Now that you know about the importance of a diamond’s cut, let’s take a look at the second of the 4 Cs of diamonds: color.

Every certified diamond is given a color grade. That grade identifies a diamond as colorless, near colorless, or with increasing shades of yellow or brown. The scale on which these grades are based originated from the Gemological Institute of America – the world’s most respected diamond certification institute. Other reputable certification groups, such as the American Gemological Society and the European Gem Lab, use the GIA’s color scale as well.

Ranging from “D” (colorless) to “Z” (light yellow), a diamond certificate’s color grade gives you a quick reference when shopping for your diamond. The most sought-after diamonds are the rare colorless stones, which fall in the D – F range of the scale. These diamonds allow more light to pass through them than those with more color, resulting in more sparkle and fire. That also makes them more expensive than diamonds further down on the color scale. Near-colorless diamonds are slightly less expensive and still provide incredible brilliance. Indeed, diamonds graded G through I show virtually no color that is visible to the untrained eye, making them an attractive option for many diamond purchasers.

Diamonds from J – Z have increasingly intense shades of yellow or brown. While these diamonds do have some color to them, it takes a trained eye to see the varying shades and assign a color grade. If you are having your diamond set in yellow gold, you might find that a faint shade of yellow will not hinder your diamond’s beauty in any way. However, if you are using a platinum or white gold setting, less color is more desirable.

While colorless diamonds are generally the most sought after for their rarity and beauty, deeply colored diamonds have become more popular in recent years. These stones, known as “fancy” colored diamonds, can come in virtually any color including shades of yellow, blue, and pink. Because they are exceptionally rare, fancy-colored diamonds also come with a much higher price tag.

Whatever color grade you choose for your diamond, know that Hadar Diamonds is here to help you every step of the way. Stay tuned for our final installment on the 4 Cs of diamonds: carat.