Color

Diamonds are found in every color of the rainbow and even several not in the rainbow. In gemological terms diamonds are considered allochromatic (all colors). The rarest colors are the most coveted (i.e., red, pink, blue, green, fancy intense yellow, and colorless).

Charleston Alexander uses the Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.)'s color grading scale because it is internationally recognized as the most comprehensive and accurate color scale developed to date. G.I.A. uses the English alphabet starting with the letter D and progressing to the letter Z (see chart below). Each letter grade represents a small range of color, and not just a single color. Diamonds are color graded by being compared to a set of master stones. Charleston Alexander specializes in the finest grades of color, D through J. These colors are separated into two groups - colorless and near colorless.

A truly colorless diamond (grade D) is rare and highly valued. Grades E and F are essentially without color and similarly prized, while Grades G, H, I (and sometimes J) will usually show little or no color in the face-up position (as set in jewelry) and are considered acceptable among most diamond buyers. Emerald cut diamonds, which have a large table and parallel step-cut facets, will more easily show color from G and above. Conversely, a very well proportioned round brilliant diamond of Ideal or Excellent Ideal Cut may exhibit slightly less color than the grade assigned.