Diamond Colors

Contrary to popular belief, diamonds come in many colors, but when it comes to fine jewelry, diamond color is desribed in terms of "whiteness". Usually, precious pieces such as engagement rings are adorned with white diamonds, yet their perceived color can be affected by the diamond's shape and setting metal.

DIAMOND COLOR

For most diamonds, color is described in terms of “whiteness”. Unlike fancy-colored diamonds, which are valued for their color intensity, white diamonds are valued for their lack of color.

The diamond color scale used by the diamond industry was developed by the GIA and places diamonds on a scale ranging from D to Z. Most retailers do not carry diamonds below L grade, which begin to show faint color.

Diamond Color Long Rectangle


Differences between diamond color grades can be very subtle. Diamonds that are J grade and above generally appear “colorless” to the untrained eye. However, color becomes easier to detect as diamond size increases. The larger the diamond, the more important color grades become.

Diamond shape and setting metal should also be taken into consideration, as they can affect perceived color.

Setting Metal

Once a diamond is set in jewelry, it becomes more difficult to see its true color. For lower color grade diamonds, yellow and rose gold can help make traces of color less apparent. White metals on the other hand, make hints of color more visible, and are therefore perfect for showcasing a colorless diamond.

Diamond Shape

Color tends to be less noticeable in brilliant cuts, due to the high number of facets. Step cuts, such as emerald, radiant, and asscher, are more revealing of color.

Diamond Color Def1
Colorless

The most valuable of all color grades, the difference between D, E, and F diamonds can only be distinguished by experts.

D to F diamonds should be set in white metals. A warm or dark metal setting would affect the diamond’s perceived color, undermining its value.

Diamond Color Ghij1
Near Colorless

Near colorless diamonds have a very slight trace of color, but are still suitable for white gold settings.

I and J colors are excellent value choices for diamonds under one carat, while G and H color is recommended for diamonds over one carat.

Diamond Color Km1
Faint Color

Faint color becomes visible to the naked eye from K grade down. For those who don’t mind the hue, K to M color diamonds offers unbeatable value.

Warm metals work best with diamonds of this grade, which tend to have a yellow or brown tinge.

Diamond Color Nr1
Very Light Color

N to R grade diamonds are rarely used by jewelers due to their noticeable color.

Diamond Color Sz1
Light Color

Sometimes mistaken for fancy-colored diamonds, N to R grade diamonds have clearly visible color.

FAQs

A pure diamond will be completely transparent and colourless. However, it is possible to get diamonds in a variety of different colours with some of the most common being grey, blue, red, green and even black. Any coloured diamond will contain interstitial impurities or structural defects. Generally, coloured diamonds are less valuable than pure versions.
Pure diamonds are completely transparent and colourless. However, due to interstitial impurities, and in some cases, structural defects they can come in a variety of different colours. Some of the most common are white, steel grey, blue, yellow, red, pink, green and even black.
A 2-carat diamond ring is a substantial size and will cost anything from $5,000 to over $60,000. The substantial difference in price can be attributed to the clarity of the diamond, its cut and the cut’s quality, as well as the colour of stone.