Several factors influence the price of a diamond, and the color is one of the main considerations. Therefore, the highest-graded lab-created diamonds come with a hefty price. For instance, grades D, E&F are top notch diamonds as they are colorless.
Lab created diamonds are similar to naturally mined gems. Both are grown in extreme conditions; however, while natural diamonds are found within the earth's crust, lab diamonds are formed in high-temperature or pressure labs. Both types of diamonds have similar physical, optical, and chemical properties, making it difficult to distinguish between them. IGI, or the international gemological institute, is a body formed to verify the grading of diamonds based on 4Cs: cut, color, carat, and clarity. IGI certifies diamonds by using a graded color scale. A diamond that has less color presence has better grading. Also, less color would mean more sparkle from a diamond. The color-grading scale runs from the letter D, which stands for a colorless diamond, to the letter Z, which stands for brown or yellow hue.
Color Grades (D to Z)
- GRADE (D TO F)
The Color grade for diamonds between A to D is completely colorless. This is why this range is the highest color grade for diamonds. These diamonds won't show any signs of color even if examined through magnification. Grade E and F are colorless and look similar to Grade D diamonds. You won't be able to differentiate grade E and F from grade D if you see through your naked eyes. Although gemologists can differentiate between grades D, E, and F using special tools.
- GRADE (G TO J)
If you see grade G, H, I, or J colored diamonds through your naked eye, you would see them completely colorless; however, they are not as high quality as grade D, E, or F diamonds. Therefore, you have to pay less for G to J-graded diamonds.
- GRADE (K TO M)
Grade K, L, and M diamonds are pale yellow or brown. If you observe them carefully, grade K to M diamonds will have a warm tone but still looks pretty. However, they are not held as high-quality diamonds, unlike Grade D, E, and F. They also shine and sparkle less, so they are comparatively cheaper.
- GRADE (N TO R)
Grade N to R diamonds contain a light tint and bears a brown or yellow hue. However, they are not so pricey as Grade D to I diamonds, so these gems are available at a lesser price.
- GRADE (S TO Z)
Grade S to Z diamonds stand lowest in the color grading system and bear a light tint. This is why they have an evident yellow or brown shade, which can be easily visible. They are also cheaper to buy.
What are the fancy colors in lab-created diamonds?
If you want a diamond containing a fancy color, there are wide varieties of shades for you to choose from. For instance, yellow-colored lab diamonds are available in plenty of hues. Yellow lab diamonds are available in colors ranging from pale yellow to vivid yellow. The color yellow in diamonds comes due to the presence of nitrogen. Some lab diamonds are also orange in color due to the presence of solvents involved in a diamond's growing stage.
Lab diamonds are available in the shade blue when exposed to boron. The blue shade ranges from pale blue to intense blue. The next popular color choice for diamonds is pink. The pink shade is available from pale pink to deep pink shade. Unlike yellow, blue, and orange, pink diamonds do not get their color during the growing process. Instead, different processes such as annealing and irradiation are inserted after the diamonds are formed to give a pinky shade.