COLOUR

Coming in at a close second for the most important feature of a diamond, behind the cut, is the diamond’s colour. The amount of colour that is evident in a diamond can also affect the light and shine that it produces. A superior diamond will show no trace amounts of colour whatsoever, allowing light to enter the diamond and be reflected back as a gorgeous colourful flash, known as the diamond’s fire. A buyer will be looking for as little colour as possible when selecting the best diamond for them. Diamond colour is graded on a scale of D-Z, with D being completely colourless and Z being an extensive amount of undesirable colour. D – Absolutely colourless. This diamond has no hint of colour and is extremely rare. E – Colourless. The faintest traces of colour can only just be made out by an expert within this diamond. Still a rare stone. F – Colourless. Slightly more obvious colour can be found in this stone, but may still only be spotted by an expert gemologist. G-H – Near Colourless. Placed next to superior diamonds, it now becomes clear that these stones contain more colour, however they are still of high quality. I-J Near Colourless – The effect that the colour has on the fire of the stone is now slightly easier to pick up with the naked eye. But value can still be found here. K-Z Noticeable Colour – Generally, these are diamonds of inferior quality, as they produce a very bland fire. Fluorescence – This refers to a unique glow that a stone can emit once placed under an ultraviolet light. However, not every diamond owner necessarily wants a high level of fluorescence in their stone; it is completely a matter of personal preference. Generally, a high level of fluorescence can make some near colourless diamonds (graded G-J) appear to have even less colour, whereas a high level of fluorescence within a colourless diamond (graded E-F) can sometimes create an unattractive ‘oily’ look to the stone.