Colour Codes

Taking the column further from where we last left,colour is the extent to which the diamond displays body tone and is the fourth ‘C’ imperative in assessing its worth. The other value factors are Cut,Clarity and Carat. Almost zilch gemstones sized natural diamonds are impeccable. Though diamonds appear in all hues of rainbow,the commercial diamonds are perceived to be white or colourless. Conferring commercial diamonds first,bulk of diamonds mined fall in the range from pale yellow to brown that is termed as their standard/normal colour range. They are judged as per the standards fixed by internationally identified laboratories like GIA. Diamond Colour Grade assesses the absence of colour in the beautiful nuggets. Diamonds in the normal colour range are graded loose,with table facing downward and its pavilion side upwards. The majestic gems are graded from yellowish to white (colourless). The GIA scale ranges from ‘D’,’E’,and ‘F’ considered colourless or the high-end diamonds and move down the alphabetic order towards ‘Z’ falling in the low-end category and are yellowish in colour. Ever speculated why rubies are displayed in traditional brass plates or yellow paper and diamonds preferably set in yellow gold? The pale tint masks the blue in rubies and the sunny hue of gold hides the yellow/low-end body colour of diamonds. The colour of diamond may perhaps get influenced by present chemical impurities and/or formation defects in its crystal lattice. Calculated approximation shows that for every 10,000 near colourless diamonds,one coloured diamond is found. An intense blue,pink,brown or another arresting colour conceived in a diamond shall in fact enhance its worth dramatically. These gorgeous treasures occur in an array of colours – steel gray,white,yellow,blue,orange,pink to purple,brown,black and the most revered red and are called ‘fancy diamonds’ or ‘Fancies’ and are collectors’ pieces. The auction of a Red diamond in 1987,fetched $US1million and was bought by the Sultan of Brunei and fuelled the demand of coloured diamonds. The Dresden Green diamond is the largest green in the world at 40.07 carats. The Hope Diamond is a consuming blue weighing 45.52 carats in cushion cut set in a lovely neckpiece. The Colour Grading System uses a list of 27 colour hues that span the full spectrum of colours to grade Fancies. Not to miss is the Aurora Pyramid of Hope,the most comprehensive natural colour diamond collection in the world. Boasting of 296 diamonds and weighing a total of 267.45 carats,it presently graces the Natural History Museum of London and is a highly recommended visual treat for those planning a trip.

(The writer is a city-based researcher specialising in jewellery art. Mail her at sameeraahaan02@gmail.com)