It is this process that determines the brilliance and beauty of the stone. The color of the diamond ranges from totally colorless to light color or tinted. The majority of diamonds tend to be colorless, but others can contain increasing shades of yellow and brown, which are often referred to as champagne diamonds. Still other diamonds, much more rare, can be shades of red, blue, green, pink and amber. To determine the correct color, all diamonds are rated on a scale from D, or colorless, to Z, the most yellow.
Clarity determines the number of inclusions or flaws that are apparent in the diamond.
In flawless diamonds, the stone is virtually free of inclusions and nothing interferes with the passage of light or spoils the beauty. To determine the diamonds clarity, it is examined under a 10x magnification by a trained and skilled gemologist. The weight and size of the diamond is measured in carats. It is the size of the diamond that is the most obvious factor in determining the value. Once you've purchased your diamond, it is best to have it appraised by a certified gemologist.