Many buyers apply the traditional 4Cs of colorless diamonds to fancy colored diamonds. Learn why Color is the key factor and why clarity and cut take a back seat.
When you buy a colorless diamond, the 4Cs guide your choice.
- Cut defines brilliance
- Clarity shows purity
- Color means less tint
- Carat shows size
That order shifts completely when you buy a fancy colored diamond.
For Colored Diamonds, Color Comes First
Color is the star.
- The more intense the color, the higher the value
- Fancy vivid and fancy intense grades command premium prices
- Even a smaller vivid pink can be worth more than a larger faint pink
Think of it like buying a painting. You pay for the richness of the colors on the canvas, not for whether the canvas has a tiny scratch.
Why Clarity and Cut Matter Less
- A colored diamond with small inclusions can still be highly prized if the color is rare and strong
- Cuts are often chosen to enhance the face-up color, not just brilliance
- Shapes like radiant or cushion can make the hue appear richer
A Buyer’s Perspective
Ask yourself:
- Would you reject a vivid blue diamond with a minor inclusion?
- Would you trade a fancy vivid yellow for a flawless faint yellow?
Your answer shows why Color rules in this market.
Key Takeaway
When judging fancy colored diamonds:
- Start with Color
- Treat clarity and cut as supportive factors
- Focus on the visual impact and rarity of the hue
Most buyers make the mistake of judging colored diamonds by the same 4Cs as colorless stones. For fancy colored diamonds, Color drives value and beauty. Clarity and cut matter, but they are secondary.
