Diamond Color Grades
Ironically, diamond color grading measures the absence of color in a diamond. The less color present, the higher the color grade. Color can detract from a diamond’s sparkle, so colorless diamonds tend to sparkle more than those with yellowish or brownish tints. Below, you’ll find the industry’s most widely accepted diamond color grading chart.
| Diamond Color Grades | Color Visibility |
|---|---|
| D | Colorless |
| E | Colorless |
| F | Colorless |
| G | Near Colorless |
| H | Near Colorless |
| I | Near Colorless |
| J | Near Colorless |
| K | Faint Yellow |
| L | Faint Yellow |
Keep in Mind that Color is Natural
Color is an inherent characteristic in diamonds. Over millions of years, trace elements contribute to a diamond’s yellowish or brownish tint during its formation. Contrary to popular belief, diamonds are not formed from coal but rather from carbon deposits. It’s more common for diamonds to possess some degree of tinting—varying in hue, tone, and saturation—than to be perfectly colorless.
Gemologists grade diamond color by examining the diamond’s body color against a pure white background, face down. They compare the diamond to master stones or a GIA-verified set of cubic zirconia with graded color shading. If a diamond exhibits more yellow than one master stone but less than another, it is assigned a grade within that range. For example, if it shows more yellow than F but less than G, it is classified as a G color diamond. Terms like “G+ color diamonds” indicate that a diamond is at the higher end of its specific color range, appearing whiter than other stones graded the same.
Understanding the Diamond Color Scale
In the diamond color letter-grade scale, D (colorless) is the highest grade, while Z is the lowest. The previous diamond grading system resembled that of gemstones, using grades like AAA, AA, A, and B. The new scale begins at D to eliminate any confusion. This color chart visually illustrates how diamond color changes across the scale. Which diamond color is best depends on your personal preference.
In this color grading scale, D represents the highest color grade, whereas Z is the lowest. The chart below showcases the visual progression of a diamond’s color across the scale.
Diamond Color D-F: Colorless – Diamonds in this range exhibit no color or only minuscule traces that are discernible only to trained gemologists. Comparing them to higher or lower graded diamonds is often necessary to determine their color correctly. Only fewer than 1% of all gem-quality diamonds fall within this range. Learn more about D-F colored diamonds.
Diamond Color G-J: Near Colorless – These diamonds display minor traces of color, identifiable by trained professionals. G/H color diamonds strike a balance between value and colorlessness, making them highly popular. Slight sparkle distractions may be noticed in I/J colored diamonds, but they still retain impressive brilliance and value. The near-colorless range accounts for the top 15% of all gem-quality diamonds. Learn more about G, H, I & J color diamonds.
Diamond Color K-M: Faint – Diamonds graded K, L, and M typically exhibit a faint yellow or brown tinge. This color subtly diminishes their sparkle. Although the color may be visible in jewelry, various methods can minimize this effect. These diamonds represent the top 40% of all gem-quality diamonds. Artful Bracelets does not offer diamonds below L grade. Learn more about K, L, and M color diamonds.
Understanding Each Diamond Color Grade
Are you certain about which diamond color to choose? Or perhaps you need more guidance to achieve the best look within your budget? Read further to discover more about each specific diamond color grade, including their distinct characteristics and important considerations when selecting a diamond of a particular color grade.
D Colorless: A D color diamond exemplifies the highest color purity and is a symbol of perfection. It is extremely rare, devoid of recognizable color shades, and looks strikingly similar to E and F color diamonds under the naked eye. D color diamonds are particularly stunning when set in white gold or platinum, as these metals enhance their colorless quality. However, they can also look beautiful in rose or yellow gold, though the setting’s color may subtly influence the diamond’s appearance.
E Colorless: An E color diamond boasts remarkable visual appeal with very high color purity. This rare diamond shows almost no discernable color shading even to the naked eye and under 10X magnification.
F Colorless: An F color diamond features exquisite beauty with an undetectable, minute shade of color. It retains high color purity while being slightly more affordable than D or E color diamonds. It remains a top choice for those seeking a colorless appearance without noticeable yellow tints.
G Near Colorless: A G color diamond is known for its slight color traces that only a trained professional can detect. As the most popular color grade, G diamonds offer an excellent blend of beauty and value. They look stunning in platinum or white gold settings, and their versatility allows them to complement rose and yellow gold settings beautifully.
H Near Colorless: An H color diamond is equally appealing, with slightly visible traces of color аппендексThe discernible shade of color in a diamond does not diminish its brilliance. This is one of the primary reasons it’s highly favored due to its visual allure and value. An H color diamond strikes a perfect balance between these factors, making it an excellent option if you’re prioritizing other characteristics such as carat or clarity.
I Near Colorless: Despite some detectable shading, an I color diamond maintains impressive brilliance, with its color only noticeable to a trained gemologist. For the untrained eye, the color is virtually unrecognizable, offering fantastic value. Consulting a gemologist can help you choose an I diamond that appears as white as possible.
J Near Colorless: Known for its striking sparkle and value, a J color diamond’s shade of color is generally undetectable to untrained eyes. This allows for larger sizes or higher clarity that might fit better within your budget. To ensure you get a stone facing up white, collaborate with a gemologist and discuss the diamond shape, as some shapes emphasize the color.
K Faint Yellow: Despite its faint yellow color, a K color diamond does not sacrifice its sparkle. This shade might be noticeable under specific lighting, though usually hard to discern for the untrained eye. Note that larger diamonds over 1.50 carats in this color grade may appear more yellow.
L Faint Yellow: L color diamonds remain dazzling, with a faint color that could be seen from the side. These diamonds look best in yellow gold settings to lessen the contrast between the diamond and the setting. Consult with a gemologist to confirm if an L color diamond is suitable for you.
Diamond Color Prices: How to Choose
While subtle color changes in diamonds can be barely noticeable, pricing fluctuations are significant. The price difference between each color grade can range from approximately 8% to 25% for higher colors. For the perfectionist, D through F color diamonds are ideal. For those seeking value, I through K colors are worth considering. Always remember, diamonds of all colors exhibit fire and brilliance. Consider your full budget and your metal preference.
Opting for a lower-color diamond results in only slight visible differences but substantial savings. The starkest cost difference usually occurs between G and F color grades. Hence, G and H are the most popular choices.
Factor your Metal Choice Into your Decision
The color of the metal can significantly influence the appearance of a diamond’s color. For example, a diamond that appears less white can look stunning in a yellow gold setting, reducing the contrast. However, a white gold setting can enhance any yellowish tint. Besides, the amount of metal and setting type can also affect how much color is visible.
The Shape and Size of your Diamond Matter too
Fancy-shaped diamonds (non-round shapes) tend to display more color. Pear, oval, and marquise cuts show more color near their points and edges, while princess, emerald, Asscher, radiant, and cushion cuts reveal more color in their bodies. If you’re content with a G color round diamond, consider an F for other shapes.
As the carat weight increases, any color in the diamond becomes more apparent. Therefore, for larger diamonds, higher colors are preferable. You can also explore other factors that influence diamond pricing.
We have rated the importance of the color grade (1-10, with 1 being least important and 10 most important) as it pertains to the diamond’s shape. Shape plays a pivotal role in revealing color:
| Shape | Rating | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Round | 4/10 | Their brilliant facets can mask color, enabling balance with other factors like cut for the best value and appearance. |
| Princess | 5/10 | Due to the depth and body size, more color is visible in this shape. |
| Emerald | 6/10 | The larger, open body reveals more color as larger facets don’t hide it well. |
| Asscher | 6/10 | Similar to emeralds, but smaller diamonds below 1 carat may not need a high color grade. Larger ones require careful consideration of color. |
| Oval | 7/10 | Elongated shapes show more color near edges and points. Larger diamonds over 1 carat should have their color assessed, considering diamond depth. |
| Marquise | 8/10 | Elongated points reveal more color. Examine images and videos carefully to understand the color in a marquise diamond. |
| Pear | 8/10 | This shape shows more color in its pointed areas. Assessing how narrow or wide the diamond is can help determine how much color is visible. |
| Heart | 8/10 | Larger heart-shaped diamonds can show more color, although smaller ones under 1.25 carats may not. |
| Radiant | 9/10 | Radiant cuts display color with relative ease. Thoroughly evaluating color is necessary when choosing this shape. |
| Cushion |
9/10The color visibility in cushion diamonds is influenced by the type of faceting. With a brilliant cut cushion, the concern with color is minimal. However, those with larger, more open facets may display more color. Carefully examine your diamond and ask a gemologist to explain its faceting style to you.
Lastly: Consider the Diamond Type
It’s important to recognize that the white diamond market now offers lab-grown or manufactured diamonds, which are unique because they have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. The primary differences between lab and mined diamonds lie in their price and origin. Choosing a 1-carat lab diamond can save you up to 30-40% compared to a naturally mined diamond with the same cut, clarity, color, and carat specifications.
Man-made (white) diamonds also emphasize the importance of color grade, similar to their natural counterparts. This is due to the distracting nature of yellow tints in white diamonds, which can affect the sparkle. At Artful Bracelets, we grade lab diamonds on the same letter scale that the GIA uses. However, we depend on the International Gemological Institute (IGI) for grading our lab stones to provide consumers with an accurate valuation.
Does Fluorescence Impact Diamond Color?
Another factor influencing a diamond’s color is fluorescence. Contrary to popular belief, fluorescence can be beneficial. It refers to the diamond’s reaction to UV light (black light), usually due to trace elements like boron present in the diamond. In rare cases, fluorescence can affect a diamond’s visual properties.
For diamonds with higher color grades (D-G), it’s advisable to have faint or no fluorescence. While fluorescence can whiten diamonds in the lower color spectrum, in colorless diamonds, albeit rare, it can introduce a whitish or grayish hue. This occurrence is less than 1% in diamonds with fluorescence. More typically, fluorescence enhances color in lower-grade diamonds.
In colors such as I-L, medium or strong fluorescence is recommended. It diminishes the yellowish tint, making the diamond appear whiter. Additionally, fluorescent diamonds are generally more affordable. Diamonds in J, K, or L colors that show fluorescence offer excellent value.
Diamond Color Buying Tips
We understand that choosing the right diamond can be challenging, and while our expert gemologists are always here to help, sometimes you just need quick guidance. Here’s a list of expert tips to help choose a diamond based on color:
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- For a balance of value and appearance, opt for diamonds in the G through J range. This applies to most carat weights, but for diamonds over 1 carat, consider G or H to prevent color visibility. Once set, a diamond in this range will look similar to a higher color grade.
- The diamond’s shape can influence color visibility—fancy shapes may show more hue.
- Color detection significantly reduces once set in a ring. An H color diamond may appear as colorless as a D, especially under normal lighting if not compared side by side.
- The mounting color affects the diamond’s color. Yellow gold makes slight yellow hues less noticeable, while white metals such as platinum and white gold make them more apparent. Rose gold has a lesser similar effect.
- Settings that cover more of the diamond, like bezel or channel settings, can hide color. Solitaires, which showcase more of the diamond, are not as effective in concealing any yellow.
- Don’t worry excessively about a perfect color grade. Most people, including many gemologists, can’t distinguish between adjacent color grades without side-by-side comparison in controlled settings.
If you’re unsure about how color affects a particular diamond’s sparkle, speak to a diamond and jewelry consultant. Contact us at 206-623-5339 or email us at service@artfulbracelets.com. Our Live Chat is available Monday – Friday, 10 AM – 5:30 PM ET.
Tips for Buying D-F Color Diamonds
Diamonds in the D, E, and F color ranges are completely colorless and look crystal clear. These will look splendid in any metal setting. Expect significant price jumps within this range as D and E diamonds are particularly rare and valuable. Unless extremely particular about color, an F color diamond can be a wise choice as it appears just as flawless to the naked eye as a D or E, but at a lower price.
Tips for Buying G-J Color Diamonds
Diamonds graded G, H, I, and J are categorized as near-colorless by GIA and IGI. They are excellent options for most diamond shapes and sizes. To ensure minimum color visibility, stay within the G or H ranges but J and I can also suffice based on size, shape, and fluorescence. Opting for yellow or rose gold settings can allow you to choose a lower color grade as the metal makes the diamond appear whiter.
Tips for Buying K-L Color Diamonds
K and L color diamonds exhibit a faint to light yellow hue noticeable to the naked eye, especially in diamonds over 1 carat. Choose these colors if color is a lesser priority for you. Ank K and L color diamonds are best suited for smaller diamonds or vintage settings. If these diamonds are set with G grade accent stones as we use at Artful Bracelets, it may make the center diamond appear more yellow, though you will find these diamonds significantly more affordable.
Diamond Color and Accent Stones
Matching smaller side or accent stones with the center diamond is crucial for high-quality jewelry.jewelry. Among the elements that determine a seamless match, color is paramount. When it comes to larger diamonds, they reveal color more distinctly. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure your accent stones are within a few color grades of your primary diamond, especially for halo and three-stone ring settings.
Nonetheless, you need not worry excessively if the grades are not an exact match. Smaller accent diamonds tend to conceal color and inclusions more effectively. At Artful Bracelets, we exclusively use G color diamonds for our accent stones to ensure you adore the overall aesthetic of your ring. These diamonds align well with a wide range of center stone grades, from D to J color diamonds, though you may notice a contrast if opting for diamonds below J in color.
Fancy Colored Diamonds
Diamonds that fall outside the D-Z color scale or exhibit traces of non-typical colors, such as yellow or brown, are classified as fancy colored. (A fancy shaped diamond refers to any shape other than round.) Fancy colored diamonds are incredibly rare, with only one in 10,000 diamonds exhibiting a color other than yellow or brown. Depending on a diamond’s color saturation, intensity, and hue, its color can either depreciate or enhance its value. Natural diamond colors span gray, white, blue, yellow, orange, red, green, olive, pink, purple, brown, and black. Red diamonds are the most rare and, consequently, the most valuable, with approximately only 40 to 50 existing globally. Laboratories grade diamonds on a scale featuring 27 different hues. Popular brand names for fancy colors include cognac, champagne, chocolate, icy, and canary.
The GIA grades fancy colors based on the intensity of the color and the undertones of all present colors. Diamonds can exhibit multiple undertones, with primary colors labeled as Fancy Light Orangey Pink or Fancy Yellowish Green. Due to the critical nature of hue, tone, and saturation, we typically advise viewing the diamond in person before making a purchase. An image or video frequently fails to capture the diamond’s fancy color and brilliance accurately in this category.
