The diamonds that people tend to have in wedding and engagement rings are white or colorless. It is the absence of color that makes them more valuable. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA)has devised a diamond color chart to help people pick out the best stone for their purpose.
The highest grade of diamond is "D". The reason there are no A, B or C graded stones is because before this chart was implemented in the 1930s, stones were graded "A", "B" or "C". The highest grade are the stones in the "D", "E" and "F" category. These are absolutely colorless and it takes a trained gemologist to tell the difference between the three top grades.
The top grade is "D" and absolutely colorless. They are very, very rare and very, very costly. "E" and "F" grades contain tiny traces of coloration that require an expert gemologist. The next group, near colorless, encompasses grades "G" through "J". These have a little bit of color, but may still safely be mounted in white metals like white gold or platinum, which are less forgiving of higher traces of yellow.
Stones graded "I" to "J" are commoner and therefore less expensive than the higher grades. They are half the price of a "D" grade. There is between 10 and 20 percent difference in price from one grade to another in this category.
Faintly colored stones, "K", "L" and "M", have enough yellow tint that it is obvious to the naked eye. These are best set in yellow gold for a "warm" effect. A "K" graded stone will be only half as expensive as a "G" graded stone. Those in the "N" to "R" grade are obviously yellow or even brown.
Don't even worry about the lowest grades, "S" through "Z". These have way too much chromaticity for most people. The diamond color chart is a good way to assess the value of a stone in terms of cost, but always take your own judgement into consideration.
The highest grade of diamond is "D". The reason there are no A, B or C graded stones is because before this chart was implemented in the 1930s, stones were graded "A", "B" or "C". The highest grade are the stones in the "D", "E" and "F" category. These are absolutely colorless and it takes a trained gemologist to tell the difference between the three top grades.
The top grade is "D" and absolutely colorless. They are very, very rare and very, very costly. "E" and "F" grades contain tiny traces of coloration that require an expert gemologist. The next group, near colorless, encompasses grades "G" through "J". These have a little bit of color, but may still safely be mounted in white metals like white gold or platinum, which are less forgiving of higher traces of yellow.
Stones graded "I" to "J" are commoner and therefore less expensive than the higher grades. They are half the price of a "D" grade. There is between 10 and 20 percent difference in price from one grade to another in this category.
Faintly colored stones, "K", "L" and "M", have enough yellow tint that it is obvious to the naked eye. These are best set in yellow gold for a "warm" effect. A "K" graded stone will be only half as expensive as a "G" graded stone. Those in the "N" to "R" grade are obviously yellow or even brown.
Don't even worry about the lowest grades, "S" through "Z". These have way too much chromaticity for most people. The diamond color chart is a good way to assess the value of a stone in terms of cost, but always take your own judgement into consideration.
About the Author:
To view a diamond clarity scale, and to see additional diamond quality chart educational material, simply visit the Investment Diamond Exchange (IDX) website.
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