Understanding Fancy Color Diamonds Grading

Are you a luxury shopper who’s ready to dive into the vibrant world of fancy color diamonds? Then you must get to know the details surrounding precious stones. By simply learning and understanding the grading system, you’ll be able to make an informative choice when selecting your next colored diamond or jewelry from Paloma. In this guide we created for women who appreciate the allure and beauty of unique gemstones, we’ll be providing you with insight into the grading used by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Let's begin, shall we?

Understanding GIA Grading for Fancy Color Diamonds

Importance of GIA & Overview of the Grading System

When it comes to purchasing a diamond, proof of a GIA certification is essential. It's an assurance that the fancy color diamond you choose has been thoroughly assessed by experts. It also guarantees that the gem's quality and authenticity are worth your investment.

GIA's thorough approach to grading fancy color diamonds focuses primarily on color, which includes three main aspects: hue, saturation, and tone. This grading system is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of what makes each diamond unique. It also shares how these characteristics affect its beauty and value. As you familiarize yourself with this system, you’ll be more confident in your ability to select diamonds that are not only beautiful but also a good financial investment.

What is Intensity?

In terms of fancy color diamonds, intensity refers to the vividness or richness of the color seen within the stone. It’s a critical factor in evaluating a diamond's appeal and ultimately its price. Just remember, a diamond with deep, vivid colors is more desirable and valuable than one with paler colors. We at Paloma choose the strongest colors for our jewelry line.

The Scale of Intensity and What It Tells You

The GIA grades intensity on a scale that features several levels: Faint, Very Light, Light, Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, Fancy Vivid, and Fancy Deep. Each level on the scale provides a clue into the visual impact of the diamond and its rarity in nature.

Faint: Minimal color saturation, making it the most affordable within the fancy range.

Very Light and Light: Slightly more color than Faint, offering subtlety at a reasonable price.

Fancy Light: Noticeable yet soft color, perfect for those seeking refined elegance.

Fancy: Clear, recognizable color, making it the true start of vibrant hues in fancy diamonds.

Fancy Intense: Rich in color, these diamonds offer a delicate balance of vivid saturation with brilliant sparkle.

Fancy Vivid: Extremely vibrant and saturated, representing color intensity and desirability.

Fancy Deep: Exceptionally deep color saturation, often at the expense of some brightness, but incredibly rare and striking.

Having a clear idea of what to expect in terms of color richness and visual impact will help you choose a diamond that aligns with both your aesthetic preferences and investment goals. When buying from us at Paloma you can be certain that the finest colors are chosen by our diamond experts.

The Role of Overtone in Diamond Color

Defining Overtone

According to GIA, overtone refers to an additional color that appears over the primary body color of the diamond. This secondary hue will add an extra layer of complexity and intrigue to the diamond's appearance. For example, a pink diamond with an orangey overtone might appear warmer and more unique, increasing its desirability. Understanding how overtones affect a diamond will allow you to choose one that not only meets your color preferences but also stands out as a rare jewel.

Deciphering the Term 'Fancy' in Diamond Grading:

What Does 'Fancy' Really Mean in the World of Diamonds?

The term 'Fancy' is not a casual label simply placed on any diamond. It’s a specific classification used by the GIA to describe diamonds that exhibit colors beyond the normal color range of white diamonds. This label signifies rarity and exceptional color properties, making 'Fancy' diamonds highly sought after by collectors, investors, and fashionistas.

As we discussed above, the spectrum of 'Fancy' ranges from Fancy Light to Fancy Deep. Each category offers specific charm and characteristics, affecting both the visual appeal and the market value of the diamond.

Tips for Evaluating Fancy Color Diamonds While Shopping

What does a GIA Certificate contain?

When you view a GIA certificate, you’re given a wealth of information about the diamond's qualities. You’ll be able to easily verify key characteristics including the gems’ color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Below, we’ve provided a simple breakdown of the essential elements found in a GIA certificate and how they can guide your decision-making process:

Color - The most critical aspect of a GIA certificate for fancy color diamonds is the color analysis which is categorized on the spectrum from Faint to Fancy Deep, as we discussed previously.
Clarity - Clarity refers to the absence of inclusions and blemishes in a diamond. The clarity grade ranges from Flawless to Included, indicating how clean a diamond is.
Cut - The GIA certificate will detail the cut quality, which affects how the diamond interacts with light and enhances its color saturation and distribution.
Carat Weight - The carat weight measures the diamond's size. The GIA certificate will list the precise weight to the hundredth of a carat.

With the knowledge from our GIA certificate guide, you're now well-prepared to make the best choices when shopping for fancy color diamonds. Use this guide as a powerful tool that can be used anywhere, whether you’re exploring options online with us or visiting a jewelry store in person.