A Guide to Color
Found the right person to spend the rest of your life with? Check. Decided to propose? Yes! Chosen the perfect engagement ring? …Not so sure there? Choosing the right engagement ring can be a little overwhelming, especially if you’re not a jeweler and haven’t given much thought to the selection process. There will be countless options but the best thing to do is relax and read up on some basics. The color of the diamond ring is one of the things to consider. Diamonds, because they are a naturally occurring formation appear in countless variations, in nearly every color of the spectrum.
The most widely used scale for measuring the tint and color of a diamond is the GIA scale. The scale goes from D to Z; D being the highest on the scale, indicating the most “colorless” stone while Z indicates the most yellowed. The higher the diamond is on the scale, the rarer it is to find and more desirable it becomes, which of course also means, more expensive. Even though the scale goes all the way to A, diamonds are graded starting at D because a diamond clearer than that has not been found yet.
The break-down:
- D-E-F: Absolutely colorless. E and F’s color can only be detected by a keen trained professional’s eye under magnification. Prepare to empty your piggy bank for these sparkling stunners.
- G-H-I-J: Nearly colorless. Even under magnification diamonds in this range appear white, and to the naked eye there’s no difference. A good alternative for the bride who wants top quality but isn’t prepared to spend top dollar.
- K and beyond: Once in this range the color can be seen even by an untrained eye.
We can’t forget the fancies, of course! These open up a completely new realm of possibility. While many focus on the pristine look of a colorless diamond they overlook the uniqueness of a colored diamond. You can find diamonds in any color: pink, blue, red and even black. The value for fancies is not decided in terms of the GIA scale but instead is decided by the color intensity, from the very light to most intense or “vivid.”These, because of their rarity, can be even more expensive than D grade diamonds. However, these fanciful colors can add a new dimension and inimitable quality.
Convinced your center stone has got to be a fancy color?? We’ve got your eclectic tastes covered with our Le Desir Collection. Our fancy yellow diamond rings are all made specifically for the fancy color center stone intended for them. Stunning pieces like NK17470FY-WR are made to order with all your custom specifications.
For more help: Diamond Helpers and About Engagement Rings