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This guide delves into the details of diamond color scale to help you find the perfect diamond that spreads joy and fire with every sparkle and hue.
You might be accustomed to the classic colorless image of diamonds, but did you know that most diamonds are actually not colorless? The ideal and most desirable diamond is completely or nearly colorless. However, most of them possess a faint yellow tinge, or even fancy colors like pink or blue. Color is one of the 4C’s that defines a diamond’s quality and impacts its beauty and price.
Like the other elements of the 4C’s, color also has a crucial role affecting the quality and beauty of the diamond. A colorless diamond allows light to pass through more easily, which maximizes its brilliance and fire. The clearer and more colorless the diamond, the better it reflects light and sparks extra fancy. Colorless diamonds are extremely rare and more valuable, except for fancy-colored ones like red, pink or blue diamonds, which are even rarer. This rarity translates to a higher price tag, of course. That’s why color has a vital role in affecting a diamond’s appearance, quality, value and price and it’s definitely worth considering before buying one.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) introduced a widely recognized, industry standard color grading scale which uses letters from D to Z. Each letter grade represents a specific range of color appearance. Diamonds with the highest color grade, D, appear completely colorless. As you move down the scale towards Z, faint yellow or brown tints become more noticeable. Although they are very difficult to notice with the naked eye, these slight color variations affect the price and overall quality of the stone significantly.
D, E and F are the top grades on the GIA color scale and are considered colorless diamonds. D graded diamonds are the rarest and most expensive diamonds as they exhibit absolutely no color whatsoever. Meanwhile, F graded ones can show a hint of faint hue only visible to a trained eye. As only trained experts can tell the difference between D, E or F-colored diamonds, they are the most valuable and desirable options you can go for, if you are looking for the finest diamonds.
G, H, I and J colors are considered near colorless. They can show faint traces of warm colors while these hints are still hard to notice for the untrained eye. G is the highest grade in the near colorless category, and it appears almost completely colorless. H, I and J graded diamonds also appear almost colorless although they can display a shadowy and faint yellow reflection under bright light. Diamonds falling into this category often come at a more modest price point when compared to colorless diamonds.
K, L and M are faint color grades. They have a yellowish tint that can be seen with the naked eye. While colorless and near-colorless diamonds are the most sought-after options, faint colored diamonds offer an alternative at a more accessible price. If you’re after a classic bright white diamond, their subtle and warm hues may not be ideal for you. For quality considerations, we don’t offer diamonds graded K, L and M at Eternate.
Diamonds falling in between N and Z grade scales are very light and light color ones. They showcase a yellow, brown or gray hue that is distinctly noticeable. Although they offer a budget-friendly option, their visible and dim color may not suit everyone's preference for a classic sparkling and eyeful colorless diamond. For quality considerations, we don’t offer diamonds graded between N and Z at Eternate.
Most desirable diamonds fall in the D-F range due to their clear and bright sparkle that catches the eye. However, it’s best to consider your personal taste and budget, too. If you prefer a cleaner and brighter look, you can prioritize D-E-F colored ones even if it means compromising on carat, cut or clarity. But if a bigger stone is your dream, you can go for slightly less colorless grades. The cut can also affect the perceived color of a diamond. Round brilliant cuts, for instance, can hide the color well thanks to their small facets. But step cuts like emerald and Asscher tend to show off more of a color due to their larger, flatter facets. So, the key is to find the balance that brings you the most joy.
Fancy colored ones such as blue or red diamonds are extremely rare and valuable. But colorless or near colorless diamonds are also highly valuable and slightly more accessible. Yet, the most important thing is that you love the sparkle you see, no matter what color it throws your way. It's your taste that will determine which one is the best.
According to GIA’s color scale, the highest color grade a diamond can achieve is D, which implies it appears completely colorless.
The most prevalent fluorescence color in diamonds is blue. But it's a subtle effect and only visible with specialized equipment.
Besides colorless diamonds which are incredibly rare and pricy, the most expensive colored diamonds are red diamonds. Their scarcity, combined with their unique red color, makes them the priciest diamonds per carat.
The rarest color of diamond is red. It is estimated that only 20-30 natural red diamonds exist worldwide.