Gemstones Chart

Gemstones Chart

Before You Purchase a Gemstone, Take a Look at the Diamond Color Chart

Diamond color plays an important role when it comes to determining a stone's quality and value. Of the 4 C's, it comes in second, with cut being first and clarity and carat following in third and fourth place. Understanding the hue of a gemstone can help you select the one that suits your needs and budget. Here is a look at the diamond color chart.

Since color manifests itself in a diamond as a pale yellow, it's grade is based on it's lack of color. The less tint a stone has, the higher it's grade. To be graded, diamonds must be loose stones. This is due to the fact that once a stone has been set in metal, that metal can affect it's tint. The stones are placed faced down and viewed with a 10x loupe. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has created a set of guidelines to evaluate the colorlessness of stone.

• D, E, F - Colorless. There are differences in tint between D and F stones, but they are very subtle. Rarely seen by the untrained eye, they can only be detected by a trained gemologist in a side by side comparison. Stones in this category should only be set in white gold or platinum. Yellow gold will reflect color into the stone and cancel out the whole perceived colorless effect.
• Nearly colorless. While G-J gemstones contain traced of color, they are suitable for a white or platinum setting. This will virtually eliminate any tint in a gemstone when set against white metal. Diamonds in this family are more common than the higher grades, therefore they are a great value. An I or J gemstone can retail for half the price of a D stone, with all other factors being equal. Between G-J, the price normally increases 10-20% between each letter grade.
• K, L, M- Faintly tinted, usually yellow. Within this set, hue is more easily detected by the naked eye. These warm tinted diamonds, when set in yellow gold, appeal to some people and are an exceptional value. Because of it's visible tint, a K gemstone is usually half the price of a G stone, with all other factors being equal.
• N, O, P, Q, R - Lightly tinted, usually yellow. According to the diamond color chart, stones in this range are easily perceived by the naked eye as yellow or sometimes brown. N-R diamonds are much less expensive then the higher grades. Due to the lack of demand, many jewelers do not carry this grade.
• S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z - Tinted, usually yellow and may progress to brownish. For most people, S-Z stones have too much tint for a white diamond. They are not carried by most jewelers.
  

When looking for gemstones, remember to refer to the diamond color chart. It can better help you make your decision in getting that special piece of jewelry, whether it be for yourself, or someone you love.

Source:
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Gemstones Chart