Most colored diamonds, because of their rarity, cost more than white ones. But some, including “cognac” (brown) and mixed colors like orangey-yellow, are still attractive but cost less.
Make sure to do your research before shopping: the rules for buying colored diamonds are far different from those for buying white ones. “Color is king; everything else is secondary,” says Fred Cuellar, author of “How to Buy a Diamond.” Don’t worry if you see minor inclusions, or imperfections, when you hold your stone under a microscope. And be sure to examine the stone loose, because some settings can make a diamond’s color appear richer than it is. Go for a color grade no lower than “fancy.” (The grades are “light fancy,” “fancy,” “fancy intent” and, the most expensive, “fancy vivid.”) Lastly, make sure the stone has a lab report from the GIA or the American Gem Society Laboratories that is no older than six months. That way, you can be sure the diamond is natural and hasn’t been irradiated to enrich its color. Now you’re ready to make a brilliant choice.
