Prices Across Colors – The reasons for price differences between colors have to do with the price of raw materials and the rate of success in producing the desired color. The reason black colored diamonds are cheaper than others is because they can be made using less expensive, naturally darker stones - and produced consistently in large quantities. On the other hand, pink and purple colored diamonds are more expensive because the success rate for production of these is always low.

Color Purity – Within each color, price differences continue. Not all blues, for instance, are equal. A pure color, or single hue, will normally command a higher price than a mixture of hues, so a pure blue stone is more expensive than a blue-green one. A golden yellow diamond is more expensive than a greenish yellow.

Ideal Shade – Every color has an ideal shade, and it differs with each color. With blues, a lighter shade is considered more valuable than a darker one. With yellows, the reverse is true.

Matching Capability – Sometimes a diamond with an ‘off color’ can be beautiful individually, but if it can’t be matched or reproduced consistently, it will be sold at a considerable price reduction. It’s important that parcels of diamonds be identical in color, minimizing labor costs for matching.