Many people who have shopped for diamonds at one point in time likely came across the four C's attached to the stones. Clarity, cut, carat weight, and color comprise the four C's. Color is one of the most important components in determining the value of a diamond. In reality, no diamond is completely colorless, but white diamonds are as close as it gets, and they set the standard for evaluating color. Based on these almost transparent stones, it is possible to evaluate and assess the color of diamonds.
In order to even begin to assess the color of a diamond, the stone must be loose. If it is in a setting, then the color will be thrown off by the metal and an accurate evaluation cannot be performed. Diamonds must be situated table down and pavilion up. A 10x loupe must be utilized. Once the diamond is observed, the color is then graded on a system from the letters D to Z. Letters D through F apply to colorless gems. G through J are assigned to those that are nearly colorless. K to M are given to those that are faintly tinted, often shaded somewhat yellow. Letters N to R are assigned to diamonds that are slightly tinted. S through Z means that the diamond is tinted yellow to even brown and this shading is visible to the naked eye.
Simply holding up a diamond to the light is not sufficient when assessing and evaluating its color. No one has eyesight that perfect and a memory that remembers exact shading guidelines. This is why a master set of stones is necessary. In this set, a series of stones is labeled by a professional, and they are used to compare a diamond that is being appraised.
Though it has been mentioned that a diamond already set in stone cannot be accurately evaluated for color, the use of a colorimeter can actually allow for the distinction between the shade of the stone and that of the setting. Colorimeters, however, are usually not found outside of a jeweler, and having a professional grade it will carry a fee.
Just as you would when assessing any aspect of a diamond, the evaluation of its color is best left to the professionals. They possess the necessary training and tools to properly evaluate the stone and provide you with a more accurate value than you would on your own.
In order to even begin to assess the color of a diamond, the stone must be loose. If it is in a setting, then the color will be thrown off by the metal and an accurate evaluation cannot be performed. Diamonds must be situated table down and pavilion up. A 10x loupe must be utilized. Once the diamond is observed, the color is then graded on a system from the letters D to Z. Letters D through F apply to colorless gems. G through J are assigned to those that are nearly colorless. K to M are given to those that are faintly tinted, often shaded somewhat yellow. Letters N to R are assigned to diamonds that are slightly tinted. S through Z means that the diamond is tinted yellow to even brown and this shading is visible to the naked eye.
Simply holding up a diamond to the light is not sufficient when assessing and evaluating its color. No one has eyesight that perfect and a memory that remembers exact shading guidelines. This is why a master set of stones is necessary. In this set, a series of stones is labeled by a professional, and they are used to compare a diamond that is being appraised.
Though it has been mentioned that a diamond already set in stone cannot be accurately evaluated for color, the use of a colorimeter can actually allow for the distinction between the shade of the stone and that of the setting. Colorimeters, however, are usually not found outside of a jeweler, and having a professional grade it will carry a fee.
Just as you would when assessing any aspect of a diamond, the evaluation of its color is best left to the professionals. They possess the necessary training and tools to properly evaluate the stone and provide you with a more accurate value than you would on your own.