Benjamin’s Complete Guide to Diamond Color

One of the most vital aspects of a diamond’s quality is the “diamond color”. To most people, every natural diamond is colorless and has a beautiful spark. However, this isn’t the case. Almost all diamonds feature a yellow tint that affects their appearance and, consequently, the price. 

In this complete guide to diamond color, GIA-certified expert Benjamin Khordipour will explain what you should know before purchasing your diamond. 

What Is Diamond Color?

Diamond color refers to the amount of natural body color visible in a diamond. In most white diamonds, this means measuring how colorless the stone appears. The less noticeable the color, the rarer and more valuable the diamond usually is.

Even when a diamond looks white or transparent to the eye, it may still contain subtle traces of yellow, brown, gray, or another tint. These color differences are often difficult for the average person to notice, but they are important in professional diamond grading. Natural diamonds form deep within the earth, and small traces of elements or structural irregularities can affect how much color appears in the stone.

In general, diamond color is closely tied to rarity. Colorless diamonds are uncommon, while diamonds with a noticeable tint are far more common. This is why color plays such an important role in diamond pricing, quality, and overall beauty.

Understanding the GIA Diamond Color Charts 

The GIA diamond color chart grades white diamonds by how much visible body color they show. In most cases, this means measuring the presence of yellow or brown tint. A colorless diamond has no noticeable tint and appears icy, bright, and transparent. As the color grade moves lower on the scale, the warmth becomes more visible.

These differences can be extremely subtle. In fact, many shoppers will not notice color easily until around the K or L range, especially once the diamond is mounted in a ring. Even so, small color differences can have a major effect on price. Diamonds in the higher color ranges, especially D through G, often command significantly higher prices than diamonds with more warmth.

The most widely recognized diamond color scale was created by the Gemological Institute of America, better known as GIA. This scale runs from D to Z. A D-color diamond is considered completely colorless, while a Z-color diamond has a clearly visible yellow, brown, or warm tint.

Interesting Fact: GIA chose to begin the scale with the letter D because older grading systems had already used letters such as A, B, and C, along with numbers and other terms. When GIA introduced its standardized scale in the 1950s, it started with D to avoid confusion and create a clear, new grading system.

Colorless Diamonds (D, E and F Color)

Colorless diamonds are labeled with a D, E, or F grade. Such diamonds don’t feature any unwanted yellow or brown hue and look completely transparent. The differences between the three color grades are so subtle that only diamond experts can determine them under specific conditions. All three color grades are very rare and fetch similar prices. 

In terms of setting, colorless diamonds could look beautiful in both colder and warmer tones. Most people prefer them set in white gold or platinum because such metals emphasize their transparency. However, they can look just as good in yellow or rose gold. 

D Color Diamond

A D color diamond is the highest color grade a white diamond can receive. It has no visible yellow or brown tint and is considered completely colorless. This grade is best for buyers who want the rarest and whitest diamond possible. D color diamonds are beautiful, but they usually cost much more than lower color grades that may still look very white to the eye.

E Color Diamond 

An E color diamond is also considered colorless and looks extremely white. It has only the tiniest trace of color, but it is almost impossible to see without professional grading. This is a great choice for buyers who want a very high-end diamond but do not need the absolute top D grade. E color diamonds are still rare and expensive, but they usually cost slightly less than D color diamonds.

F Color Diamond 

An F color diamond is the lowest grade in the colorless range, but it still looks very white. Any slight tint is extremely difficult to notice, even for many trained buyers. This is a smart choice for someone who wants a colorless diamond without paying the higher price of D or E. F color diamonds are still rare and valuable, but they often offer better value than the very top color grades.

Near Colorless Diamonds (G, H, I, and J Color)

Near colorless diamonds feature a slight tint that’s difficult to see without magnification. There are four color grades within this category: G, H, I, and J, and the presence of a colored tint becomes more noticeable as the scale progresses. 

Many people choose diamonds from this color category because they are much more affordable than colorless diamonds and offer the same aesthetic effect. Typically, only diamond experts can distinguish colorless from near-colorless diamonds. This enables customers to purchase a lower-graded diamond without compromising on its appearance. 

Even within the category, the prices can vary greatly. A J-color diamond can be much less expensive than a G-color one. However, the visual appearance can also be much more noticeable. Fortunately, the right setting can hide the difference. 

G Color Diamond 

A G color diamond is in the near-colorless range, but it usually still looks very white. Any warmth is very subtle and difficult to notice once the diamond is set in a ring. This is one of the best choices for buyers who want a bright white diamond without paying the premium for D, E, or F. G color diamonds often offer an excellent balance of beauty, quality, and value.

H Color Diamond 

An H color diamond is a near-colorless diamond that usually still looks white to the eye. It may show a very small amount of warmth, especially in larger diamonds or from the side. This is a strong choice for buyers who want a beautiful diamond while saving money compared to higher color grades. H color diamonds often offer excellent value, especially when set in yellow gold, rose gold, or vintage-style rings.

I Color Diamond 

An I color diamond is in the near-colorless range, but it can show a little warmth. In many rings, especially yellow gold or rose gold settings, the color can still look very attractive. This is a good choice for buyers who want a larger diamond while keeping the price lower. I color diamonds can offer strong value, but they should be checked carefully in larger stones or very white settings.

J Color Diamond 

A J color diamond is the lowest grade in the near-colorless range. It can still look fairly white, but a slight warm tint may be visible, especially in larger diamonds or white metal settings. This is a good choice for buyers who want a larger diamond and are comfortable with a little warmth. J color diamonds can offer excellent value, especially in yellow gold, rose gold, or antique-style engagement rings.

Faint Diamonds (K, L and M Color)

Faint diamonds have a slight yet noticeable yellow tint and a lower price tag than colorless or near-colorless diamonds. Although the yellow tint can be unappealing to some, faint diamonds are still very popular. Many people enjoy the slightly warm tone, especially when combined with the right metal. 

Due to their color, faint diamonds are often set in yellow or rose gold. That way, the metal looks as if it is reflected in the diamond. Of course, this isn’t a universal rule; many people like the contrast and choose a faint diamond set in white gold or platinum. 

K Color Diamond 

A K color diamond has a noticeable warm tint compared to higher color grades. It may still look beautiful, especially in yellow gold, rose gold, or vintage-style settings. This grade is best for buyers who care more about size, character, or budget than having a bright white diamond. K color diamonds can be a smart value choice, but they are usually not ideal for someone who wants a crisp, icy-white look.

L Color Diamond 

An L color diamond has a clear warm tint that most buyers will notice. It can still look beautiful, especially in yellow gold, rose gold, or antique-style settings. This grade is best for buyers who like a warmer diamond or want a larger stone for the budget. L color diamonds can offer strong value, but they are not the best choice for someone who wants a white-looking diamond.

M Color Diamond 

An M color diamond has a strong warm tint that is usually easy to see. It often shows yellow or brown warmth, especially in larger stones or white metal settings. This grade is best for buyers who like a warmer, antique-style look or want a larger diamond for the price. M color diamonds can be beautiful, but they are not a good choice for someone who wants a white or colorless-looking diamond.

Very Light Diamonds

Very light color diamonds usually fall in the N to R color range. They have an obvious warm tint, often yellow or brown, that most people will notice. These diamonds are best for buyers who like a warmer look or want a larger diamond at a much lower price. Very light color diamonds can be attractive in the right setting, but they are not a good choice for someone who wants a white-looking diamond.

Light Diamonds 

Light color diamonds usually fall in the S to Z color range. They have a clear yellow, brown, or warm tint that is easy to see. These diamonds are best for buyers who want a noticeably warm diamond or are trying to get the largest size for the lowest price. Light color diamonds can work in certain vintage or yellow gold designs, but they are not ideal for someone who wants a white-looking diamond.

Fancy Color Diamond Scale 

With “white” diamonds, it’s all about the absence of color. Colorless diamonds are the rarest and, thus, the most valuable. The rules are quite the opposite when it comes to fancy color diamonds. The more color they have, the more valuable they are. 

Since fancy color diamonds don’t fall into the normal color categories, the grading system is different. Firstly, diamond experts establish the fancy color diamond’s face-up color against a grey background. Then, they compare the diamond with the pre-determined reference diamonds of the same color. 

The GIA grading system for fancy color diamonds is split into boxes that contain reference diamonds.

These are the fancy color categories: faint, very light, light, fancy light, fancy, fancy intense, fancy dark, fancy deep, and fancy vivid. 

The grades are assigned based on hue, saturation, and tone effects. Hue represents a diamond’s basic color, and GIA identifies 27. Tone represents how light or dark a diamond is, and saturation describes the color’s intensity. 

Brown and yellow diamonds are the most common fancy-color diamonds and are, therefore, less expensive. In contrast, pink, red, blue, and green diamonds are extremely rare and highly valued. 

Insider Tips for Buying a Diamond With Color 

Buying the right diamond can be an overwhelming venture, especially if you’re new to this world. Just because the D color grade is the highest doesn’t mean all others aren’t worthy of your time. We’ve gathered several tips that could help you buy your perfect diamond. 

1. Buy From Renowned Jewelers 

The first and most important piece of advice we can give is to always buy diamonds from reliable jewelers with years of experience and an impeccable reputation. 

Such jewelers will be able to give you detailed information about each diamond’s color and explain the subtle differences. Moreover, they could answer all your questions and make your decision much easier. 

2. Look for the Certification 

It’s vital to never purchase a diamond without certification. Since the GIA is the most renowned diamond-grading institution, it is best to gravitate towards diamonds with a GIA certification. Each diamond’s color is described with a letter ranging from D to Z. 

If a jeweler only gives you a color range instead of a specific grade, it usually means that the diamond isn’t GIA-certified. 

If you are looking at an antique diamond, it’s recommended that you try to get it graded by a certification company that is an expert in antique diamonds, like UGL.

3. Don’t Be Seduced by Letters 

While D color diamonds are undeniably impressive, they are also very expensive. There’s no need to purchase a D color diamond just because it’s the highest color grading. As mentioned, the color differences can be very subtle, and you can often buy an exceptional diamond that doesn’t belong to the colorless range. 

G color diamonds cost significantly less and look the same to the naked eye. Even lower-grade diamonds can appear colorless in certain settings. Don’t let anyone convince you that colorless diamonds are the only way to go. Feel free to compare them to near-colorless or faint diamonds and establish whether you can see the difference. 

4. Look at the Metal 

A diamond’s setting can significantly affect its appearance. This typically isn’t an issue for colorless diamonds because they look exceptional in any setting. On the other hand, lower-graded diamonds can be significantly “embellished” by the right metal. Yellow or rose gold can hide the diamond’s yellow tint and make it seem like a reflection. 

If you enjoy the slight yellow tint, go for a white-gold or platinum setting. Many people like the subtle contrast. 

5. Less Can Be More 

The larger a diamond, the more obvious its color is. If you’re in the market for a larger diamond, you should consider getting one with a higher color grade. As a general rule of thumb, aim for a G-H color range for diamonds over one carat. 

Diamonds under one carat are usually smaller, which allows you to get a lower grade diamond that looks just as impressive as colorless or near colorless stones. 

6. Pay Attention to the Cut 

A diamond’s cut is a crucial factor in determining its brilliance. Usually, the more facets a diamond has, the better it will hide the color. This means you can get a diamond with a lower color grade and still enjoy its beautiful sparkle. Princess or round cuts can successfully disguise a diamond’s slight yellow tint. In contrast, step cuts such as emerald or Asscher highlight a diamond’s color and should be avoided in lower-graded diamonds. 

7. Look at the Whole Ring 

While the main character of every ring is the center stone, the surrounding elements can significantly alter its appearance. Side stones, halos, under galleries, intricate patterns, and decorated shoulders can greatly affect a diamond’s look. These elements can make a lower-graded diamond seem colorless or near colorless and create a stunning piece of jewelry. 

That’s why you shouldn’t focus only on the center stone but on the “bigger picture.” If you fall in love with a ring, don’t let a lower color grade be the only factor that changes your mind. 

8. Be Realistic 

When purchasing a diamond, it’s essential to be realistic in terms of the price. Colorless diamonds are much more expensive than diamonds from other categories. If such diamonds don’t fit into your budget, look for other, more affordable options. You may be surprised by the abundance of beautiful diamonds that look just as good as the colorless ones. 

9. Trust Your Judgement 

Some people only go for diamonds with the highest color grades, while others like the slight yellow tint. While jewelers can help you narrow down your choices, don’t forget it’s all about your preferences. Any jeweler that doesn’t give you objective information isn’t worthy of your time and trust. 

Do your research, talk to several jewelers, gather information, and purchase a diamond that matches your criteria. 

Understanding Masterstones and Diamond Certification 

Diamond certifications or diamond grading reports are issued by renowned laboratories, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and contain detailed information about a diamond. Such information is based on the 4 Cs: cut, color, carat, and clarity. 

Besides being informative, diamond certifications prove a diamond is genuine. That’s why it’s essential to carefully examine a diamond’s certification before purchasing it. 

Although GIA certifications are the most popular, other entities can certify diamonds. Since each entity can use different grading systems, certifications aren’t comparable. You should only purchase diamonds certified by a reputable grading entity. Besides GIA, the American Gem Society (AGS) is a top-tier diamond-grading institution. 

You may wonder how experts determine a diamond’s color since it’s such a delicate process. The answer is that they use a set of master stones or diamonds that fulfill specific conditions. Each master stone represents one color grade that helps experts establish a diamond’s color. Master stones are set in left-to-right order, and trained graders compare a diamond to them until they find a match. 

Experts examine all diamonds for treatments as part of the color-grading process. If the results show the diamonds were treated, there will be an asterisk after the color grade, followed by an explanation in the comments. 

Experts examine the color of diamonds in specially designed laboratories and follow strict protocols that guarantee accuracy. 

Diamond Clarity Chart

Besides color, diamond clarity can have a major impact on its appearance. Natural diamonds are formed under a great amount of pressure and heat and often contain unique “birthmarks.” Clarity represents the absence of blemishes and inclusions and is one of the 4 Cs. 

The GIA uses a scale comprised of six categories and 11 grades. It’s based on how diamonds look when observed under 10x magnification. 

• Flawless (FL) – Diamonds with no blemishes or inclusions. 
• Internally flawless (IF) – Diamonds with no inclusions. 
• Very, very slightly included (VVS1 and VVS2) – Diamonds with slight inclusions. Such inclusions are difficult to spot even for an experienced grader. 
• Very slightly included (VS1 and VS2) – Diamonds with minor inclusions. Although they are harder to spot, such inclusions are still visible. 
• Slightly included (SI1 and SI2) – Diamonds with observable inclusions. 
• Included (I1, I2, and I3) – Diamonds with clearly observed inclusions. 

Naturally, the fewer inclusions and blemishes a diamond has, the more expensive it will be. However, the differences can be so subtle that only diamond experts can notice them. This means you don’t have to get a flawless or internally flawless diamond when a slightly included one can have the same effect. 

Just like overpaying for a diamond’s color, you can do the same for its clarity. As we know, diamonds with a D color grade and F clarity grade are the most expensive. The key is finding a balance between the two characteristics. 

The Connection Between Color and Clarity 

To better understand how diamond color and clarity are related, let’s look at an example. We have three 1.00-carat diamonds: the first is J color and VVS2 clarity, the second is D color and SI2 clarity, and the third is I color and VS2 clarity. All three diamonds have a similar price. Why is that? This is because the first has a lower color grade but only slight inclusions. The second has the highest color grade but very noticeable inclusions. The third is near colorless and has minor inclusions. 

The difference between flawless and internally flawless diamonds could cost you thousands of dollars, even though they look completely the same to the naked eye. 

When purchasing a diamond, you should choose one that looks “clean” and appears colorless in the desired setting. 

Which Diamond Color Is the Best? 

Since color isn’t the only factor determining a diamond’s quality, it’s hard to say one can stand out as the best. That being said, we can discuss some general tendencies in the diamond world. 

In terms of the GIA color scale, D color is the best. This color grade is given only to diamonds with no tint, even under 10x magnification. These diamonds are rare, desirable, and expensive. 

If you want to invest in diamonds, those with a D, E, or F color grade are the best choice. Colorless diamonds aren’t common and can be a great investment opportunity. They have high value and are always in demand, which is why many collectors seek after them. 

Our Expert Opinion: In terms of retail, J color diamonds offer great value for your money. They belong to the near colorless category, offer a high degree of brilliance, and are much more affordable than D-F diamonds. They are even significantly less expensive than other near colorless diamonds. 

Lab-Grown Diamond Colors

As opposed to natural diamonds that are created due to geological processes, lab-grown diamonds are the result of a manufacturing process. Although artificially created, lab-grown diamonds have the same physical and chemical features as their natural counterparts. So, it’s no surprise that the same D-Z scale is used to determine their color. Colorless lab-grown diamonds are given a D color grade, while light lab-grown diamonds are labeled with the letter Z. 

That being said, we strongly caution our readers to avoid lab-grown diamonds. Read our full article on this topic.

Investing in Diamonds

Only the very best diamonds on the market can be possibly considered as “investment quality”. Other natural diamonds will usually take decades to realize a profit.

Even the highest color diamonds will struggle to turn a profit unless it is of exceptional size and quality. Usually, a higher-quality diamond must be at least 3 carats to start gathering serious attention.

That said, according to many experts, fancy-colored diamonds are currently an incredible investment opportunity.

Click here for our comprehensive guide on investing in jewelry.

Talk to a Diamond Expert 

Buying a diamond is much more than walking to the first jewelry store and choosing the prettiest one. If you want to make the right choice but aren’t sure where to start, we’re here for you. Our experts will be happy to give you more information about diamond color or diamonds in general. 

You can schedule a showroom appointment or reach us at 212 265 3868 Mon-Fri from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.