Color

The most valuable diamond is the one completely devoid of color and highly transparent.  Truly colorless diamonds are very valuable.  Color is the most difficult quality to judge.  A diamonds color is affected by the type of light it is viewed in, by ultraviolet rays and by the reflection of other colors, which surround the diamond.  The only real way of determining the exact color of a diamond is to place it next to another that has already been color graded or to use recognized test stones that have been labeled.  Most gem quality diamonds,  seen on their own; do in fact appear to be colorless.  But usually they do have at least a hint of color - this is normally yellow, due to traces of nitrogen.

The only exception to this is a diamond with a decided tint of color.  These are called fancies and are extremely rare.  Pink and blue are the most prized, but almost any color is possible.

There are several different scales used in determining the exact color of a diamond.  The G.I.A. (Gemological Institute of America) standard, which is listed below, is recognized internationally.  There is also the C.I.B.J.O (The International Confederation of Jewelry, Silverware, Diamonds, Pearls and Stones.)  These lists will also familiarize you with the terminology you will be seeing on appraisals.

International Scale of Colors