The existence or non-existence of color in a white diamond is referred to in the diamond industry as its “color.” Light will easily pass through a diamond with no color at all, resulting in increased brilliance – and increased value. Even if different diamonds have the same clarity, cut, and carat, the value of the stone will also depend on its color. Thus, the price of a diamond will be higher the closer the stone is to colorless. When appraising a diamond, gemologists use a grading scale that ranges from D to Z, with “D” being colorless and “Z” being colored. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) provides the grading scale of diamond colors, as follows:

• D-F : Colorless
• G-J : Near colorless
• K-M : Faint yellow
• N-R : Very light yellow
• S-Z : Light yellow
• Z : Colored

A diamond which has not been graded will be compared with a similarly-colored graded diamond, using the scale as a reference guide. Any diamond appraisal should be made by a GIA-certified gemologist. In Arizona, Ralph Mueller & Associates employes two graduate gemologists who are certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and have a combined 60 years experience in the diamond trade.

When it comes to buying and selling diamonds in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Tucson, or anywhere in Arizona or the United States, Ralph Mueller & Associates is a name you can trust. Our Arizona diamond buyers have been providing the best value for unused diamond jewelry in Arizona for more than 28 years, and we have purchased literally millions of dollars worth of gold, platinum and diamond jewelry.