April Birthstone: Diamond Color, Meaning & More

What is a Diamond?

Diamonds date back billions of years and are made of a single element — carbon. Carbon atoms bond under immense heat and pressure below the Earth’s surface to create the diamonds’ beautiful and rare crystalline structure. A diamond’s structure makes it the hardest natural substance on Earth. In fact, the only thing that can scratch a diamond is another diamond.

Diamonds are renowned for their exceptional hardness, brilliance and sparkling appearance, making them one of the most coveted gemstones in the world. They are often used in jewelry to symbolize love, commitment and luxury. Additionally, diamonds have various industrial applications due to their hardness, such as cutting, grinding and drilling.

Diamond Value & Color

The value of a diamond is determined by a combination of factors known as the 4 Cs: Carat weight, Cut, Color, and Clarity. These factors help assess a diamond’s quality and subsequently its value in the market.

Diamonds come in a range of colors with colorless diamonds being among the most popular. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) established a grading scale for diamond color, which ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). 

• D, E, F (Colorless): Diamonds in this range are considered colorless, and are the most highly prized and valuable. When viewed face-up, they exhibit no discernible color, appearing exceptionally white and pure.
• G, H, I, J (Near Colorless): Diamonds in this range have a slight hint of color, typically a faint yellow or brown tint that is noticeable when compared to colorless diamonds. However, these diamonds can still appear white when mounted in jewelry and are a popular choice for those seeking a balance between quality and value.
• K, L, M (Faint Yellow or Brown): Diamonds in this range exhibit a noticeable yellow or brown tint. While they are less expensive than near-colorless diamonds, they can still appear relatively white in jewelry settings with proper design and metal choice.
• N-Z (Light Yellow or Brown): Diamonds in this category have more pronounced yellow or brown coloration. They are considered lower in quality and are generally less valuable. Diamonds in the lower end of this range may exhibit noticeable color even when mounted.

Fancy color diamonds, which exhibit vivid and distinct colors like blue, pink, or yellow, are highly sought after and can command their own price premiums.

Diamond Care & Cleaning

Diamond jewelry should be inspected regularly to ensure that stones are secure in their settings. Diamonds are susceptible to our skin’s natural oil, lotion, conditioner, dirt and dust, ultimately dulling their appearance. Regular cleanings combat this build-up of dirt and oils, helping to keep diamonds looking brilliant. While professional cleanings are recommended, at-home cleanings are also an option. When cleaning diamonds at home, gently scrub the diamond with a soft brush and warm, soapy water.

Diamonds are a 10 on Moh’s Hardness Scale and are the hardest natural material known to man. This means that diamonds are highly resistant to scratching and abrasion, making them an excellent choice for use in jewelry of all types. When not worn, diamond jewelry should be stored in a jewelry box lined with soft fabric.

Diamond Jewelry & Gift Ideas

Whether you are shopping for yourself or someone else, Borsheims has an extensive selection of diamond jewelry in various styles. If you need help picking out the perfect piece of diamond jewelry, one of our experts would be happy to assist you. Stop into our store or text or call 402.391.0400 during store hours to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable sales associates.