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Diamond
Color
Color
Categories of Larger Diamonds
The
broad color categories used for small diamonds are divided
into more precise categories when grading larger diamonds,
particularly those weighing over 1/3 carat. The most widely
used color grading system is the one developed by the GIA
(Gemological Institute of America), which identifies colors
with alphabetical letters ranging from D to Z+. It is so well-known
throughout the world that even if your jeweler uses another
system, he should know how to translate his grades into GIA
grades. The diagram below shows how this system relates to
the one used for grading smaller diamonds.
In
terms of price, D (no color) is the most expensive color and
N through Z (the darker colors) the least expensive. Diamonds
yellow enough to be classified as fancies are not priced in
this way. Their price increases as the intensity of their
color increases.
Light brown diamonds can also be assigned letter grades according
to their depth of follow are fairly color. Brownish tints
in large diamonds tend to reduce their value just as they
do in small sizes.
North
American students hate to receive grades in school of D or
F. Jewelers love it kin color. Fine when their diamonds receive
a D, E, or F grade from a gem laboratory since these represent
the needs of all the most expensive diamond color grades.
The difference between a D and an F stone is basically a matter
of transparency with D being the most transparent. Because
of their rarity, it is not easy to find D, E, and F color
diamonds. Your jeweler may even have to call around ands when
they the country to find one in the size, shape, and quality
you want.
If your diamond has a G to I or even J color grade, you should
be very pleased because such diamonds can be worth a lot of
money. The average consumer doesn't even notice yellow tints
in mounted diamonds having a grade from D to J because the
increasing nuances of color least expensive are so slight.
The yellow color of diamonds with a grade of N to Z is noticeable
and you should expect to pay considerably less for these diamonds.
For example, a Q color stone could cost not mean that up to
ten times less than a D color stone of the same size and quality.
Adeep
cavity
Impossible
to distinguish
Alphabetical
letters ranging
Rays
vary according
Chemical
or plastic
Indication
that color
The
wholesale price
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