How to select Diamond Color

By Robert Underhill



Diamond Color Grading

The color grade of a fine gem grade diamond is determined by its absence of color. The less color present in a diamond, the more color is returned. Perhaps the easiest way to visualize this is to envision the triangular shape prism we all looked at in science class. When the prism was put in sunlight, a rainbow of colors was displayed. Likewise, a colorless diamond will return a dazzling spectrum of color.

The highest color grade for a diamond is "D". "D" color diamonds are very rare and not commonly found in traditional jewelry. Most diamonds used in jewelry have a slight presence of color.

Some diamonds have very high concentration of desirable color and are known as Fancy and can be found in a variety of colors including yellow, green, pink, blue, and the rarest of all red.

Color is the one aspect of diamond grading that is done exclusively by the naked eye. When gemologists grade the color of a diamond they do so by comparing the stone to other stones in a master set of stones of known qualities in a sterile colorless light box. So, for example: If a stone is to be graded G, it is compared to an F, a G, and an H color diamond to find the stone it most closely resembles.

Since diamond colors are graded by the unaided eye, it stands to reason that color is one of the primary concerns you should have when buying a diamond. It is a lot easier to forgive an inclusion that is only visible under magnification than it is to forgive a brown or yellow stone.




D Color Diamonds

D color diamonds are the benchmark for quality. They are very rare and collectable. To the eye they are visibly the most beautiful diamonds when cut well. They are also very expensive in larger gem clarity, making them a bit prohibitive for most people in traditional jewelry.


E and F Color Diamonds

Diamonds in E and F colors will always appear colorless unless compared to a D color stone. E and F grades are a wonderful color grades if you can afford them.


G Color Diamonds

For most people seeking a high color diamond, G is the benchmark for quality. The stones are pleasing and white and generally exceed the typical stones used in the traditional fine jewelry marketplace.


H and I Color Diamonds

Diamonds in the H-I color class are very sought-after in fine jewelry. The stones perform well and do not exhibit obvious color. H-I marks the breaking point for near colorless performance in diamonds.


J and K Color Diamonds

J-K colors mark the top end of commercial jewelry for the masses. They are affordable and provide a big look in the light yellow and top light brown categories, at a significant reduction in price from the gem colors of D through I.

There is, however, a noticeable difference in the look of these stones to warrant the lower cost.


L and Lower Color Diamonds

Stones that are colors L and lower can not be disguised. Yellow and Brown are obvious in this material and they are used primarily in low-end commercial jewelry.