For young couples buying that all-important diamond engagement ring, the choices can feel overwhelming. There are so many details to consider when selecting a ring to last a lifetime. Even after you know exactly what cut draws your eye and envision the perfect setting for your diamond, choosing among the available diamond color variations can seem difficult. Fortunately, understanding what the color grades mean can help make the decision easier.

Understanding Color Grades

Companies that buy and sell diamonds in Phoenix adhere to the same diamond ratings as a small mom-and-pop jeweler in South Dakota. There are seven major color grades given to diamonds. Walk into any jewelry store to buy or sell diamonds in Arizona, and you'll see diamonds rated according to these color grades:

• Colorless
• Near colorless
• Faint yellow or faint brown
• Very light yellow or very light brown
• Light yellow or light brown
• Yellow or brown
• Canary or coffee

In the colorless category, you'll find exquisite diamonds that are exceptionally white and quite rare. These diamonds are also among the most expensive. Near colorless diamonds are hard to distinguish from colorless with the human eye but are slightly less expensive than colorless. The middle three categories, ranging from faint to light yellow or brown, display varying levels of tint. These diamonds are still quite beautiful but considerably more affordable than the first two categories. The final two categories offer the greatest color variations, from canary yellow to a deep coffee.

Selecting a Diamond

In the right setting, any diamond can be stunning. For people looking for a more unique engagement ring, a canary or coffee diamond can be a showstopper. Couples who want an affordable diamond with a bit of character can select an option with a slight tint. Those who want a rare, exceptional diamond can search for a flawless or near flawless colorless diamond.

Whatever your tastes, there is a diamond out there for you. Now that you understand diamond color variations, decide what appeals to you. Then find the right diamond to fit both your aesthetic and your budget. For more information on diamond color variations, call (480) 949-9299 today to speak with the experts at Ralph Mueller and Associates.