Frequently, the color of a diamond is perceived as a critical factor, which determines the overall beauty of a diamond. In actuality, however, the best color for a diamond is no color at all. Most diamond experts are reluctant to verify the color of a diamond in a setting. They also insist on a certified color evaluation before they attempt to make a fair appraisal.
Minor color differences can be critical in determining the rarity of a diamond, but they are never a decisive factor in determining the beauty of a diamond.
The Gemological Laboratories utilize a D to Z scale for referring to the color of diamonds. A rate of D is given to the finest and colorless diamond. As the letters of the scale approach the letter Z, a commensurate decrease in quality is attributable to the diamond, where Z, the lowest grade in the scale, is given to a diamond with a light yellow color.
Colorless: D, E, F
Near colorless: G, H, I, J
Faint yellow or brown: K, L, M
Very light yellow or brown: N, O, P, Q, R
Light yellow: S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z
Colorless diamonds are considered more expensive than yellow diamonds. Nevertheless, when the color of a diamond is more intense than the Z grade on the scale, it is considered in the category of Fancy Color. In this case, the intensity of the color determines the value of the diamond. The value of a Fancy Color diamond may surpass the value of colorless diamonds when the intensity of the color is strong and the color is rare.
The colors of diamonds are as diverse as the colors of the rainbow.
Fancy-colored diamonds such as the deep Blue Hope diamond are particularly valuable.
The most important aspect one must consider when selecting the color of a diamond is the type of setting in which the diamond will be displayed. For example, the most suitable color for a diamond mounted against a platinum or white gold background is in the D to I range. Regardless of the setting, however, a diamond will appear yellow if the color grade is lower than J.
