Color in Gemstone grading actually is the most important factor in grading colored Gemstones, and encompass the three components of color: hue, tone, and saturation (intensity).

• Extra Fine: Color should be the top known color for its variety. Color should be evenly distributed (no zoning) vividly saturated and of optimal tone for its variety. Hue, the gemstone color is available from 1 to 27. Tone, how light or dark is the gemstone is 8 for very dark. Saturation, how strong is the gemstone color is 6 for vivid.
  
  
• Fine: Color is still highly desirable with slight deviations from Ideal. Possible deviations could be minor extinction (area where color darkens), slightly lighter or darker tone, and moderate to strong saturation. Hue, the gemstone color is available from 1 to 27. Tone, how dark is the gemstone is 6 and 7 for medium to medium dark. Saturation, how strong is the gemstone color is 4 and 5 for moderately strong to strong.
  
  
• Good: Color should still be desirable but farther from ideal. Possibly more extinction, lighter or darker tones, slight zoning and moderate to strong saturation. Hue, the gemstone color is available from 1 to 27. Tone, how light or dark is the gemstone is 4 and 5 for medium light to medium. Saturation, how strong is the gemstone color is 3 and 4 for very slightly brownish or slightly grayish to moderately strong.
  
  
• Fair: Color should still be desirable but farther from ideal. Possibly more extinction, lighter or darker tones, moderate zoning, and some grayish or brownish saturation may occur. Hue, the gemstone color is available from 1 to 27. Tone, how light or dark is the gemstone is 2 and 9 for very light and extremely dark. Saturation, how strong is the gemstone color is 2 and 3 for slightly brownish or slightly grayish to very slightly brownish or very slightly grayish.
  
  
• Commercial: Wide color variations from ideal. Extinction, heavy zoning, and grayish or brownish saturation are possible. Hue, the gemstone color is available from 1 to 27. Tone, how light or dark is the gemstone is 1, 9 and 10 for extremely light and extremely dark. Saturation, how strong is the gemstone color is 1 for brownish or grayish.
  

Like the rest of the Four Cs, color influence on value is directly related to its rarity.

To learn about various and tradional methods of gemstone enhancements. Click here

As you read about other THREE of the Four Cs (Clarity & Cut), you will see how Color plays an important role in Gemstone certification.

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