Prior to the founding of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in 1931, the informally structured color grading of diamonds served as the initial step in sorting diamond rough for sale by the London Diamond Syndicate.  As the diamond trade rapidly grew, and diamonds became a much sought after global luxury commodity, early diamond grades were introduced by various parties in the trade.

Tiffany 2.48 carat E/VVS2 diamond ring

Absent any co-operative development, these early grading systems lacked standard terminology and consistency.  The classification of diamond color was hence often associated with the geographical region in which the rough was found, or the name of the mine in which it was discovered.  Terms such as “Golconda,” named for the ancient city of Golconda, in south central India, and “Jager,” named for the Jagerfontein Mine in South Africa are examples of this archaic nomenclature.

Rare natural pink diamond from the Golconda region

Other forms of diamond color classification inhered from the geological conditions under which a diamond was unearthed.  “River” diamonds  are those found in rivers or alluvial deposits, rather than mined through volcanic “pipes.” Such stones were revered for their transparency and unusually fine color.  By way of example, an appraisal citing an “Extra, Extra, Extra River,” diamond indicates an absolutely colorless, diamond.

Old Tiffany appraisal citing “Extra Extra Extra River”

Eliminating the inconsistency in diamond color grading, the GIA’s International Diamond Grading System became the global standard for grading fine diamonds in 1953.  A chart comparing the GIA’s standardized color system to the far more subjective archaic color rating designations appears below: