Diamonds - Color
Most diamonds exhibit a tint of color. The color is usually yellow or brown. Diamonds, can also be tinted, blue, green, red and brown. These diamonds are called fancy colored and are extremely rare.
Diamonds with a light yellow or brown tint are the gemstone we commonly find in jewelry.
Today, diamonds are typically grade on a scale developed by the Gemological Institute of America. The scale runs from totally colorless to light yellow. A totally colorless diamond would be graded as a "D" At the opposite end, a light yellow diamond would be graded as "Z".
Subtle differences in color have a profound impact on price. The less color, the rarer the gemstone and the higher its value.
The color in a faint yellow or faint brown diamond is often masked by mounting the gem in a yellow gold setting.
White metal often enhances a fancy colored diamond.
Cutters often leave a large culet on pear, oval and marquis shaped diamonds to enhance color.
Several years ago I visited a distinguished diamond company in Europe. This firm had a long history. The company cut many of the world's largest diamonds.
They showed us a suite of diamonds they planned to offer for sale.
You could see they were obviously proud of what they had.
The reason for all the excitement was these diamonds were all a vibrant reddish pink color.
Reddish pink diamonds are so rare they we are at a loss on how to determine value. How much are they worth? You don't really know until they go to market.
Just as a priceless work of art painted by one of the Masters diamonds like these drive the market to new highs.
You see, AGS membership is achieved by only the most reliable and ethical firms in the business. Annual testing and certification assures consistently high standards among members.
So before falling in love with a piece of jewelry, check out the jewelers credentials. Look for the AGS sign - your guarantee of value and