Color makes up one of the Four C's when talking about a diamonds characteristics

Color makes up one of the Four C's when talking about a diamonds characteristics. First time diamond buyers often come in with the assumption that all diamonds are colorless. However, the truth is that colorless diamonds are very rare. Diamonds are graded on a scale from D to Z in color.

How did the scale come about?

Before the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) came up with the D to Z scale in the 1950's, jewelry stores would label their diamonds A, B, and C or use numerical numbering systems to identify the color of their diamonds. This influenced the GIA to start their scale at D, so that customers would not confuse the GIA's color scale with any other scale. While some jewelers still use their own color scales, many people in the jewelry industry across the globe have adopted the GIA color scale to follow.

How does the scale work?

Diamonds D-F are categorized in the colorless section of the scale. G-J are classified as near colorless. K-M you can start to see faint yellow or browns in the diamond. N-R the color of yellow or brown is very light. Finally, S-Z the color is light.

How is the color determined?

When grading a diamond's color, GIA compares a set of different colored diamonds, called  masterstones, to the diamond they are grading. The GIA has three gemologist compare the diamond to the masterstones and decide on a color. All three gemologist have to agree on the color of the stone for it to be graded that color.

Fancy-colored Diamonds

One fun fact about diamonds is that they can come in every color (red, blue, green, and purple are just a few). These fancy-colored diamonds do not follow the same D to Z scale as regular diamonds. GIA grades colored diamonds by the intensity of their color (faint to light). Fancy-colored yellow diamonds should not be confused with a off-colored diamond that is low on the D to Z scale. Natural fancy-colored diamonds are valuable and rare to find.

THE TIME FOR MEN

Moving from spring into summer, the temperatures are unbearable, but we are here to tell you there is an escape.  Summer, a time for men, is a time of the year where we like to acknowledge that men’s jewelry is not specifically for weddings. The visual brilliance, fire, and striking light of a diamond is not a mere reflection of the person, but a window.  This summer, since your significant other has been spoiling you all year, now it is your chance to spoil him with a masculine yet stylish band.

In the last twenty years, there have been new developments in the materials used to create and revamp men’s rings. Even though we still offer traditional gold and silver bands, the newest metals on the market are titanium, tungsten, carbon fiber, and several more.  The recent changes in metals cannot be fully told in this short explanation, so we invite you to visit the Benchmark or Lashbrook websites if you would like to perform further research.

TITANIUM

                This metal is more than twice as strong as typical commercial metals. This material is not only used in creating rings, but also on space shuttles and airplanes. There are many style options available with this metal which makes it relatively versatile and well liked. 

TUNGSTEN

                Tungsten is the most scratch resistant performance metal on the market today. This metal also offers three options in finishes as well: polish, satin, and sandblast.  You may be asking yourself if this material has breakpoints, then wonder no longer. Tungsten rings are built with breakpoints! So, if your significant other works on cars, welds, farms, etc…then this would be a great ring choice for him. It is reliable and dependable and a finger saver. 

CARBON FIBER

                Carbon fiber is well known for its strength to weight ratio, and it is often used in bicycles, motorcycles, and sailboats. The technique of “sandwiching” the metal into performance metal bands produces a stunning yet innovative look. 

COBALT CHROME

                Cobalt Chrome has a white lustrous color that will stand up extraordinarily well to everyday wear and tear. Not only is the color similar to platinum, it has the heft of gold as well. Customers rave about how Cobalt Chrome is much more durable than they’re previous gold or platinum bands. It also offers an alternative option for those people who are allergic to nickel.  

CERAMIC

                Ceramic bands come in white and black, which are the most well liked. These bands are very light weight and exceptionally scratch resistant.  Also, like Tungsten, ceramic is also available in the same three finishes to give you another option to customize your band. An advantage to ceramic is the ring is not made with a coating, so the color runs true throughout the entire band and will never wear over time.