A Key detail to the Diamond Color Scale ~ Diamond Inhouse Blogs

Diamond Color

A diamond’s color grade is basically considered to be one of all the foremost important characteristics when assessing a diamond for purchasing. Even subtle differences in color can dramatically impact a diamond’s value. for instance, when comparing diamond clarity, weight and cut and if two diamonds have the identical clarity, weight and cut, but the color of two diamonds are different than it will decrease the value of the downgraded color diamond. Many of the diamonds sold today come in near-colorless, light yellowish, or brownish in shade. That is why the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) developed a diamond color scale, which is now widely accepted as the standard for the grading system. Understanding color grades is essential for one who is interested in buying or learning about diamonds.

The Diamond Color Chart

A diamond’s color chart refers to how the color of the diamond is clear or with some shade in it. In general, the highest quality diamonds are totally colorless, whereas lower quality diamonds can often have a slight yellow or brown tint.

The Color chart suggests that the color of diamond starts with D (that will be colorless) all the way to Z (light yellow or brown in color). Between D and Z, there are numerous diamond color grades, ranging from near colorless to slightly yellow or brown.

Diamonds can vary hugely in price based on their color basis, meaning that picking the right color for your certain needs could help you save a lot of money without affecting your choice and even your budget.

Colorless diamonds are scarce and rank much higher on the color grading scale than a diamond that has even the softest touch of shades. The average person can detect the difference between a grade D diamond and that of a Z because of the significant difference between the shades. The scale can be further broken down into five categories with color grades that range from colorless to light in color.

Colorless: Grades D, E and F on the scale make up the Colorless diamonds. Only a skilled person with the perfect training and knowledge will be able to detect the precise differences between these three gradings, but the corresponding value in terms of price will differ greatly. Grade D diamonds are extremely rare and colorless, while E and F grades contains different type of sparkling feature and appears colorless face-down as well as face-up, which only a professional or skilled person can explain.

Near Colorless: G, H, I and J are the grades considered the Near Colorless. These diamonds have a slightly warm shade brownish or yellowish, that is difficult for any buyer or consumers to detect unless using the diamond tools and comparing side-by-side with a diamond of a higher grade.

Faint: Grades K, L and M make up the Faint category of colors. At this point, you may begin to be able to detect the tint of the diamond without prior training, since they possess a visible shade in it. Due to the color variation, diamonds of this grade are much less desired, resulting in steep price drops from the previous category.

Very Light: N, O, P, Q and R are the grades that comes under Very Light category and have a strongly notable color. The color can vary from brown to a yellow tint and are sometimes referred to as “top light brown or yellow” within the industry. The demand for these diamonds is comparatively very less.

Light: All other grades from S to Z are considered in Light category. Amusingly, Light colored diamonds - specifically those beyond a U grade - usually have greater demand than Very Light diamonds in the industry.

The down below is the image and the table that contains the brief detailing for all the shades.

The GIA grades Diamond Color on the following scale:

Color	Description
D	D is the highest color grade, meaning it has nearly no color. Under magnification and to the naked eye, a D color diamond will appear colorless. Diamonds with a D color grade are the most rare and expensive in the market, with a significant price premium over other color grades.
E	E color diamonds look almost identical to D color diamonds. Most of the time, the differences in color between a D and E diamond are viewed under magnification. As, this color diamonds are in very good demand in the industry.
F	F color diamonds are almost identical to D and E color diamonds, with nearly no visible color but with a different kind of shine or sparkle in it. Even under magnification and side by side, a D, E and F diamond will look almost identical to anyone other than a professional.
G	G color diamonds exhibit nearly no color and appear mainly colorless to the naked eye. The G color grade is the highest, best grade in the “Near Colorless” range of the GIA’s scale, which covers diamonds graded G to J. As, G color diamonds have some tints of color, they are almost not possible to detect with the naked eye.
H	H color diamonds appear primarily colorless to the naked eye but have a faint yellow and brown shade or tint that’s often visible under magnification in bright lighting, especially when they’re compared to diamonds of a higher color grade.
I	I color diamonds offer a great combination of near colorless looks and value for money. These diamonds have a slight yellowish and brownish tint that’s usually only visible when they’re viewed next to diamonds of a higher color grade. Its one of the highest demanded diamond shades in the industry.
J	J color diamonds look mostly colorless to the naked eye, but usually have a faint yellowish and brownish tint that’s easy to notice under the bright lights and magnification. In diamonds with a large table, the color might also be visible with the naked eye in certain lighting conditions. From a perspective view for value for money, J color diamonds can be a fantastic choice.
K	K color diamonds are in the category of a “faint yellow or brown tint” on the GIA’s diamond color scale, meaning they have a slight yellow or brown tint that’s visible even to the naked eye.
L	L color diamonds also have a yellow or brown tint that’s visible to the naked eye in normal lighting conditions. Diamonds with this color grade are much more affordable than those in the G to J range, making them a good value for money option.
M	M color diamonds have a bit more yellow or brown tint than K & L, that’s visible to the naked eye. Like K and L diamonds, M color diamonds offer fantastic value for money when compared to near colorless or colorless diamonds.
N-R	Diamonds in the N to R range has noticeable yellow or brown tinting. These diamonds are available at a much lower price point than faintly tinted or near-colorless diamonds.
S-Z	Diamonds of an S-Z range have easily noticeable yellow or brown tinting. And kind of demanding in the industry from the color U.

WHAT IS THE BEST COLOR DIAMOND TO BUY?

Unfortunately, there is no straight answer to this question, as it will totally depend on what is important to you as the buyer. Colorless diamonds, grades D to F, will always represent the top-quality stones that you can get. However, they are rare and therefore quite expensive. Near Colorless diamonds, grades G-H, represent the best value if you are on a budget. Due to their slightly lower grade and presence of some nearly undetectable color, these diamonds are generally more affordable. If you are looking for something small and would like a yellow gold setting, an even lower color grade diamond may be more suitable for your needs and budget.