I believe everyone looks up a lot of information online when buying engagement rings. Sometimes, the most important aspect for everyone is definitely the color.
I also believe that everyone must have seen the demonstration images of the following colors.
Source : Gemological Institute of America
After looking at the demonstration images on the GIA website, do you still think that GH color is too yellow and cannot be used at all? Of course, we understand that in most cases, the mainstream opinion in Hong Kong is that only DEF color is considered the whitest and the best. GH color is believed to be noticeable by others. But is there really such a big difference in reality? Today, we will explain to everyone in what situations there is a significant difference and in what situations it is actually not very noticeable.
Color: how are diamond colors graded within the industry?
First of all, it is very difficult to distinguish diamond color from the surface, especially under the strong white light in jewelry stores. So, if you happen to pass by some diamond jewelry chain stores in Hong Kong, they will use intense spotlights to illuminate the diamonds' surfaces. On one hand, this can enhance the diamond's fire and brilliance, and on the other hand, it can make lower color diamonds appear relatively whiter. Therefore, within the industry, we assess diamond color from the side view, similar to the illustration below:
In fact, even experts may not be able to distinguish a one-grade difference in color just by using the naked eye. That's why we use a perfectly white reference card and compare it to different diamonds. This makes it much easier to discern the color differences between diamonds. So, when comparing an H color diamond to a D color diamond against the perfect white reference card, the color variation becomes quite apparent.
Of course, with the existence of GIA grading, this technique is typically reserved for when we purchase loose diamonds. If a diamond is accompanied by a GIA certificate verifying its color, there is generally no need for us to personally discern the color.
Color: How should consumers approach it?
In fact, the color differences in diamonds become less noticeable after they are set in jewelry. Therefore, under normal circumstances, most consumers cannot accurately discern the color without making a direct comparison. On the contrary, the two aspects that are most easily distinguishable at first glance are the size of the diamond and the design. However, in Hong Kong, the majority of consumers, especially men, are often limited by the preference for DEF color when buying diamonds. This restriction often leads to missed opportunities to explore larger carat sizes or other diamond options.
In fact, there is a foreign YouTuber named Beyond4Cs who has conducted a comprehensive comparison, sharing with everyone whether the color differences in diamonds are truly as significant as mentioned online. Everyone can visit their channel to learn more about accurate and practical information regarding diamonds. This may broaden your options beyond just choosing DEF color diamonds and allow you to explore other colors while considering larger carat sizes.
