Resource Center: Shape Cut Clarity Color Carat Weight Certification Care

How important is color when selecting a diamond?

Color is considered by most gemologists to be the second most important aspect when choosing a diamond. When looking at a diamond, the human eye notices the diamond's cut first and its color second. Color becomes especially important when considering diamonds of larger size, since the additional light reflected from a larger diamond can make the color more noticeable. Additionally, diamond shapes with “step” facets, such as Ascher or Emerald, reflect less light and therefore show more color than their more faceted counterparts.

Acting as a prism, a diamond can divide light into a spectrum of colors and reflect this light as colorful flashes called fire. Just as when looking through colored glass, color in a diamond will act as a filter, and will diminish the spectrum of color emitted. The less color in a diamond, the more colorful the fire, and the better the color grade.

Ultimately, the best way to determine what size is best is by getting an idea of what she is expecting. If you plan carefully, you can get some answers without even raising her suspicions. For ideas and suggestions on how to choose the right engagement ring, read our guide on Choosing an Engagement Ring.

What is Flourescence?

Flourescence refers to whether or not a stone produces a color reaction only when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. The visible effects of fluorescence can only be detected by a trained gemologist with a specific UV light. A grade of Strong or Very Strong blue fluorescence can make a diamond with a near-colorless grade look slightly whiter, but the difference can usually only be noticed in bright sunlight.

Some people seek diamonds that produce this unique effect, while others avoid it. The visible effects of fluorescence grades of faint, inert, negligible, and medium, can only be detected by a trained gemologist with a specific UV light. In some very rare instances a diamond with very strong fluorescence can give the diamond a slight hazy or oily appearance. Diamonds with a strong or very strong fluorescence are priced slightly lower than diamonds with faint or negligible fluorescence.

• For the purist, look for a colorless diamond with a grade of D-F and a fluorescence rating of faint, inert, none, or negligible.
  
• For an excellent value in a diamond with no noticeable color to the unaided eye, look for a near-colorless grade of G-I, and a fluorescence grade of medium or strong blue.
  
• Or, if you'd rather not compromise on color but would like to stay on budget, choose a diamond with a good cut, SI1–SI2 clarity, and consider going with a strong fluorescence in diamonds with a mid to higher range color grade (I to L). The diamond will still be beautiful to the unaided eye, and you will save significantly on the price.

More Diamond Color Q&A

Which colors on the diamond color scale offer the best value?

The colors I and J have slightly detectable color, but tend to offer an excellent value - especially when considering a diamond shape such as Round Brilliant or Princess. These types of shapes have more facets that reflect more light, and therefore can mask color in a diamond.

What are the differences between the "colorless diamonds" or D, E, and F?

Diamonds with the color D are absolutely colorless and are considered the rarest and most desirable. Diamonds with the color grades of E and F are still colorless to the naked eye. The color in diamonds of these grades can only be detected by an expert gemologist.

What are the differences between G and H?

Both colors G and H are considered "near-colorless" and the differences between the two are minor. Color in both may be noticeable when compared to diamonds of better grades, but both of these offer excellent value.

What are the differences between I and J?

Both colors I and J are also considered "near-colorless" and the differences between the two are also minor. Although there are a few people who can detect color in an I-colored diamond, most people can begin to perceive color in diamonds graded J or below. Diamonds in both of these color grades can provide excellent value.

What are "fancy color diamonds" and does Safari Diamond offer them?

Fancy color diamonds are rare but natural diamonds that exhibit colors such as yellow, pink, blue, or red. Only one in every 10,000 diamonds possesses natural color and is referred to as a fancy color diamond. For this reason, fancy color diamonds are purchased almost exclusively for the intensity and distribution of the diamond's color. Criteria considered when purchasing a white or colorless diamond, such as cut proportions and clarity, are less important when purchasing a fancy color diamond.

Color intensity, the deepness or richness of color, is the most important consideration when purchasing a fancy color diamond. The more intense the color, the rarer and more valuable the diamond will be. Fancy color diamonds are graded in order of increasing intensity from Faint, Very Light, Light, Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, Fancy Vivid, Fancy Dark, and Fancy Deep.

Safari Diamond offers fancy color diamonds, all of which have natural color caused by trace minerals found naturally in the stone. True fancy color diamond have never been exposed to artificial coloring techniques such as dyeing or irradiation. All of Safari Diamond’s fancy color diamonds are accompanied by a Gemological Institute of America (GIA) certification, which lists the diamond's specifications (e.g. color grade) and natural origin.

For a free one-on-one consultation on purchasing a fancy color diamond from Safari Diamond, contact us at (800) 710-2737.