Color  |  Clarity  | Cut |  Carat Weight  | Shape

Diamond Color
It is interesting to note that diamonds actually come in the widest variety of colors of any gem material. Most gem quality diamonds however are desired for their lack of color. In fact, the closer a diamond is to colorless, the more rare and valuable it is. On the other hand, diamonds are also sought after by collectors in their extremely rare "fancy colors" including (from highest value), Reds (Pinks), Blues, Greens, and Fancy Intense Yellow.

The GIA grades diamonds on a scale from D (Colorless) to Z (Light Yellow). When a diamond is graded darker than Z on the GIA scale it is referred to as "fancy yellow", and the more color and intensity it shows, the more valuable it will be. Most diamonds have a slight hint of yellow, though brown and gray are also common modifying colors. Of all the diamond colors available, most consumers select GIA grades from D to J color. D-E-F are the "colorless" grades, and G-H-I-J are "near colorless". The difference in each letter grade is very subtle, and color comparison diamonds of known grades are used under controlled lighting conditions. When viewed in the face-up position, the average person begins to see color in a diamond at about the I-J range. Therefore color is a rarity factor that does affect appearance, rarity and price, about 10-15% per color grade.

Fluorescence
This is a unique attribute of some diamonds that causes them to "glow" a typically bluish color when exposed to natural or man-made ultraviolet light (like a Black Light). About 50% of all diamonds fluoresce and of those about 10% fluoresce strongly. Most of the time, fluorescence is not a factor unless the intensity is Strong or Very Strong. In the very rare colors D, E, and F, Strong fluorescence is considered less desirable. However, in the less rare colors of such as J - K and below, Strong fluorescence may be desirable.

Blue-White
This is a false and misleading term. According to the FTC a diamond must be blue/bluish or colorless. Fluorescence is also a factor. AGS prohibits use of the term.

Color  |  Clarity  | Cut |  Carat Weight  | Shape