Color
A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond is perfectly transparent with no hue, or color. However, in reality almost no gem-sized natural diamonds are absolutely perfect. The color of a diamond may be affected by chemical impurities and/or structural defects in the crystal lattice. Depending on the hue and intensity of a diamond's coloration, a diamond's color can either detract from or enhance its value.
| Grade | Category |
|---|---|
| D, E, F | Colorless |
| G, H | Near colorless |
| I, J | Near colorless, slightly tinted |
| K - M | Faint yellow |
| N - R | Very light yellow |
| S - Z | Light yellow |
| Fancy | Yellow |