Natural diamonds as well as lab-grown diamonds are available in a wide range of colors and tints. The traditional "clear" stones typically found in most engagement and wedding rings are known as white diamonds. Fancy colored diamonds, on the other hand, exhibit vivid shades such as pink, green, and yellow. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has standardized diamond color grading on a D-to-Z scale. Similarly, the IGI (International Gemological Institute) also uses a D-to-Z scale for lab-grown diamonds. Diamonds graded on this scale are considered "white," though those on the lower end may exhibit a slight tinge of yellow.
TABLE OF CONTENTS |
| Diamond color Grade |
| Keep in Mind that Color is Natural |
| Understanding the Diamond Color Scale |
| Understanding Each Diamond Color Grade |
| Diamond Color Prices : How to Choose |
| Does Fluorescence Impact Color |
| Diamond Color Buying Tips |
| Diamond Color & Accent Diamonds |
| Fancy Colored Diamond |
Diamond Color Grades
Here's an irony for you: Diamond color grading is determined by the absence of color in a diamond. The less color a diamond exhibits, the higher its color grade. Diamond color subtly affects how light is reflected, with colorless diamonds appearing to sparkle more than those with yellowish or brownish tints. Below is the widely accepted industry 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 a natural feature of diamonds. As these gems form deep within the earth over millions of years, trace elements can impart a yellowish or brownish tint. (And just to clarify, diamonds aren't formed from coal; they actually originate from carbon deposits.) It's more typical for diamonds to exhibit some degree of this tint, which can vary in hue, tone, and saturation, rather than being completely colorless.
Diamond color grading involves evaluating the body color of the diamond against a pure white background, with the diamond placed face down. Gemologists use master stones or a GIA-verified set of cubic zirconia as reference points for color grading. If a diamond exhibits more yellow than one reference stone but less than another, it will receive a grade within that range. For instance, a diamond with more yellow than an F grade but less than a G grade would be classified as a G color diamond. Sometimes, these diamonds are referred to as "G+ color diamonds," indicating they are at the higher end of the G color range and appear whiter compared to other stones in the same color grade.
Understanding the Diamond Color Scale
In the diamond color grading scale, D (colorless) is the highest and most desirable grade, while Z is the lowest. Previously, diamonds were graded on a scale that included AAA, AA, A, and B, similar to other gemstones. The shift to the D-to-Z scale was intended to eliminate confusion and standardize grading practices. This color chart visually illustrates how the appearance of a diamond changes across the scale. As for which diamond color is best, it depends on your preferences and what you're looking for in terms of color intensity and budget.
In the diamond color grading scale, D is the highest color grade and Z is the lowest. This chart visually depicts how diamond color changes across the scale:
- Diamond Color D-F (Colorless): Diamonds in this range exhibit no color or very minute traces that are difficult to discern without trained gemological equipment. Less than 1% of all gem-quality diamonds fall into this category. [Learn more about D-F colored diamonds.]
- Diamond Color G-J (Near Colorless): These diamonds show minor traces of color that can be detected by trained observers. G and H colored diamonds are particularly popular for their balance between value and minimal color. I and J colors may show slight hints of warmth but still sparkle brilliantly and offer good value when considering other diamond characteristics. This range represents the top 15% of all gem-quality diamonds. [Learn more about G, H, I & J color diamonds.]
- Diamond Color K-M (Faint): Diamonds in the K, L, and M range exhibit a faint yellow or brown tint that slightly affects their sparkle, though this can often be minimized in jewelry settings. These diamonds represent the top 40% of all gem-quality diamonds. With Clarity does not carry colors below L. [Learn more about K, L, and M color diamonds.]
Understanding Each Diamond Color Grade
Are you thinking about which diamond color to choose? Not sure how to achieve the best look within your budget? Explore more about each specific diamond color below to understand what distinguishes them and what you should consider before selecting a diamond of that color grade.
D Colorless: A D color diamond represents the pinnacle of color purity and is synonymous with perfection. It is exceptionally rare and shows no discernible hints of color. To the naked eye, diamonds graded E and F can also appear similar to a D color diamond. D color diamonds are most stunning when set in white gold or platinum, as these metals enhance their colorless appearance. They can also be striking in settings of rose or yellow gold, though some color from the setting may slightly influence the stone's appearance.
D Colorless: A D color diamond represents the pinnacle of color purity and is considered a symbol of perfection. It is extremely rare and shows no discernible shades of color. When viewed with the naked eye, diamonds graded E and F can also appear similar to a D color diamond. D color diamonds are particularly striking when set in white gold or platinum, as these metals enhance their colorless quality. They can also be stunning in settings of rose or yellow gold, though some of the setting's color may subtly influence the stone's appearance.
E Colorless: An E color diamond is visually stunning, characterized by very high color purity. It is exceptionally rare and exhibits almost no discernible color shading. Even under 10X magnification and to the naked eye, an E color diamond shows no tinges of yellow color.
F Colorless: An F color diamond boasts excellent beauty with a minute shade of color that is imperceptible to the untrained eye. It is highly rare and renowned for its high color purity. If you're seeking a diamond that appears colorless to the naked eye without the price tag of a D or E color diamond, an F color diamond is an excellent choice.
G Near Colorless: A G color diamond is exquisite, exhibiting minor traces of color that are discernible only to diamond professionals. It is the most popular diamond color choice, offering a superb balance of beauty and value. While a platinum or white gold setting can minimize any traces of yellow, a G color diamond is versatile and can also complement rose and yellow gold settings beautifully.
H Near Colorless: An H color diamond possesses a stunning appeal, with its slight hint of color having minimal impact on the diamond's brilliance. It ranks among the most popular diamond colors due to its visual allure and excellent value. An H color diamond strikes a fine balance between these qualities and is an ideal choice if you prioritize characteristics such as carat size or clarity.
I Near Colorless: An I color diamond exhibits excellent brilliance despite some detectable color shading that a gemologist can identify. This color is generally imperceptible to an untrained eye and offers exceptional value. Depending on the specific diamond, an I color can be a favorable choice as any yellow tint is typically subtle. It's advisable to consult with a gemologist to ensure you select a stone that appears white when viewed from the top before finalizing your purchase.
J Near Colorless: A J color diamond exhibits exquisite sparkle and offers great value, particularly when paired with a well-cut stone. It features a subtle color shade detectable only by trained professionals, allowing for the possibility of choosing a larger size or higher clarity within your budget. Consulting with a gemologist can help you select a diamond that appears white when viewed from the top. Additionally, discussing the diamond shape is important, as certain shapes can accentuate the diamond's color.
K Faint Yellow: A K color diamond is classified as a white diamond that maintains excellent sparkle. While it may exhibit a faint yellow tint under certain lighting conditions, this color shade is typically challenging for the untrained eye to discern. It's important to note, however, that in larger diamond sizes over 1.50 carats, a K color diamond can appear noticeably yellow to the naked eye.
L Faint Yellow: An L color diamond possesses a scintillating appearance and is categorized as a white diamond that enhances its sparkle. While a slight color may be noticeable to the untrained eye, particularly when viewed from certain angles, it remains subtle overall. L color diamonds often complement yellow gold settings well, minimizing the contrast between the diamond and the setting. Consulting with a gemologist before purchasing an L color diamond can help ensure it aligns with your preferences and expectations regarding color.
Diamond Color Prices: How to Choose
While changes in diamond color are subtle, the pricing differences are significant. The price gap between each color grade (assuming all other factors are equal) ranges from approximately 8% to over 25% in the higher grades. For those prioritizing perfection, D through F color diamonds are an excellent choice. If value is a primary consideration, consider diamonds in the I through K color range.
It's crucial to remember that diamonds of all colors exhibit fire and brilliance. When choosing a lower-color diamond, the visible differences are minor, but the savings can be quite noticeable. The most significant price jump is often observed from G to F color grades. This makes G color diamonds the most popular choice, closely followed by H color diamonds. When making your decision, consider your overall budget for the ring and your preferred choice of metal.
Factor your Metal Choice Into your Decision
Metal color can influence your choice of diamond color. A lower-color diamond can appear beautiful and whiter in a yellow gold setting. This is because the yellow gold setting reduces the contrast between the diamond and the setting, making any slight yellow tint less noticeable. Conversely, in a white gold or platinum setting, even a slight yellow tint in the diamond may appear more pronounced due to the contrast with the metal.
However, metal color isn't the only consideration. The amount of metal and the type of setting also play significant roles in how much of the diamond is showcased. Depending on these factors, you may opt for a lower or higher color grade on the diamond scale to achieve the desired look and balance with your chosen setting.
The Shape and Size of your Diamond Matter too
Fancy-shaped diamonds, which include shapes other than round cuts, often exhibit more noticeable color variations. For instance, pear, oval, and marquise cuts can show more color near their points and edges. On the other hand, princess, emerald, Asscher, radiant, and cushion cuts tend to reflect more color throughout the body of the diamond.
If you prefer the appearance of a G color diamond in a round cut, you might consider opting for an F color diamond in another diamond shape to achieve a similar visual effect.
With diamonds of any shape, as the carat weight increases, color can be more obvious. With larger sizes, it's important to choose higher colors. You can also learn about the other factors that affect diamond pricing.
We ranked the importance of the color grade (1-10: 1 least important, 10 important) as it relates to the shape of the diamond. Shape is a critical element in determining how much color is shown:
| Shape | Rating | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Round | 4/10 | Their brilliant facets can mask color. Therefore, with this shape you do not have to get an overly high color grade. You can balance color with other factors like cut to get the best value and look. |
| Princess | 5/10 | The color shows more than rounds due to the depth and size of the body in the diamond |
| Emerald | 6/10 | The open, deeper body of the diamond tends to show more color. The larger facets don't allow sparkle to mask color |
| Asscher | 6/10 | The open, deeper body of the diamond tends to show more color. The larger facets don't allow sparkle to mask color as well. If getting a smaller asscher diamond, something that is below 1 carat you may not have to get as high of a color. When purchasing one larger than a carat, pay closer attention to color. |
| Oval | 7/10 | Elongated shapes, specifically ones with points show less color in the body, but much more near the edges and points. Again if opting to get an oval that is larger than 1 carat, pay closer attention to the color. Look at also how shallow or deep the diamond is. Deeper diamonds will show a little less color. |
| Marquise | 8/10 | Elongated shapes, like the marquise will show more color along the points. If getting a marquise that is elongated, be sure to look carefully at images and videos of the diamond to understand color. |
| Pear | 8/10 | Elongated shapes like the pear will show more color in the points of the diamond. Be careful as to how narrow or fat the diamond is. With a more narrow point, color will show easily. |
| Heart | 8/10 | With a pointed bottom and an edge that curves inward at the top, a larger diamond can show color. However, color showing may not be a large concern with heart shaped diamonds that are smaller than 1.25 carats. |
| Radiant | 9/10 | Radiant diamonds can show color fairly easily due to the type of faceting. Be sure to consider color when choosing. |
| Cushion | 9/10 | Cushion diamonds can show more color based on the type of faceting. With a brilliant cut cushion, color showing is less of a concern. However, with one that has larger and more open facets, color can show more easily. Take a close look at your diamond to decide and have a gemologist explain to you which kind of faceting it has. |
Lastly: Factor Diamond Type
As you may be aware, the market for white diamonds now includes lab-grown diamonds. Lab diamonds are notable because they possess the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined or natural diamonds. The primary differences between lab-grown and mined diamonds are price and origin. Opting for a 1-carat lab diamond can save buyers up to 30-40% compared to purchasing a 1-carat natural diamond with identical cut, clarity, color, and carat specifications.
Color grade is equally important for lab-grown white diamonds as it is for natural ones. Yellow tints in white diamonds can detract from their sparkle. At With Clarity, lab diamonds are graded on the same letter scale used by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America). However, we rely on the International Gemological Institute (IGI) to grade our lab-grown stones. IGI is an independent laboratory with international headquarters, ensuring consumers receive accurate diamond grading and value.
Does Fluorescence Impact Color?
One final factor that influences a diamond's appearance is fluorescence, which contrary to some myths, can be advantageous. Fluorescence refers to a diamond's reaction to UV light (black light). It occurs due to trace elements like boron naturally present in diamonds as they form. While fluorescence rarely affects a diamond's visual properties, it can have some notable effects.
For diamonds in higher color grades (D-G), it's generally recommended that fluorescence be faint or absent. In these cases, fluorescence is less likely to impact the diamond's appearance negatively. However, for diamonds on the lower end of the color spectrum (more yellow), fluorescence can sometimes mitigate the yellowish tint, making the diamond appear slightly whiter. This phenomenon occurs in less than 1% of all diamonds with fluorescence, typically giving them a whitish or grayish hue.
In colors such as I-L, medium or strong fluorescence may be considered. This level of fluorescence can enhance the visibility of a yellowish tint, visually improving the diamond's color appearance. Diamonds with fluorescence often come at a lower price point compared to those without fluorescence. This makes fluorescent diamonds particularly appealing in colors like J, K, or L, offering excellent value for your purchase.
Diamond Color Buying Tips
We understand that sometimes you need quick, expert insights without having to call or email. Here's a handy list of expert tips for choosing a diamond based on color:
-
Best Value and Look: For a balance of value and appearance, consider diamonds in the G to J color range. This guideline applies across most carat weights. However, if you're opting for a diamond above 1 carat, sticking with G or H colors is advisable. Larger diamonds tend to reveal color more easily.
-
Size and Color: When selecting a larger diamond, prioritize color along with cut. Color and cut significantly influence the diamond's overall appearance and beauty.
-
Appearance in Ring Setting: Once a diamond is set in a ring, its color becomes less noticeable. An H color diamond can appear nearly colorless when mounted, especially under normal lighting conditions and without direct comparison to higher color grades.
-
Impact of Mounting Color: The color of the mounting affects how a diamond's color is perceived. Yellow gold settings diminish the appearance of slight yellow tones in diamonds, while white metal settings enhance color visibility. Rose gold has a similar effect but to a lesser extent. Platinum and white gold settings accentuate any yellow tints in diamonds the most.
These insights will help you make informed decisions when choosing a diamond based on its color.
The setting of a ring can significantly influence how a diamond's color is perceived:
- Settings that cover more of the diamond, like bezel or channel settings, tend to conceal its color.
- Settings that expose more of the diamond, such as solitaire settings, are less effective at masking any yellow hues.
If a diamond's color grade isn't perfect, there's no need to worry:
- To the untrained eye (and even to many gemologists), distinguishing between color grades is challenging unless diamonds are compared side-by-side in controlled conditions.
Buying Tips for D-F Diamonds
Diamonds in the D, E, and F color range are virtually colorless and exhibit exceptional clarity. In this color spectrum, any metal setting complements the diamond well and enhances its brilliance. D and E color diamonds, being rare and highly valued, command significant price premiums as you move up within this range. However, unless you have a keen eye for color, an F color diamond is a practical choice.
To the naked eye, an F color diamond appears nearly as pristine as D or E color diamonds, with minimal discernible difference in appearance except on the price tag.
Buying Tips for G-J Diamonds
G, H, I, and J color diamonds are categorized as colorless by GIA and IGI standards. They are suitable options for most diamond sizes and shapes. If having a diamond that appears nearly colorless is a priority for you, sticking with the G or H color range is advisable. J and I color diamonds can also be viable choices, but the degree of yellow tint they exhibit depends on factors like size, shape, and fluorescence.
Opting for yellow or rose gold settings allows for a move down in color grade, as these metals can make the diamond appear slightly whiter to the eye.
Buying Tips for K-L Diamonds.
K and L color diamonds exhibit a faint to soft yellow hue that can be visible to the naked eye. These colors are not considered colorless. It's generally recommended to avoid K and L color diamonds for diamonds larger than 1 carat, as the yellow tint becomes more noticeable with increased size.
If color is not a primary concern for you, K and L colors can still be considered. However, it's important to note that in settings with many accent diamonds, such as pave or halo settings, these smaller stones can accentuate the yellow tint of the center diamond. At With Clarity, all our accent diamonds are within the G color grade, ensuring consistency in appearance.
Choosing diamonds in the K and L color range offers a substantial price advantage compared to higher color grades. This color range can also appeal to those seeking a vintage- or antique-inspired ring design.
Diamond Color and Accent Diamonds
Matching smaller accent or side stones with the center diamond is crucial for creating high-quality jewelry. Color plays a pivotal role in achieving a harmonious match. Larger diamonds tend to reveal color more readily, so it's essential to ensure that your accent stones are within a couple of color grades of your main stone, especially in halo and three-stone ring settings.
However, exact matching isn't always necessary, as color and inclusions are less noticeable in smaller accent diamonds. At With Clarity, we use G color diamonds for all our accent stones to ensure a consistent and appealing overall appearance of your ring.
These G color accent stones complement a wide range of center stone grades, from D color diamonds to J color diamonds. If you opt for a center stone grade lower than J, you may notice some contrast, but our goal is to help you find a combination that you love.
Fancy Colored Diamonds
Diamonds that exhibit colors outside the traditional D-Z scale or contain hues other than typical yellow or brown are categorized as fancy colored diamonds. (A fancy shaped diamond refers to any shape other than round.) Fancy colored diamonds are exceptionally rare, with only one in 10,000 diamonds possessing a color other than yellow or brown. The value of a fancy colored diamond depends on factors like color saturation, intensity, and hue, which can either detract from or enhance its overall value.
Naturally occurring diamond colors encompass a spectrum including gray, white, blue, yellow, orange, red, green, olive, pink, purple, brown, and black. Among these, red diamonds are the rarest and most valuable, with only about 40 to 50 known red diamonds in existence. Diamonds with fancy colors are graded by laboratories such as GIA on a scale that considers 27 different color hues. Popular brand names for fancy colors include cognac, champagne, chocolate, icy, and canary.
GIA evaluates fancy colors based on the strength of the color and any undertones present. Diamonds can exhibit multiple undertones, with dominant colors identified as Fancy Light Orangey Pink or Fancy Yellowish Green, for example. Due to the importance of hue, tone, and saturation in fancy colored diamonds, it's typically recommended to view the diamond in person before making a purchase. Images or videos often do not accurately capture the brilliance and true color of fancy diamonds in this category.