YOUR DIAMOND COLOR GUIDE
*Some links on our site may earn us a small commission at NO EXTRA cost to you, helping us keep our content free*
Color is one of the most important aspects of a diamond when determining value and desirability. The color of a diamond refers to the degree to which it is colorless. Diamond color is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown) by comparing the diamond to a master set of diamonds of known color. Colorless diamonds are the most rare and valuable, while yellow or brown diamonds are more common and considerably less expensive.
NEED TO KNOW NOTES
D-E-F is called "colorless" or "collection color" - They contain little to no trace of color and appear pure, bright, and transparent. Rarer than the other colors, they are subsequently more expensive(and rightfully so!).
- G-H-I-(J) is referred to as "near-colorless" - Now there is quite a range here. G will appear brighter and whiter than a J color(which will appear “warm” with a very slight tinge). When seen side by side, you will notice a visual difference. However, on their own, it is a bit more complicated. These colors are certainly very popular as they are considered a value play and can save you a healthy percentage on your purchase. Guild jewelers (high-end luxury retailers)generally focus on I color and better.
- K-L-M colors are known as "faint" color diamonds. Here you will notice a bit more yellow or "warmth" in the stone. The diamonds will not face up as brilliant or bright and essentially “feel” “dark” when indoors or on a gray day. This category of color is substantially less expensive than its counterparts of D E or F. The trade refers to these diamonds as TTLS(true top light silver) or TTLB(true top light brown).
- N-O-P-Q-R are known as "very light". Here there is a very noticeable yellow tinge to the diamonds. Though the GIA refers to this category of color as “very light”, the greenish or brownish tinge will be very noticeable to most, with or without a white diamond by its side. These colors are very often found in “commercial” merchandise and are not carried at true luxury operations(unless in LARGE diamonds). The trade refers to these colors as Top Silver or TLB(top light brown).
- S-Z - These are known as "light" per a GIA grading report. Not to be confused with the Fancy color of "light yellow", but a category referred to as "light". Here the diamonds are just starting to turn the corner into a fancy yellow color range. The yellow body of the diamond will be considerably noticeable and will become more expensive than the N-O-P-Q-R range. You will find this color category interesting in that they are considerably less expensive than authentic Fancy color diamonds; they are often masked in jewelry pieces and presented as a Fancy color as the color may be enhanced naturally by setting the diamond in a yellow bezel and/or by adding a yellow gold shell to the pavilion of the diamond.
- The setting/mounting and shape of the diamond can help improve or darken the overall color appearance of the diamond.
STOP READING AND TAKE THE QUICK TEST!
DO YOU SEE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE 2?
DIAMOND COLOR SCALE EXPLAINED
Introduced in the 1950s by the Gemological Institute of America(GIA). The GIA has established a standardized scale for grading diamond color, ranging from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Diamonds that fall outside this range, showing a very strong color are referred to as "fancy-colored diamonds" and are graded using a different scale.
So what does all of this mean to you? All this terminology and lettering can get very confusing. So let's get into some real examples and explanations.
D-E-F color is going to be a super high white(referred to as “collection color” or “colorless”). Think of a crystal-clear glass of water. If you put a D color next to an F color, it would be pretty difficult for the human eye to pick up the true color difference. Yet here, you can have a 40% difference in price! So do you NEED a D color? Probably not 😃. Would it be cool and rare to have one...yes. But truth be told, the price difference is pretty significant and the human eye would have a tough time distinguishing the difference(once the diamond is mounted in a setting, virtually impossible to see the difference with the naked eye). Don’t get us wrong, we love D, E, and F color diamonds and if your budget permits you to get the size, clarity, and cut you would like, go for it! If not, this is one area that you can concede that may not cause any visual sacrifice.
Now let’s take a look at the G-H-I and even the J color range. Here, we begin with a bit of a different story. A G color next to an I color is a considerable visual difference. As we move towards the I color, the diamond starts to present a “warm” feeling. For some reason, websites are trying to tell consumers that there is no difference between these color grades and that could not be further from the truth. We believe this explanation is provided in an attempt to get a click and purchase the buyer (YOU) thinking you have a good deal and that there is no difference.
are not saying to not purchase an I color! No, no, not at all!
We love I color and taking all else into consideration, it can be absolutely beautiful! The simple truth is that a G color does not look at all like an I color. G color will, in a vast majority of cases, face whiter and brighter than an I color. Don't let sites fool you. Ask ANY of the sites, if the price, cut, and size were the same, which diamond would they choose, a G color or an I color and every one of them will choose G color ... Why? because it is whiter and will appear brighter than the I! Keep all in perspective, I color is less expensive, hence a great option for most and you will find it recommended not because it has the same look as a G color but because it is less expensive and most purchasing is driven by price.
So let's talk about whywould recommend an I color. The reality is an I color is still a very white diamond in comparison to the other lower color options, J K L M…etc. If a diamond is cut properly and generally VS clarity or better, you can still get that super fire and light reflection/refraction you are looking for at a great value. The most critical sellers of diamonds in the world, like Tiffany & Co, opt to sell primary colors of D E F G H, and yes,I! Believe us when we say that they are as picky as can be when it comes to buying diamonds on the open market.....we should know..wink.
Now when we drop to J color, we start to pause for a moment. J color is just starting to teeter on being able to see and "feel" that warmth or that ever so slight tinge of yellow. On the one hand, you get a very good value as the price drops significantly and your budget will allow for a visually bigger stone. On the other hand, one should be aware of the "warmth" that one will feel when looking at the diamond. Especially when the diamond becomes dirty over time. The color tends to show a bit more.
K color and down - For us, we don't love it. If you were asking our opinion, we would tell you to opt for a smaller diamond and stay out of this range. You can get away with it a bit when purchasing diamond studs, but for engagement rings, we encourage you to choose a better color diamond as it will be on display for the rest of your life!
When the diamond is front and center, nothing will beat a truly white stone, a k color, and down put next to a g color or whiter, will not compare in beauty(all else being equal!).
Why do we say diamond studs are ok? For lower color? Our thoughts are simple, though an important part of an ensemble, the earring is often not the focal point; however, a diamond engagement ring is often the center of attention and therefore considerably more noticeable. So, in our view, you can get away with a bit of color and clarity concessions when purchasing earrings. We still Are not fans of lower colors because there is definitely a visual difference, especially if the diamonds become dirty, color will be easily discernible. But for those who are budget-conscious, we won’t tell you not to do it. It still can give you a brilliant and bright look if kept clean and the proper cut is adhered to.
NOW TAKE THE TEST AGAIN! ARE YOU A PRO YET?
*Some links on our site may earn us a small commission at NO EXTRA cost to you, helping us keep our content free*