A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond is perfectly transparent with no hue, or color. However, in reality almost no gem-sized natural diamonds are absolutely perfect. The color of a diamond is affected by chemical impurities and/or structural defects in the crystal lattice. Depending on its color, a diamond can be graded according to the GIA using the following scales:
COLORLESS DEF
The best grade of color diamonds can receive. They are considered colorless with the least amount of yellow tint. These types of diamonds are the rarest in terms of color and produce the most brilliance. Since they consist less than 1% of the total diamonds mined, their price is according. The difference between D, E and F grades is very slight in color for the untrained eye while their prices may differentiate substantially.
NEAR COLORLESS GHIJ
These are the most common diamonds which still possess and emit a proper amount of brilliance. To the untrained eye they appear colorless or white and cannot be easily differentiated from the D, E or F grades. However a more detailed approach will show the existence of a slight color, especially in a white background. Due to their good quality they are considered the best choice when it comes to value for money.
FAINT COLOR KLM
There is a visible yellow tint like a slight yellow coloration which can be seen with the naked eye. These diamonds are often less desired and thus due to their lower demand they have a lower price. Nonetheless, some people prefer them for their color properties.
VERY LIGHT COLOR NOPQR
A noticeable color is observed. This color can be between yellow and brown. Since the demand for these diamonds is extremely low, maybe the lowest among diamonds, their price is also accordingly low.
LIGHT COLOR S-Z
Even though these diamonds have a slight “dirty” yellow color, they have a higher demand compared to the previous grade. This is due to the fact that their color is not treated as a taboo nowadays and they are slowly considered yellow stones. They should not be considered however as fancy colored diamonds.
FANCY
In contrast to the normal grading where the diamonds are considered from colorless to light yellow, this category includes diamonds that exhibit any other color when face-up. These are rare stones and thus have an increased price while they come in every color of the spectrum with the most common being blue, green, pink, red and black.
