(917) 720-6618

20% Off All Jewelry!

FREE SHIPPING  |  30 DAY RETURNS

Browse

Want to chat?

917 764 9222

Diamond Color

Learn everything you need to know about the diamond color scale to select the perfect diamond for you.
Shop Diamonds

J Color

J color diamonds look mostly colorless to the naked eye, but usually have a faint yellow tint that’s easy to notice under bright lights and magnification.

I Color

Near-colorless. Slightly detected color—a good value.

H Color

Near-colorless. Color noticeable when compared to diamonds of better grades, but offers excellent value.

G Color

Near-colorless. Color noticeable when compared to diamonds of better grades, but offers excellent value.

F Color

Colorless. Slight color detected by an expert gemologist, but still considered a “colorless” grade—a high-quality diamond.

E Color

Colorless. Only miniscule traces of color can be detected by an expert gemologist—a rare, high quality diamond.

D Color

Colorless. Slight color detected by an expert gemologist, but still considered a “colorless” grade—a high-quality diamond.

Color

There is always a misconception that diamonds are always perfectly transparent. Nonetheless, with the presence of trace elements within diamonds, they can display subtle hues. Among the four Cs used by jewelers to evaluate diamonds, color pertains more to their uniqueness and quality. Diamonds that are entirely devoid of color are extremely rare and highly prized. 

When diamonds are extracted from the earth, they typically bear hues of brown, yellow, or gray due to impurities absorbed during their underground formation. These diamonds are assessed  based on characteristics like hue, saturation and tone, all of which are considered during the diamond color grading process.

Hue details the actual color of the gemstone, such as brown, white, blue, yellow or pink. Tone defines color intensity degree, ranging from light to dark. Finally, saturation reflects both the depth and vividness of the color. However, colorless diamonds lack saturation but are renowned for their mesmerizing fire and brilliance.  

What Is The International Color Scale?

The International Color Scale, produced by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), targets to establish uniformity in diamond color grading. In this system, there is a five-person jury that assesses each diamond’s color and clarity, demanding a unanimous consensus to grant GIA certification.

The color of white diamonds is measured using letters ranging from D to Z to quantify the presence of yellow, brown, or gray tints in the stone on the official GIA scale. Gemologist experts reveal color imperfections by observing diamonds face down against a backdrop of pristine white paper. Diamonds with a D grade must exhibit a colorless appearance, on the other hand the graded Z reflect a noticeable yellowish hue. Usually, diamonds rated between N and Z are not preferred for use in jewelry.

Diamond Color Grading & Diamond Color Chart

For our selection at Love Brilliance, we prioritize colorless and near-colorless diamonds because they exhibit exceptional sparkle and brilliance. Colorless diamonds, while exceptionally rare and captivating when adorned with luxurious white gold or platinum settings, aren’t the only brilliant option. Near-colorless diamonds provide outstanding value and still offer a stunning appearance.

Colorless Grades

When evaluating diamond colors closely, distinguishing nuances within the various categories can be challenging. The colorless grades consist of D, E, and F. However, these subtle distinctions reflect the diamond’s quality subsequently affect its price.

The grading system commences with D due to historical grading systems that incorporated the initial three letters of the alphabet along with Arabic and Roman numerals. GIA introduced the novel starting point with D, and despite its unconventional beginning, diamond enthusiasts have grown accustomed to it.

Diamonds receiving a D, E, or F grade are entirely devoid of color. Only an electric colorimeter can discern the subtle differences. To the naked eye, customers cannot perceive distinctions among the three colorless grades, as none exhibit any distracting or undesirable yellow or brown undertones. The pricing for colorless diamonds remains relatively consistent, irrespective of whether they receive a D, E, or F grade.

Near Colorless Grades

Near colorless diamonds fall within the G to J range. They possess a subtle warmth, which is challenging to detect unless placed next to colorless diamonds. Among near-colorless options, the G grade stands out, as it exhibits the least amount of color and is a budget-friendly alternative to colorless diamonds.

The H grade is where the first noticeable hint of hue appears, with a subtle yellow tone becoming visible to the naked eye. In comparison, the I and J grades display even more apparent yellow tones than H.

Faintly Colored Grades

Faintly colored diamond grades range from K to M. These diamonds exhibit a delicate yellow tint, which appeals to those who appreciate a touch of warmth. Faintly colored diamonds are more affordable than their colorless and near-colorless counterparts. Their popularity is on the rise as customers appreciate the subtle, unexpected touch of color while enjoying the hardness and durability of diamonds.

Very Light Color Grades

Diamonds graded between N-Z are considered very light or light color diamonds. They exhibit a yellow, brown, or grey tint that is very noticeable even to the untrained eye. Considered to be low color grade stones, these diamonds are generally the least desired and most affordable.

FAQ on Diamond Color

Diamond color refers to the presence or absence of color in a diamond. The color of a diamond is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The less color a diamond has, the more valuable and desirable it is. Colorless diamonds, in particular, are prized for their rarity and brilliance.
For lab-grown diamonds, the preferred color grades are typically in the D to F range. Diamonds in this range are considered colorless and offer the highest level of brilliance and sparkle. Choosing a D to F color grade ensures that your diamond will have a pristine, pure appearance, free from any noticeable color.
Fluorescence refers to a diamond’s ability to emit a soft glow when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. While strong fluorescence can sometimes cause a diamond to appear hazy, in most cases, it has minimal impact on the diamond’s appearance. In fact, for diamonds with lower color grades, blue fluorescence can actually enhance the diamond’s whiteness, making it appear closer to a colorless grade.
Diamond color is an important factor, but it is not the only one to consider. The “4 Cs”—Carat, Cut, Clarity, and Color—all play a crucial role in a diamond’s overall appearance and value. While color is important, many experts believe that Cut is the most critical factor because it affects the diamond’s brilliance. A well-cut diamond can appear more stunning even if it has a slightly lower color grade.
The difference between adjacent color grades, such as D to E or E to F, is often very subtle and difficult to detect with the naked eye. However, a more noticeable difference exists between diamonds at the extremes of the color scale (e.g., D compared to J). For most people, diamonds in the D to F range will appear equally colorless, especially once set in jewelry.
If you plan to set your lab-grown diamond in yellow or rose gold, you might not need to prioritize the highest color grades. The warm tones of these metals can mask any slight color in the diamond, allowing you to choose a slightly lower grade (such as G or H) without it being noticeable. However, if you want the diamond to appear completely colorless, D to F is still the recommended range.
Fluorescence can have a slight impact on a diamond’s value, depending on its strength and the diamond’s color grade. In most cases, faint to medium fluorescence has little to no effect on value. However, strong fluorescence in higher color grades (D-F) can sometimes reduce the value slightly if it causes a milky or hazy appearance. Conversely, in lower color grades, it can sometimes enhance the perceived color, making the diamond appear more valuable.
Whether it is worth paying for a D color grade depends on your personal preference and budget. D color diamonds are the highest grade and are completely colorless, offering the purest appearance. If having a diamond that is absolutely colorless is important to you and you are willing to invest in that level of quality, then a D color grade is worth it. However, E and F grades also appear colorless to most people and can offer excellent value for a slightly lower price.
Assessing the cut quality involves evaluating several factors, including proportions, symmetry, and polish. Review the diamond’s cut grade, which is provided by reputable gemological laboratories. Key attributes to consider include table percentage, depth percentage, crown angle, and girdle thickness. A high-quality cut will be well-balanced in these aspects, contributing to the diamond’s brilliance and overall visual impact.