G – J Colored Diamonds: Almost Colorless Excellence

Diamond Color Range

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has established a color grading scale for diamonds ranging from D to Z, where D represents the absence of color and Z indicates light yellow. Not every diamond needs to be colorless; in fact, the colorless diamonds in the D-E-F range are highly prized and come at a premium, making them less common than the near colorless diamonds, graded G, H, I, and J.

Explore the intricacies of natural and lab diamond colors below. What constitutes a near colorless diamond, and where do diamonds graded G, H, I, and J fit within the color spectrum?

Do near colorless diamonds appear yellowish, or do they maintain a white and sparkling appearance when set in a ring?

Watch our founder, Anubh Shah, delve into essential information about diamond color. Learn more about pricing, visual distinctions, and other significant selection criteria related to the 4 C’s below.

Why Should I Choose a G or H Color Diamond?

G and H colored diamonds offer an excellent blend of value and quality. These diamonds are high on the color scale, bordering the colorless D, E, and F grades. Customers seeking a white diamond with minimal distracting color shades—while also prioritizing higher cut, color, and/or clarity—should opt for G or H colored diamonds. Remarkably, these diamonds account for only 2-3% of all gem-quality diamonds, underscoring their rarity. On an electronic colorimeter, they would score between 1.50 and 2.49.

What are I and J Color Diamonds?

I and J colored diamonds, although still in the near colorless category, may reveal a very light tint of yellow or brown. This subtle shading may not be apparent to the naked eye, but such diamonds might appear less brilliant compared to higher graded diamonds like F or G. As a result, the price difference between G/H and I/J graded diamonds is usually quite significant. Nonetheless, this should not discourage buyers from opting for I or J graded diamonds.

Why Should I Purchase I or J Color Diamonds?

I and J color diamonds offer exceptional value and are extremely popular, allowing buyers to prioritize other attributes like carat or clarity. It’s common to find customers selecting high-carat, high-clarity diamonds with an I or J color. These diamonds possess trace amounts of tinting so minimal that it barely impacts their sparkle. On a colorimeter, they score between 2.50 and 3.49.

We are definite fans of this color range as it expands the selection pool for larger carats and higher clarity grades. Importantly, carat and clarity can have a more pronounced visual impact than a diamond’s color grade.