First off, let’s start with the basics. Most of you probably already know that there is a scale of diamond color from D to Z. D, of...
First
off, let’s start with the basics. Most of you probably already know that there
is a scale of diamond color from D to Z.
D, of course, is completely colorless while Z is heavily tinted with
yellow.
But
all along that scale from D to Z, the discussion is still about what are
categorized as “white diamonds.” Z color
diamond is a heavily yellow tinted white diamond.
The
world of diamonds, though, is not limited to this scale. Diamonds falling off this scale are commonly
called “Fancy Color Diamonds” or “Fancy Diamonds.”
Fancy
color diamonds include pink, blue, green, black, red, and orange diamonds.
According
to the Gemological Institute of America or GIA a scale of nine grades is used
to grade FCDs.
1.
Faint
2.
Very Light
3.
Light
4.
Fancy Light
5.
Fancy
6.
Fancy Dark
7.
Fancy Intense
8.
Fancy Deep
9.
Fancy Vivid
The
lowest grade on the scale is “Faint” which is the borderline that separates
FCDs from White diamonds (Z color)
According
to the GIA, there are three main elements for grading FCDs:
• Hue
•
Tone
•
Saturation
Do
you know what causes color in diamonds?
Trace
elements, structural irregularities, and radiation generally cause fancy
diamond color. Here is a breakdown of common causes of natural fancy diamond
color.
Yellow Diamonds
It’s due to the presence of
nitrogen. Yellow is the most popular fancy color diamond. It is estimated that
around 60% of all natural colored diamonds belong to the fancy yellow category.
Pink Diamonds
Colored graining, which results from
structural irregularities in the crystal lattice sometimes in combination with
an impurity. Natural fancy pink diamonds are fascinating to diamond lovers and
collectors. The color of some pink diamonds can change greatly during the
polishing process. One should wait at least 24 hours to ensure that the diamond
has reached its permanent color.
Blue Diamonds
It the presence of boron with
possible presence of hydrogen. Studies show that blue is the most unseen color
in nature and with no doubt the most desirable colored gem throughout history,
in auction sales and even today's market.
Green Diamonds
Any diamond with a green
hue means it has spent a few million years being bombarded with a radioactive
source. The reason that a true green diamond is so valuable is that radiation
does not usually affect the entire gem, meaning that the stone may be green
only in patches or on the surface – their beauty is only skin deep
Grey and Violet Diamonds
Most likely the presence of
hydrogen (grey diamonds are known for high amounts of hydrogen, while violet
diamonds are still being studied for exact cause of color)
Black Diamonds
This is due to dark
inclusions or impurities, which are great in number and evenly distributed
throughout a diamond
Orange Diamonds
It’s caused because of Structural
irregularities in combination with the presence of trace elements like
nitrogen, though exact cause of color is still under mystery
I
hope you would have got some idea on fancy color diamonds. Hope you will get a
fancy color diamonds very soon…
