and valuable it is. On the other hand, diamonds are also
sought after by collectors in their extremely rare "fancy colors"
including (from highest value), Reds (Pinks), Blues, Greens and
Fancy Intense Yellow. |
| The GIA grades diamonds on a scale from D (Colorless) to Z (Light
Yellow). When a diamond is graded darker than Z on the GIA scale it
is referred to as "fancy yellow", and the more color and intensity
it shows, the more valuable it will be. Most diamonds have a slight
hint of yellow, though brown or gray are also common modifying
colors. Of all the diamond colors available, most consumers select
GIA grades from D to J color. D-E-F are the "colorless" grades, and
G-H-I-J are "near colorless". The difference in each letter grade is
very subtle, and color comparison diamonds of known grades are used
under controlled lighting conditions. When viewed in the face up
position, the average person begins to see color in a diamond at
about the I-J range. Therefore color is rarity factor that does
affect appearance, rarity and price, about 10-15 per color grade. |
| Fluorescence |
| The is a unique attribute of some diamonds that causes them to "glow" a
typically bluish color when exposed to natural or man-made ultraviolet light
(like a Black light). About 50% of all diamonds fluoresce and of those about 10%
fluoresce strongly. Most of the time, fluorescence is not a factor unless the
intensity is Strong or Very Strong. In the very rare colors D, E and F, Strong
fluorescence is considered less desirable. However, in the less rare colors of
such as J - K and below, Strong Fluorescence may be desirable. |
