If you have shopped for diamonds in the past, then you have probably become familiar with the four C’s associated with the gems. These are clarity, cut, carat weight, and color. Color comprises one of the major determinants in the value of a diamond. No diamond is actually totally devoid of color, but those known as white diamonds are used to set the standard of perfection in color. Using these nearly transparent gems as a guide, it is possible to assess and evaluate the color of diamonds.

To accurately assess the color of a diamond, then the gem must be loose outside of a setting. If it has been set, the color is often distorted by the metal of the setting. When assessing the color of a diamond, it should be set table down and pavilion up. Use a 10x loupe to observe it. Once a good visual is obtained, the diamond’s color is then ranked on a letter scale covering D to Z. Grades D to F are reserved for colorless stones. G through J grades cover gems that are nearly colorless. If the diamond is faintly tinted, often with a touch of yellow, it will receive a grade of K to M. Slightly tinted diamonds will garner a grade between N and R. Diamonds that are strongly tinted, from yellow to brown, are given a grade between S and Z. This tint is visible to the naked eye.

Holding a diamond up to the light in order to evaluate and assess the color is not nearly sufficient. No one has eyesight so good and a memory so flawless as to remember the exact shading that will provide a particular grade. Master sets of stones are necessary for this reason, and in a master set are found diamonds that are labeled by professionals. When a diamond is appraised, it is compared to the master set and receives the appropriate grade.

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.

When assessing any aspect of a diamond that deals with its value, it is often a wise idea to allow the professionals to handle it. Jewelers have been trained to work with the stones extensively. They also possess the latest tools that will allow them to accurately assess and evaluate the color of a diamond.

Further reading – Diamond Pendant

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