Color    *    Clarity    *    Cut    *    Carat

Color

Diamonds are graded for color based on a scale developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

Colors are graded D through Z.

• Colors D, E, and F are called colorless  (super white)
• Colors G, H, I, and J are called near colorless
• Colors K, L, and M are faint  yellow
• Colors O through Z are light yellow

A 1ct D VS2 is 23% more than an H VS2 and 60% more than a J VS2.

A 2ct D VS2 is 33% more than an H VS2 and 86% more than a J VS2.

A 3ct D VS2 is 59% more than an H VS2 and 116% more than a J VS2.

So not only does price increase with color, you also can see the bigger the diamond the more the price increases with color (because of its rarity).

Fluorescence: There is a phenomenon known as fluorescence that actually enhances the beauty of some diamonds.  It is the reaction of a diamond to UV light.  If your diamond turns blue white in sunlight it has fluorescence.  The only fluorescence to avoid is very strong blue or yellow.

Very strong (excessive fluorescence) may cause a diamond to become milky and reduce brilliance.  The GIA’s faint, medium and strong blue fluorescence is acceptable.  In diamonds I color and below will make the diamond look whiter.
 

Color    *    Clarity    *    Cut    *    Carat