Color

In a perfect world, diamonds must be colorless just like a clear drop of water. When we think of diamonds, we visualized a picture of the purest, most elegant pieces in their clearest brilliance. Nevertheless, in reality only a little percentage of these naturally mined gems are what you may call ideal.

A structurally and chemically pure diamond is completely transparent with no tinge of any other hues. However, this principle just remains a proposition of what most of them should be, because only a few numbers of them are. The natural color of diamonds can be affected by several factors and phases but mostly due to their formation. On the process of crystallization other elements and impurities may be included thus producing coloration. However, not all product of discoloration decreases the value of the diamonds; some of them also intensify its regard such as the pink and blue diamonds which are dramatically more expensive and the rarest of its kind.

You know for a fact that diamonds can occur in a wide variety of spectral colors – yellow, red, green, purple, brown, and even black. Colored diamonds include certain impurities that cause such coloration whereas purest diamonds are colorless and transparent.

The scale to which the diamonds may or may not exhibit a slight discoloration is one of the 4 factors where diamonds are appraised of its value. Along with color are clarity, cut, and carat. A huge number of naturally mined diamonds are in the range between pale yellow to light brownish nuances which are referred to as the normal color range. Diamonds that are beyond its intensity or may appear concentrated yellow or brown are already termed as fancy colored diamonds. Diamonds on their highest grade are absolutely colorless and pure and seem to appear as bright white.

Diamond color is rated by comparing a single stone to a set of pre-selected master stones. Each piece of master stone is identified to exhibit the lowest amount of color that a particular grade may have. It acts like a diamond color chart where you will match the color of your stone to a certain master stone and their color needs to be equally the same. One master stone represents one grade in diamond color where they can determine which grade it belongs and then tag its worth.

An inexperienced person who wishes to conduct the tests can make use of the colorimeter, a machine used to sort diamonds by color. However, there can never be a replacement for the trained human eyes.

Other Factors Affecting Diamond Color

Fluorescence

This is a phenomenon which happens when a diamond change its color when exposed to UV radiation. Since Ultraviolet rays are a component of sunlight and also present in fluorescent used to light rooms, diamonds appear to change its color making it hard for gemologists to determine its color grade.

Color Treatments

Some diamonds are altered dramatically by using coatings over coatings of artificial coloring to enhance its tint. Unlike treatments used before, they already have developed a technology called HPHT or High Pressure, High Temperature method where the coloring is likely permanent.

Diamond Background

Mounting a loose diamond over relatively white or brighter settings causes an illusion to bear its color. For example, a light or pale yellow diamond to the naked eye may appear bright white or even colorless when placed on a white gold or platinum background.

Understanding the characteristics where diamonds are being assessed of their values will help you select the one that will not only suit your tastes but also your budget. Being aware of this method will enlighten you that not all you see is real and authentic; they may already have undergone a treatment, who knows?