Diamond color grading is determined by human eyes. There are actually 23 grades, from D to Z. It's disappointing when your engagement ring or diamond ring turns out to be a little yellowish. We'll frankly explain the criteria for choosing a diamond, so please use this as a reference.
1. ColorWhat is that?
① Criteria for evaluating diamond color
To be honest, the difference between D and E colors can sometimes be indistinguishable to the average person. That's how finely divided the grading standards are.
Why does it start with color D? Why aren't there A, B, and C? Many people probably have these questions.
Before the GIA developed its D-Z color grading scale, many systems coexisted, and color scales were vaguely defined. They were inconsistent and inaccurate, using letters (A, B, C, or multiple A's for the highest quality stones), Arabic letters, and Roman letters. So the GIA established a new system unrelated to the previous ones, and decided to start with "D," a letter that had never been used before.
Most brands only carry H or I color or higher, but G color and below are noticeably yellowish to the eye. For this reason, Hojudo's loose gemstone inventory is basically limited to F color and above.
② About fancy color diamonds
While diamonds are generally imagined as colorless, they actually come in various colors such as red, blue, and yellow. These colors are acquired during the natural formation process of diamonds due to impurities. Fancy color diamonds are those with color beyond the Z color range, and their value increases significantly with higher vibrancy (saturation) and hue. They can be hundreds of times more expensive than colorless diamonds. Fancy color diamonds come in a variety of colors; here are a few examples for your reference.Red Diamond
Known as the "phantom diamond," it's said that only a few dozen exist in the world. Therefore, very few people have ever seen one. The reason for the diamond's red color hasn't been definitively explained, but it's believed to be due to a "defect in its crystal structure." It's extremely rare and highly valued, and is often owned as an investment. As a result, one carat can fetch hundreds of millions of yen.
Pink Diamond
Pink diamonds are also rare, with only about 1 in 10,000 rough diamonds being suitable for jewelry. While pink diamonds are found in only a limited number of mines, most were from the Argyle mine in Australia. Since that mine has now closed, their value is expected to continue rising. Some people desire a pink diamond as a lifelong engagement ring.
Blue Diamond
Blue diamonds, often featured in wedding rings as part of the "something blue" tradition, are mostly treated stones. Natural blue diamonds are extremely rare and are said to be even more valuable than pink diamonds. The probability of encountering one is said to be about 1 in 100,000. It is believed that boron is present within the carbon, and that this crystallizes to give the diamond its blue color.
Yellow Diamond
Perhaps the most familiar type of diamond is the yellow diamond. This diamond turns yellow when nitrogen is present within the carbon atoms. While generally less expensive than colorless diamonds, brightly colored yellow diamonds with good hue command high prices. They are frequently used as accents in diamond jewelry, and are chosen not only for fashion rings but also for engagement rings.
③ Evaluation of the color of fancy colored diamonds
Fancy colors are clearly visible as having color.
Bright and vibrant colors are popular, with many customers choosing Fancy, Fancy Intense, or Fancy Vivid.
Generally, the upper right range of the graph represents the highest prices, with Fancy Vivid being the most popular and expensive. Fancy Vivid pink diamonds command extremely high prices due to their rarity. Even within the Fancy category, the appearance can vary considerably, so we recommend inspecting the actual diamond before choosing a fancy color.
Hojudo primarily handles loose gemstones of F color or higher. Of these, 80% of our inventory is D color. This is because many of our customers choose D color. Depending on the carat weight, the price difference between F color and D color at the procurement stage is not that significant, so Hojudo follows suit. In some brands, D color gemstones are priced considerably higher, so Hojudo's D color gemstones are a great deal! This is why many customers choose D color.
If you have a preference for fancy colored diamonds or a specific grade, we can help you find one, so please don't hesitate to contact us.
▼Diamonds in stock at Hojudo
2. Which colorWhich one should I choose?
Similar to the criteria for choosing a diamond cut, since rings are often viewed up close, it's best to choose a diamond that is as colorless as possible. For necklaces and earrings, which are not viewed up close as often, many customers seem to prioritize carat weight over color. On the other hand, the metal material greatly affects the color of the diamond. We have categorized them by material, so please refer to them.Regarding color, there will be individual differences in how people perceive the differences, so please use this only as a general guideline.
We've summarized the criteria for choosing a haircut below, so please take a look.
▼How to choose a diamond cut!
① In the case of platinum or white gold
② In the case of yellow gold or pink gold
3. Summary
- ■The colors are divided into 23 levels, from D to Z.
- ■Diamonds are not only colorless, but also colored diamonds, which are a separate classification from D to Z.
- ■Red diamonds, blue diamonds, and pink diamonds are extremely rare and have limited availability, making them more expensive than colorless diamonds.
- ■The most popular fancy color is Fancy Vivid, followed by Fancy Intense.
- ■If the material is silver-colored, such as platinum or white gold, the difference in color is easily noticeable, so we recommend choosing a colorless F or higher whenever possible. For yellow gold or pink gold, some people choose G or H color.
4. Hojudodiamond
At Hojudo, we propose jewelry with the intention that it will be used and enjoyed for many years to come.Hojudo primarily handles loose gemstones of F color or higher. Of these, 80% of our inventory is D color. This is because many of our customers choose D color. Depending on the carat weight, the price difference between F color and D color at the procurement stage is not that significant, so Hojudo follows suit. In some brands, D color gemstones are priced considerably higher, so Hojudo's D color gemstones are a great deal! This is why many customers choose D color.
All prices are reasonable, so please contact the same appraisal institution.sameYou can purchase graded diamonds at half to one-third of the market price. This pricing is possible not only because we are a direct wholesale store, but also because we thoroughly cut costs by operating a single store.
If you have a preference for fancy colored diamonds or a specific grade, we can help you find one, so please don't hesitate to contact us.
