C #3: Color

Color is the third C of a diamond. Color is measured along a specific scale. For a diamond, the perfect color is actually colorless; it does not possess a color. Diamonds with a color, often not seen with the human eye,do not have a high color grade. This color becomes more yellow or brown (due to imperfections) as the color grading worsens. Jewelry stores measure the color of diamonds against what is called "master stones." So, if you are choosing a diamond, request the jeweler to compare the diamonds you are choosing from to their master stones. This will help you view the difference. The American Gem Society grades the color of diamonds on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being colorless (the perfect diamond color). Jewelers certified by the AGS will use this same scale and also provide AGS Master Diamonds. Tiffany's, on the other hand, uses the Gemological Institute of America's (GIA) scale to measure color; their scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (saturated with color). Their website states they will only accept diamonds with color grading I ("near colorless") and better. D, E, and F are colorless, while G, H, I, and J are near colorless. Harry Winston uses the same scale as Tiffany's, but only sells diamonds with a G grade or better (this is a better standard than Tiffany's!!!). Harry Winston's son Ronald, explains, "For color, I advise anywhere from D through G. Any color darker than G should not be purchased in any shape other than round because the color tends to concentrate at the points and becomes more noticeable." If you're really interested in this topic, visit DeBeers to see how diamonds of different color gradings look.