Diamond Color Grade and Scale

What is Diamond Color?

A diamond's color comes from how clear or yellow it is. Most diamond buyers—particularly those in the market for engagement rings—prefer colorless diamonds or those as close to colorless as possible. Those on the other end of the scale have a yellow or brown tone.

How Diamond Color Grades Are Ranked

The primary grading scale for diamond color comes from the GIA, also known as the Gemological Institute of America. The GIA rates diamonds from D to Z, with D representing the most colorless diamonds and Z representing diamonds with the strongest yellow or brown tones. The scale is generally divided into the following categories:

Fancy-Colored Diamonds

Shoppers interested in the brilliant tones of fancy-colored diamonds often wonder where these diamonds fit on the diamond color scale. These stones are on a completely separate scale since the richness and deepness of the diamond's color is its prized feature. The grading scale for fancy-colored diamonds takes into account the hue, tone, and color saturation values. Black diamonds fall into this group as they too range outside the standard rating system.

Diamond Color Affects Pricing

Variations in any of the four Cs lead to significant changes in diamond pricing. The most expensive diamonds are those with a D rating, thanks to their prime colorless rating. As a result, the price difference between a D diamond and an E diamond is substantial. Generally, you'll find the most significant price differences when switching from one category to another. Moving from an F diamond to a G diamond causes a drop in rating, so the price often drops accordingly.

While gemologists can easily identify diamonds of differing ratings, slight differences in color are generally not visible to the naked eye. This is especially true for most diamond shoppers without specialized gemological training. Many people think that they must buy the most colorless diamond they can afford, but it's important to compare diamonds of different rating side by side. Once you get to the point where diamonds of neighboring ratings are indistinguishable, you may have found the right diamond for your needs.

Choosing a Metal Type and Diamond Setting

Whether you opt for a higher- or a lower-rated diamond, choosing the proper metal and setting is crucial. If you select a D, E, or F diamond, you don't want to dilute the colorlessness of the diamond with a metal that doesn't suit it. If you opt for a light or very light diamond, a setting that makes the diamond look even more yellow or brown isn't ideal.

The less color a diamond has, the more reflective it is. Because of this, gemologists do not generally recommend a yellow gold or rose gold setting with a colorless or near-colorless diamond. The yellow or pink tones of the metal reflect off the diamond, diluting its colorlessness. Instead, choose a platinum or white gold ring setting.

The opposite is true for diamonds with more color. A platinum or white gold setting makes a lower-rated diamond look even more yellow or brown by comparison. Yellow gold or rose gold settings make light or very light diamonds look whiter because of the contrast created by this combination.

The carat amount you choose is also relevant. The larger the diamond, the more apparent it's color. Shoppers who plan on investing in a sizable diamond should consider holding out for a more colorless white diamond. Smaller diamonds are less likely to show mild differences in color.

Different diamond cuts pair well with diverse color options. A round diamond is the most reflective cut, showing color imperfections much more clearly than other cuts. "Brilliant-cut" are the most favored of round-cuts as they maximize the reflective light of the stone. If you're in the market for a diamond lower than colorless or near-colorless, consider alternatives to round-cut diamonds.

Frequently Asked Questions