Diamond Color
Color describes the body color or tone of the diamond. The color grading scale developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) starts with D and continues to Z with each letter denoting an increased presence of color in the diamond, usually yellow, brown or gray. These colors are further divided into the groups colorless, near colorless, and noticeable color. Amberley West and our authorized retailers have made the decision to only carry diamonds J or higher. These color grades are undetectable or very faint to the human eye.
The less color in a diamond the more rare and valuable it is. D color diamonds, sometimes called icey white, have no discernable color and are the most rare. As you move down the color scale the rarity of the diamond decreases as well as the price. Although important, you do not need to purchase a colorless diamond to have a beautiful diamond. Most diamonds sold in North America are near colorless graded G, H, I or J.
The color in diamonds is caused by elements which are captured within the diamonds structure at birth. The yellow tone found in most diamonds is caused by nitrogen gas. Diamonds are graded for color while looking through their side or pavilion in a controlled environment with diffused white light. This way, their color can be evaluated independent of the "sparkle" diamonds naturally exhibit which may mask their color.
Diamonds, of course, are worn facing up under many different lighting conditions. The color of a diamond becomes less noticeable when worn in a ring than when it is being examined in a laboratory. The better the cut of a diamond the more your eye will focus on the "sparkle" and play of colors or "fire" in the diamond and the less noticeable the color will be.
Amberley West suggests that when shopping for a diamond, you first find the best cut you can afford, then color as you can see it with your naked eye and third, clarity as this is not as visible without magnification. Using these parameters you will make a sound decision without sacrificing beauty.
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About Diamond Color
Diamond Color Scale
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Absolutely Colorless
The highest color grade, which is extremely rare.
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Colorless
Only minute traces of color can be detected by an expert gemologist. A rare diamond.
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Colorless
Slight color detected, but still considered a "colorless" grade. A high-quality diamond.
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Near - Colorless
Color noticeable when compared to diamonds of better grades, but these offer excellent value.
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Near - Colorless
Color slightly detectable. An excellent value.
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Noticeable - Color
Not carried by Amberley West.
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