The Color

The color examination is essential in the appraisal of diamond gems because it explains the price differences from precious stones.

In general, the diamond gem colors can vary from a bluish to a yellowish white; the other colors are called fancy colors.

Several can be distinguished: blue, green, yellow (but only when it is a yellow canary) and brown (when it is intense).
Light brown and champagne tones are less valued and their quotation follow the trend of the demand.
Pink diamonds are the most prized diamond gems. In general, pink is a very light color but when it is intense, its value is equal or including higher compared with the value of a pure white stone.
Yellowish or brown diamonds are the less valued. They are usually used in the industry sector.

To assess without ambiguity the color of a diamond, namely to avoid as far as possible subjectivity, has always been a priority in the diamond industry.

Grades in the color of a diamond range from D to N, beginning with D (white snow) and ending with N (dark yellow).




To have the first idea on the color of a diamond, put it on a very white piece of cardboard, folded in the middle. The stone culet has to be oriented towards the top, so that you can clearly notice the color.

The examination consists in putting the cardboard next to a white and cold light source, by eliminating all the others outer light influences. It can also be done with the outer light, facing the North (without ever facing the Sun light) with a clear weather.

An old process consisted in misting the stone with one's breath : you can observe the colors more easily as the condensation disappears from the stone.