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Diamond Color
DIAMOND COLOR & GRADING
Color is a natural element in diamonds. As the gems grow under the earth over millions of years, trace elements can cause a yellowish or brownish tint. (We know what you’re thinking, and no, diamonds aren’t formed from coal. They are actually made from carbon deposits.) It’s more common for diamonds to have some of this tinting — which varies in hue, tone, and saturation — than to be absolutely colorless.
Color or the absence of any in a diamond determines its fortune. This lack of hue in a diamond represents its chemical purity and structural perfection. A gemstone-quality diamond is evaluated for the sheer absence of any color and demands higher value. Diamonds come in a fascinating array of colors ranging from highly desirable blues, yellow, pink, green, red, and even black. Nevertheless, when a white diamond is considered, the presence of the slightest yellow tint mars its value and drastically reduces the price. Lesser body color means a better reflection of true color in a white diamond, resulting in a greater value.
Diamonds are considered the world’s most precious gemstones.
The traditional “clear” stones found in most engagement and wedding rings are known as known as white diamonds. Whereas fancy colored diamonds are the vivid shades like pink, green and yellow. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has standardized diamond color grading on a D-to-Z scale. Similarly to IGI (International Gemological Institute), who also uses a D-to-Z scale but for lab grown diamonds. All diamonds on this letter scale are considered “white,” although on the lower end they can have a tinge of yellow.
Here’s some irony for you: Diamond color, in terms of grading, is determined by the lack of color in a diamond. The less color a diamond has, the higher the color grade. Diamond color subtly distracts the eye from seeing sparkle, so colorless diamonds will appear to sparkle more than yellowish or brownish tinted diamonds. Below you’ll find the most widely accepted industry diamond color grading chart.
Diamond color is graded by evaluating the body color of the diamond on a pure white background, face down. Gemologists will compare the diamond to master stones, or a GIA-verified set of cubic zirconia, with grade color shading. If the diamond has more yellow than one but less than the other, it will receive a grade in that range. (For example: More yellow than F, but less than G, would be a G color diamond. You might also hear these referred to as “G+ color diamonds” to indicate that they’re at the top of this specific color range, or whiter than other stones in the same color grade.)
Understanding The Diamond Color Scale
In the letter-grade diamond color scale, D (colorless) is the highest and best grade, and Z is the lowest. Diamond used to be graded like gemstones on a range that included AAA, AA, A, and B, so the new scale started at D to avoid confusion. This color chart shows how the color of a diamond changes visually across the scale. Which diamond color is best? That depends on what you’re looking for.
Colorless
Diamonds in this range have no color or very minute traces of color, that can only be identified by trained gemologists. They typically need to be compared to higher or lower-graded diamonds to accurately identify the color. Fewer than 1% of all gem-quality diamonds fall in this range.
Near Colorless
Diamonds in this range have minor traces of color that may be identified by trained eyes. The G/H color diamonds are most popular because they balance value and lack of color. Minor sparkle distractions can be noticed in I/J colors, however, these diamonds still sparkle very brilliantly and have great value, when balancing the other C’s. The near-colorless range represents the top 15% of all gem-quality diamonds.
Faint
Diamonds in this range tend to have a faintly yellow or brown tinge. The color affects the diamond’s sparkle by very slightly dulling it. When examined, the color may be recognized in jewelry, although there are ways to minimize this. These diamonds represent the top 40% of all gem-quality diamonds.
Understanding Each Diamond Color Grade
Think you know which diamond color you want to go with? Or maybe you’re not so sure how to get the best look within your budget. Read more about each specific diamond color below for more about what sets them apart and what you should know before picking out a diamond of that color grade.
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
D
D Colorless: A D color diamond possesses the highest color purity and is a symbol of perfection. It is considered extremely rare and has no recognizable shades of color. When looking at a diamond with the naked eye, E and F colors can also look similar to the D color diamond. A D color diamond looks best when set in white gold and platinum, as the white color of the metal further highlights the colorless quality. However, D color diamonds can also look beautiful in rose and yellow gold, but some color from the setting will come through the stone.
E
E Colorless: An E color diamond is visually stunning and has very high color purity. It is incredibly rare and has almost no recognizable color shading. To the naked eye and even under 10X magnification, an E color diamond will not show any tinges of yellow color..
F
F Colorless: An F color diamond has excellent beauty and contains a minute shade of color that is undetectable by the untrained eye. It is also very rare and considered to have high color purity. When looking for a diamond that will not exhibit shades of yellow to the naked eye, and F color certainly fits the bill and can be more affordable than a D or E color diamond.
G
G Near Colorless: A G color diamond is exquisite and has minor traces of color that can be identified only by a diamond professional. It is also the most popular diamond color and provides a great blend of beauty and value. A platinum or white gold setting can work to hide traces of yellow color in the ring, however, a G color diamond is versatile and can look great with rose and yellow gold.
H
H Near Colorless: An H color diamond has gorgeous appeal as its slightly identifiable shade of color does not affect the diamond’s brilliance. It is one of the most popular colors because of its visual attractiveness and value. An H color is a good balance between these factors and can be a great choice if you’re trying to maximize for other characteristics like carat or clarity.
I
I Near Colorless: An I color diamond delivers excellent brilliance even as some shading of color can be identified by a gemologist. The color is still not recognizable to an untrained eye and provides excellent value. Depending on the diamond, an I diamond can be a good choice as the yellow color is not too perceptible. However, it is a good idea to ask a gemologist to help you find a stone that faces up white before making your purchase.
J
J Near Colorless: A J color diamond has exquisite sparkle and value (as long as you’re getting a stone that’s cut well, of course). It has a shade of color that is only detectable by trained professionals and allows for a larger size or higher clarity that may be more palatable to your budget. Talk to a gemologist to help you find a stone that faces up white and discuss the diamond shape you’re considering, as some amplify the color of your diamond.
K
K Faint Yellow: A K color diamond is considered a white diamond that does not compromise the stone’s sparkle. Some shading of color may reflect in light, but it is still difficult for the untrained eye to identify the color grade. Keep in mind, though, that a K color diamond can look yellow to the naked eye, especially in larger diamond sizes over 1.50 carats.
L
L Faint Yellow: An L color diamond is scintillating and considered a white diamond that does not distract from the diamond’s sparkle. Slight color may be detectable to the untrained eye, especially when viewed from the side. It looks best in yellow gold settings, which minimize the contrast between the diamond and the setting. Check with a gemologist before purchasing an L color diamond to ensure that it is the correct color for you.