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Diamond Color

A truly colorless diamond is extremely rare; most diamonds possess various degrees of yellow or brown. Small, subtle differences in color can make a substantial difference in price and increasing shades of yellow can reduce the value of a diamond. However, if a diamond is well cut, refraction and dispersion will often disguise certain degrees of coloration. When a diamond is more colorless, it appears brighter and more beautiful. Less light is absorbed by the diamond, and more light is returned to your eye in the form of sparkle. Therefore, color is very important to the overall beauty of a diamond.

 

Color Grading Scale

 

The proper way to grade Color:

  • The proper way to view and grade Color is from the diamond's underside. (see picture below)
  • This will allow you to look through the pavilion of the diamond and see the true color.
  • Always view your diamond loose on a white background. You will be able to see the true color of the diamond this way.
  • Many jewelers show their diamonds on colored backgrounds, in locked tweezers, and in rings. This can hide the quality of the diamond. Diamonds shown in tweezers, rings, and over colored backgrounds will draw your attention away from the true color of the diamond making it appear one to three color grades better than the actual grade.

 

Important Color Buying Tips

  • Many jewelers lack the expertise to accurately classify a diamond's color. Others, regardless of their expertise, inflate the color grade in order to increase their profits. To protect yourself:
  • Ask the jeweler how they evaluate their diamonds for color. If they only use a set of master stones, they are subject to human error. Make sure the jeweler has a Gran Colorimeter to accurately grade their diamonds.
  • Ask to see several loose diamonds side by side in order to see color differences. One needs to see at least 4 to 5 loose diamonds at a time, and side by side, to accurately see color differences.
  • Ask to see the diamonds from the underneath in a white tray. Never view a diamond in tweezers, rings, or colored backgrounds.
  • Make sure the store has the proper lighting. A dimly lit store can make the diamond look one to three grades whiter than it really is.
 

How We Grade Color:

Most jewelers grade color by using a set of master stones and their eyes. The problem with only using this method is that the jeweler could be off one to three grades in color. At Arthur's, we utilize the latest in technology because eyesight varies from one person to the next and color grading becomes subjective rather than objective; we believe in using the best technology available to accurately grade our diamonds.

We use the Gran Colorimeter. Manufactured in Israel by the leader and innovator in diamond spectral analysis, The Gran Diamond Colorimeter, uses full spectral analysis to color grade loose diamonds from .20 to 10 carats. The Colorimeter measures from D to fancy intense color grades and indicates the tints and hues of the diamond. Using the Gran Colorimeter is another way Arthur's guarantees you the most precise accuracy in grading your diamond.

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