When it comes to diamonds, value translates into rarity. With diamonds belonging to the common range, value is determined by the absence of color, as colorless diamonds are usually also the rarest. However, colored diamonds follow a completely different rule.

While a huge majority of available diamonds fall in the standard D-Z color range, according to GIA, nature seldom produces diamonds with naturally occurring hues of yellow, brown, blue, pink, or even green shades. Fancy colored diamonds are natural diamonds with a fascinating color hue. The necessary geological conditions to yield these unique colors are infrequent, making diamonds with such naturally occurring and distinct shades sparse and therefore highly prized.

 

Color Grading of Fancy Colored Diamonds

Color Grading of Fancy Colored DiamondsCompared to fancy browns and yellows, diamonds with noticeable hints of any other color are considerably rarer. Even in weak saturation and light tones, as long as the stones show color in their face-up position, these qualify as the fancy colors. Blue, red, and green diamonds with medium to darker tones along moderate saturations are considered extremely rare. It is not easy to grade fancy color diamonds. It is a specialized and complex and it takes qualified and expert laboratory graders to execute the entire process accurately.
Unlike near-colorless and colorless diamonds, fancy colored diamonds are appraised less for their fire or brilliance and more for their color intensity. Distinct and deep shades are rated higher compared to pale or weak shades. Among fancy colored diamonds, the most valuable and rarest tints are saturated blues, pinks, and greens. In these cases, even the slightest color differences make a huge impact on price.

GIA is regarded as an authority in the diamond industry for their delivery of impartial, expert, independent, and comprehensive information about diamonds. In colored diamonds, GIA explains color in descriptive terms like hue, tone, and saturation. The characteristic color of the diamond is referred to as hue, the relative darkness or lightness of the color is referred to as tone, and the strength or depth of the color is referred to as saturation.
The exact shade of a colored diamond is decided under highly controlled color comparators and viewing conditions. A fancy color is selected among 27 hues available. Finally, the saturation and tone are described with terms like ‘Fancy Vivid’, ‘Fancy Intense’, and ‘Fancy Light’.

If you are buying fancy colored diamond jewelry, don’t forget to collect your diamond grading report for and authentic, certified, and smart purchase decision.