When shopping for a diamond, one of the 4Cs that buyers consider is color. Diamond color refers to the presence of trace elements and impurities that cause diamonds to exhibit different color hues. The less color a diamond has, the higher its color grade and value. So what is the best diamond color? Let’s take a look at how diamond color is graded and which colors are most desirable.
Diamond Color Grading System
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) developed the diamond color grading system used around the world today. Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Most diamonds used in fine jewelry fall into the colorless to near-colorless range of D-J.
Here is an overview of the GIA diamond color scale:
| Color Grade | Color Description |
|---|---|
| D | Colorless |
| E, F | Near colorless |
| G-J | Near colorless |
| K-M | Faint yellow |
| N-R | Very light yellow |
| S-Z | Light yellow |
As you can see, diamonds graded D-F are considered colorless to near colorless and have no noticeable yellow or brown tones. Diamonds graded G-J may have faint traces of color that are hard to detect without comparing side-by-side to better grades. Lower color grades from K onwards exhibit increasingly noticeable yellowish hues.
Which Diamond Color is Most Valuable?
Diamonds graded D-F fetch the highest prices because they are exceptionally rare. Less than 2% of all diamonds mined qualify for these top color grades. A higher-grade diamond will command a significant premium over a lower color stone of the same carat weight and clarity.
Here’s an overview of the value of different diamond color grades:
- D-F (Colorless): Most valuable and desirable. Maintain the highest resale value over time.
- G-J (Near Colorless): Offer excellent value and an affordable way to maximize carat size. Only minor difference in appearance from D-F grades.
- K-M (Faint Yellow): Noticeable yellowish tint, especially compared to higher grades. Much more affordable for large diamonds.
- N-R (Very Light Yellow): Visible yellow hue. Typically only used for smaller melee diamonds or fancy cuts. Significantly lower cost.
- S-Z (Light Yellow): Obvious yellowish or brownish color. Used in inexpensive jewelry. Lowest value of all diamond grades.
While D-F color diamonds are the most valuable and sought-after, many shoppers opt for G-J diamonds to get more carat weight for their budget. The difference in visual appeal between D-F and G-J is subtle in most settings. However, those wanting the very best will pay a premium for a rare D-F stone.
How Diamond Color Affects Price
Improving a diamond’s color grade can have a significant impact on its price. For example, take these 1 carat round diamonds:
| Color Grade | Price |
|---|---|
| J | $5,800 |
| I | $6,400 |
| H | $7,000 |
| G | $8,600 |
| F | $9,500 |
| E | $11,200 |
| D | $12,700 |
As you can see, the price jumps significantly with each incremental improvement in color. A D color diamond costs over twice as much as a J color diamond of equal carat weight and clarity simply because it is so exceptionally rare.
How to Choose the Best Diamond Color
When selecting a diamond, your budget will be the primary factor in determining which color grade you can afford. However, you should also consider the setting type and your color preferences:
- Yellow gold settings pair best with diamonds in the K-M range to complement the warm metal tones.
- White gold and platinum allow D-J color grades to shine without distracting yellow hues from the metal.
- Rose gold settings look beautiful with I-J colors that offset the pink tone of the gold.
- Halo and pave settings can help mask more obvious yellow tints in K-M diamonds.
- Solitaire settings place more emphasis on a diamond’s body color, so consider investing in a D-F stone.
- If you prefer a crisp white appearance, stick with D-F color grades.
- If you don’t mind some warmth, G-J grades provide excellent bang for your buck while looking near colorless face-up.
The most important factor is that you are happy with your diamond’s appearance. Don’t get so caught up in technical details that you forget to pick a stone you find beautiful!
Where to Buy High Quality Diamonds
Whether shopping online or in-store, be sure to only buy diamonds certified by respected grading labs like GIA or AGS. Request an inspection report and only buy from reputable jewelers who provide grading documentation for every diamond. This ensures the color grade you are paying for matches the diamond you receive.
High quality diamonds can be found at:
- Local jewelers – Established jewelers often have long-standing relationships with diamond suppliers and extensive inventory. Make sure to ask for GIA/AGS reports.
- Online retailers like Blue Nile, James Allen, Brian Gavin – Reliable online sites with 360-degree HD videos, real images, and ironclad return policies. Great way to comparison shop.
- Wholesale diamond brokers – Buying direct can save up to 50% but requires extensive knowledge. Get help from an expert to avoid costly mistakes.
No matter where you buy, always get the diamond graded by GIA or AGS yourself. Third-party verification protects against overgrading, ensures you know exactly what you are paying for, and will make re-selling easier down the road.
How to Choose a Diamonds Based on Cut
Along with color, a diamond’s cut quality is essential to its brilliance and sparkle. When light enters a diamond, it refracts and reflects off its facets before exiting back through the top. Diamonds with excellent cut proportions and symmetry will return a high percentage of light, resulting in exceptional fire and brilliance.
Here are some tips for selecting a diamond with an optimal cut:
- Choose a Very Good or Excellent cut grade when graded by GIA or AGS.
- Look for diamonds that fall within the GIA’s cut grade “sweet spot” of 60-69% depth and 40.6-41.8% table size.
- Avoid diamonds with extremely shallow or deep depth percentages.
- Look at the grading report’s optical symmetry, polish, and girdle ratings – these affect light performance.
- Be wary of length/width ratios under 1.00 or over 1.05 which can negatively impact brilliance.
- View the diamond’s ASET scope image – it shows light return patterning and consistency.
- Compare diamonds visually to see which has the most vibrant fire and life.
Taking the time to find an excellent cut diamond has a big payoff in the form of exceptional beauty and sparkle.
How to Choose a Diamond Clarity Grade
Diamond clarity refers to the presence of blemishes and inclusions inside the stone. Diamonds are graded on a scale from Flawless (no blemishes) to Included (obvious flaws). Here are some tips for selecting the optimal clarity for your budget:
- Most eye-clean diamonds fall into the VS2-SI1 clarity range. This offers significant savings over higher grades.
- Loupe clean stones can be found down to VS1 or even SI1 in some cases.
- For large diamonds over 1 carat, consider VS2 clarity or higher – lower grades tend to have more noticeable inclusions.
- Faint inclusions like clouds or crystals in SI2-I1 diamonds are difficult to see with the naked eye.
- Black inclusions in I2-I3 diamonds can be more obvious face-up.
- Flawless or Internally Flawless diamonds offer prestige but little visible difference – the money is better spent improving cut or color.
Spending time viewing actual diamond images and videos online helps train your eye on what to expect at different clarity levels. This allows you to find an eye-clean diamond at the best possible value.
How Diamond Carat Weight Affects Price
Diamond carat weight has a huge impact on price per carat. This effect is known as the “diamond carat weight magic size price points”. As diamonds cross certain carat thresholds, prices start to rise exponentially.
For example, a 1.50 ct diamond may cost significantly more per carat than a 1.49 ct stone. And a 2.00 ct diamond will be dramatically more expensive per carat than a 1.99 ct stone. This occurs near the following popular “magic sizes”:
- 0.50 carats
- 0.75 carats
- 1.00 carats
- 1.50 carats
- 2.00 carats
- 3.00 carats
- 5.00 carats
Diamonds just under these sizes can offer much better value. Know where these thresholds are and consider going just under to maximize carat weight while minimizing price per carat paid.
How to Get the Best Deal on a Diamond
You can get the best deal on a diamond by employing some smart shopping strategies:
- Compare online inventory from multiple stores.
- Look for diamonds just under the “magic size thresholds”.
- Consider buying just below major color and clarity grades.
- Review actual photos/videos – don’t rely only on reports.
- Search for eye-clean SI1/VS2 diamonds.
- Buy diamonds with Excellent or Very Good cut grades.
- Ask about diamond certificates – avoid overgraded reports.
- Negotiate! There is always wiggle room on diamond prices.
- Pay wholesale prices buying direct from diamond brokers.
- Take advantage of special financing, 0% interest deals.
- Time purchases to buy during slower months/days for deals.
By using smart shopping strategies, you can find beautiful diamonds at the very best price. Do your homework to get the most sparkle for your budget.
Conclusion
When it comes to determining the best diamond color, most people should look for G-J graded stones which offer excellent value and visually appear near colorless. Only those wanting the absolute finest should spend extra for exceptionally rare D-F color diamonds. Regardless of your budget, always demand a diamond grading report from a respected lab and carefully examine the stone’s cut, clarity and carat weight as well. By taking the time to learn about the 4Cs and how they affect price, you can find a high quality diamond that perfectly matches your preferences and budget.
