Diamond Education

Fancy-Color Diamonds

Colored diamonds invite a different kind of attention. Instead of focusing only on an absence of color, the discussion may center on the color's identity, strength, and appearance.

A striking color should still be accompanied by a precise material description and appropriate documentation.

Hue, tone, and saturation

Hue identifies the color family. Tone describes relative lightness or darkness. Saturation describes color strength. Fancy-color reporting considers these ideas within the laboratory's own terminology and assessment system.

Read the exact result instead of translating a color photograph into a grade yourself.

Diamond origin and color origin

Whether a diamond is natural or laboratory-grown is one question. Whether its color is natural or treatment-related is another.

A natural diamond can raise a separate question about the origin of its color. Do not assume that one origin statement answers both. Look for the relevant conclusion in the report.

Color names and sales language

A product description may use evocative language that does not correspond to the wording of a laboratory report. Ask how the seller's term relates to the actual result.

If a particular color designation is central to the sale, preserve it in the written description and check the evidence supporting it.

View the actual stone

Lighting, camera settings, surrounding materials, and display screens can affect color presentation. Images are useful, but they should be considered with the report and, where possible, a direct view of the item.

For a mounted stone, discuss both the setting's visual effect and any limitations it creates for examination.

Build a complete comparison

Record the report number, material origin, exact color wording, color-origin conclusion where provided, weight, dimensions, and comments. List any sales claims that remain unsupported by the report.

The aim is to appreciate the color while keeping the technical and commercial description clear.

Further reading: IGI: Fancy colored diamond reports