Well, not quite.

All diamonds exhibit color, ranging from white — what we generally perceive as clear — to shades of yellow or brown (and no, not the chocolate diamond brown). While white diamonds are highly sought after, there’s a twist: They’re rare and can be exceedingly pricey.

Here’s the silver lining: Opting for a diamond lower on the color spectrum can be a cost-effective strategy for acquiring an engagement ring, potentially deceiving others into thinking it’s a completely white diamond. However, diamonds such as H color diamonds spark debates within the jewelry community. Are these slightly colored stones a wise choice for a diamond engagement ring? Let’s dive in and examine.

What are H Color Diamonds?

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) categorizes diamonds from D to Z based on their color, with D representing clear — or colorless — diamonds at the top, down to Z which represents yellow color diamonds at the bottom. Artful Bracelets offers diamonds from color grade D to L, which falls into the faint yellow category. We prioritize transparency with our customers; hence, we believe lower color grades don’t make for the best engagement rings, and our goal is to assist you in creating the best.

H color diamonds lie somewhere in the middle of this color range, which can actually be advantageous. The benefit? It offers a value-priced stone that appears nearly colorless. In fact, G and H color diamonds are popular choices because they resemble D, E, and F color diamonds closely, albeit at a much lower price.

Do H Color Diamonds Look Yellow?

Typically, H color diamonds look white when viewed from the top or table. Although H color diamonds do exhibit a hint of yellow, it is usually discernible only under specific lighting conditions or when compared side by side with D or E color diamonds.

How to Make H Color Diamonds Look Whiter

While it is nearly impossible to spot the slight yellow in H color diamonds, it is there, and certain diamond cuts or metals can either accentuate or diminish this color.

For example, yellow gold can make diamonds with a slight yellow tinge appear whiter due to reduced contrast. In terms of shape, a round cut diamond is excellent at masking color, closely followed by a princess cut. However, the cushion cut is the least favorable for H color diamonds as, despite being great at hiding inclusions, its faceting tends to highlight the color.

Are H Color Diamonds Worth Buying?

Looking for an impressive diamond that’ll delight her, but not cost as much as a D or E color diamond? Then an H color diamond is a fantastic choice. An H color diamond offers a stone nearly indistinguishable from a D, E, or F color diamond in every respect but for a price up to 20 percent less. To save even more — up to 40 percent — consider an I color diamond instead of an H.

If you’re unsure about which color diamond suits your bride-to-be, let us assist. Provide your preferences here, and our expert gemologists will select three diamonds that meet your desires and budget.