Diamond Color

In recent years, colored diamonds have become increasingly popular, often spotted ornamenting the rings and earrings of the rich and famous. With this rise in popularity come many consumer questions. How does a diamond acquire color? How does one determine the value of these stones?

Though the clear or “white” diamond seems omnipresent in the jewelry world, in fact almost no diamond is without subtle coloration. Natural chemical imbalances and imperfections in a diamond will cause the stone to reflect different colored hues, ranging from the palest pink to blue or from light brown to deep yellow. Nitrogen, a very common impurity, is responsible for the pale yellow and brown hues reflected in many diamonds. While yellow and brown coloration can drastically devalue a white diamond, more exceptional shades of blue and pink are extremely desirable, commanding high prices in the marketplace.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) classification of color, ranging from D-Z, with Z being the most colorful, is the most accurate way of determining a diamond’s shade and value. While a D grade refers to a colorless stone, a Z indicates a bright yellow-hued stone. If you do purchase a colored diamond, you may want to have it officially graded and certified to protect the value of your unique investment.