They are all diamonds, but the color makes a difference.

Let's start this piece by asking what on the surface may seem like a very simple question, should not two diamonds of the same weight, same clarity, the same color, exactly the same proportions, non - Fluorescent, same date of purchase, even grading laboratory report date, both bonded with exactly the same brand cost the same? Well, if you ask laboratories or check with a major price guides Rapaport, the answer is a resounding YES.

But pick up your phone, go to your local jeweler, surf the web and I promise you that you will find that the twins are not the same price. In fact, not only are they not exactly the same price but in some cases they are not even close. You'll find even two identical diamonds at the same location with prices quite differently. Why? How is this possible? It is true that not all SI-1 are created equal. Some centralized inclusions while others perimeter inclusions which are certainly most desirable and useful. But that's the VS? I can honestly say I've never met a diamond VS I did not like. So where is the response?

It's in color. What the industry has been aware of but has not shared with the rest of the world "Color Typing". In the spring of 1999, a wonderful Gemological color calibration device on the market. What I am talking about is the Gran Full Spectrum Color DC2000fs by Gem Instruments. For the first time, we can prove that all H, G and F are created equal. The new colorimeter is so precise, we can now really break each color class into five types of colors. For example, instead of asking someone what color is a diamond, we should ask ourselves what is the diamond color and type. Example: an H can be an H1, H2, H3, H4 and H5 (H1 being the best limit and G H5 is a limit I color). When you combine colors and types of grade bumping, two diamond feel the same, but different parts of the rainbow.

When laboratories begin to break each color in the types? Who knows! I know that the price guides will not be the vanguard until at least one laboratory measures to tell us that all diamonds identical to the same color are created equal. Of course F1 would cost more than a F5. But if the laboratories will not tell you, how can you determine a diamond color and type without their help? Easy, have the shop run a colorimeter tape and attach it to the evaluation so you know if your G is a G or low. Make the sale contingent on an independent assessment agrees with the colorimeter band or your money.

I hope that the color does laboratories strikes since the technology is now available. But "Color Typing" is simply not profitable for laboratories. Jewelers are naturally going to send their stones to a report grading laboratory where they treated the most beautiful and least critical. That is why there are five or EG IGI reports of cases for each GIA report. "Color Typing" May never recognized by the laboratories, but that does not mean that jewelers do not have access to colorimeters. Knowledge is power. As the buyer you have every right to know a diamond color and type. Just ask.

By Fred Cuellar, author of a best-seller "How to Buy a Diamond."