Color

Diamond color starts at D and goes down the alphabetical scale all the way to Z. As a diamonds color grade goes down the scale it increases in body color, usually yellow or brown. From there diamonds are broken into categories. D-E-F diamonds are referred to as colorless, or no perceivable color, even against a white background. G-H-I-J diamonds are called near-colorless. These diamonds will have very slight color against a white background under grading lights, but no perceivable color once they are set in a mounting. Diamonds lower than J in color begin to have visible color, even when the diamond is mounted.

Color grading is difficult even for trained professionals as there are over 2,000 shades of white.
White in diamonds has been broken down into just a handful of color grades, and there are variations within the same grade, meaning all G’s are not created equal! The average diamond buyer not only lacks the equipment, but the training as well to be 100% sure they aren’t making an expensive mistake by relying solely on the ratings show on a certificate.

The color your diamond appears outside, or in your office or living room, is far different than it will look under proper lighting conditions. When grading color, any professional diamond buyer will tell you that the lighting and background are critical. You must view the diamond on its side against a pure white, non-reflective background using proper, balanced lighting and Master Comparison Diamonds. Anything other than these conditions creates an environment where grading color is almost impossible.

Assessing color in your diamond is much like assessing cut.
You simply can’t make an informed decision without viewing it in proper conditions.