Diamond Color refers to the lack of color in the stone
A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue
Diamonds are graded on a scale of D-Z to measure the degree of colorlessness
Colorless Grading Scale
Before GIA universalized the D-to-Z Color Grading Scale, a variety of other systems were used loosely, from A, B, and C (used without clear definition), to Arabic (0, 1, 2, 3) and Roman (I, II, III) numbers, to descriptive terms like “gem blue” or “blue-white,” which are notorious for misinterpretation.
So the creators of the GIA Color Scale wanted to start fresh, without any association with earlier systems.
Thus the GIA scale starts at the letter D.
Very few people still cling to other grading systems, and no other system has the clarity and universal acceptance of the GIA scale.
Are Diamonds Graded as Zs Considered Fancy-Color?
No. Naturally colored diamonds outside the normal color range are called fancy-color diamonds.
The FTC provides no guidelines for the use of the term “fancy-color” in the US, but there is general agreement in the international trade that fancy-color diamonds are either yellow or brown diamonds that have more color than a Z master stone or they exhibit a color other than yellow or brown.
Tips on Diamond Color
It is important to note that round diamonds will generally show color best when they are compared to all the different fancy shapes.
For example, when comparing a round H color diamond vs. an emerald cut H color diamond, the round may look whiter than the emerald cut due to the differences in their faceting style. They round have brilliant facets, while the emerald features a step cut or mirror type of faceting.
When examining the color of your diamond, you should look at the stone from a top bird's eye view and from the side profile view.
The top birds-eye view will show how the diamond is going to look a majority of the time as you look at it in the ring. This view will make the color look more favorable.
The side profile view does not have as much light return distracting your eyes and will show you the true color of the diamond.
Always return to the bird's eye view to make your final decision because this is how you will view your diamond most often.
Our recommendations:
We do specialize in colorless diamonds here at Princess Bride Diamonds, but we find that most clients start noticing the warmer tint of color in a H.
If you are trying to decide what color is best for you, ask yourself this question:
What color metal do you like for your ring?
Diamond color tend to be the most noticeable when set in a white gold or platinum ring due to the contrast of the metal against the diamonds.
If you are choosing white gold or platinum, we recommend shopping in the D-G color range.
If you are choosing yellow or rose gold it will be harder to tell that the diamond has a shade of yellow because the metal somewhat camouflages it or makes it less obvious to the eye.
We recommend shopping D-I color to pair with a yellow or rose gold ring.
People often assume that by choosing a yellow or rose gold ring, color is not as important, but colorless diamonds will have an extremely beautiful contrast up against colored metal.