Diamonds are often graded on a color scale that ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The color grading scale was established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and has become the industry standard for evaluating diamond color.
D Color Diamonds
Diamonds graded D are the highest color grade and are completely colorless. A D color diamond allows maximum light to pass through the stone without any color absorption. These diamonds are extremely rare and make up only about 1-2% of diamonds according to the GIA. When viewed face-up by a gemologist, a D color diamond shows no traces of color.
D color diamonds have the highest demand since they exhibit exceptional brilliance and fire. The supply of these diamonds is very limited, especially in larger carat sizes, so they command the highest prices per carat. Even as the carat weight increases, D color diamonds will maintain excellent transparency and be free of color zoning.
E and F Color Diamonds
E and F colors are also considered colorless grades, though some extremely faint traces of color can start to be detected by a gemologist in these grades when compared to D color diamonds. To the naked eye, E and F color diamonds look just as colorless as D color diamonds.
E and F diamonds make up about 8-10% of natural diamonds sourced and fall just slightly below D color diamonds in value. Prices start to dip slightly in the F color range in comparison to D and E colors.
G to J Color Diamonds
As you move down the diamond color scale into the G through J range, the presence of a very slight hue starts to be detectable when compared face-down to diamonds of higher color grades. Some colored tints like yellow, brown, or gray may start to become visible in G-J diamonds.
However, when graded face-up, these diamonds still appear bright white and colorless to the naked eye. About 16% of diamonds fall within this near colorless range.
While not as rare as D-F color diamonds, G-J color diamonds still offer excellent value based on their balance of appearance, brilliance, and price point. They make up a significant portion of diamonds used in fine jewelry.
K Color Diamonds
K color diamonds are the highest grade considered faint yellow. These diamonds have a noticeable tint of yellow or brown color when viewed face-down against a white background. The color is detectable to the naked eye. K diamonds make up about 12% of diamonds graded by the GIA.
While less rare than higher colors, K color diamonds feature nice brilliance and fire that masks much of the pale yellow hue when viewed face-up. K color represents an attractive lower-priced option for larger diamonds, especially in shapes like round brilliant that optimize light performance.
L to M Color Diamonds
As you move into the L through M color range, the yellow tone becomes more pronounced and readily visible when viewing the diamond face-up. L-M color diamonds account for about 12% of diamonds submitted to the GIA.
These diamonds offer noticeable value for buyers who prefer a lower color grade in order to increase carat size while staying in budget. Face-up, they often still show a bright, white appearance that minimizes the faint yellow cast.
N to R Color Diamonds
N through R color diamonds display a light yellow tint that is more obvious when viewed face-up. While they offer the most affordable prices for diamond jewelry, this color range only accounts for about 7% of graded natural diamonds.
Fancy shaped diamonds in colors N through R can offer nice brilliance that reduces the perception of color. Settings that incorporate yellow gold or rose gold metals can also help complement the warmer tones.
S to Z Color Diamonds
Diamonds graded S through Z are considered fancy light yellow, fancy yellow, fancy dark yellow, and finally fancy brown. This color range comprises less than 5% of diamonds submitted to the GIA.
These lower color grades clearly show their warm hues even when viewed face-up. Settings in yellow or rose gold provide the most flattering pairings. While rare in nature, these colors can offer beautiful presence in diamond jewelry with distinctive color.
How Color Affects Diamond Value
Diamond color has a significant impact on value, with prices jumping at each higher color threshold. The more colorless a diamond is graded, the higher its price per carat.
To illustrate how large an impact color has, we’ll compare 1-carat round diamonds at different color grades. While a 1-carat D color may cost $15,000, an F color might cost $11,000, G color $9,000, H color $7,000, and J color $5,000.
As you go down the color scale, diamonds with the same carat weight can see differences of 20-50% between adjacent color grades. The premium for D-F colorless diamonds is highest since they are so rare.
Viewing Diamond Color
Diamond color is graded by gemologists in controlled laboratory environments with specialized lighting and viewing tools. Diamonds are examined face-down against a white background to see the true body color.
They are then flipped face-up to determine how visible the color is. The final grade is based on what is visible face-up to the naked eye in a neutral lighting environment.
While grading labs use technical tools, you can also get an idea of a diamond’s color by holding it table-down on a white sheet of paper or cloth. Compare it to a reference diamond of known color grade to see subtle differences in hue.
Balancing the 4Cs
Diamond color is one of the 4Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight) used to determine quality and value. Shoppers can prioritize different Cs based on their preferences.
While D-F color diamonds offer prestige, many shoppers opt for G-I colors to maximize carat size and remain in their budget. The visible difference in color is minimal compared to the discount in price.
Enhanced Color Diamonds
Some diamonds undergo treatments to improve perceived color. This includes processes like HPHT annealing and irradiation. Always buy certified diamonds from reputable retailers to ensure full disclosure of any enhancements.
Naturally colored diamonds without enhancements will have the highest value and resale price. Improved color diamonds usually provide budget friendly options.
Matching Diamond Color in Pairs
When buying diamond pairs like stud earrings, color grading becomes especially important. The diamonds should match very closely so that there is no visible difference face-up.
Optimal pair matching means both diamonds are within 1-2 color grades of each other. This avoids a visibly “warmer” or “cooler” stone that clashes next to its pair.
Shopping for Diamond Color
Understanding the D-Z diamond color scale empowers shoppers to find the ideal balance of color grade and budget. Here are some tips when shopping for diamond color:
- Diamonds graded D-F are recommended if seeking the highest quality without any detectable color tint.
- Near colorless G-J diamonds offer excellent savings while still appearing bright white face-up.
- Fancy shapes and proper settings can enhance diamonds with light yellow L-R colors.
- Diamonds graded N-Z with obvious warmth provide the most wallet-friendly options.
- Always buy certified diamonds that include a lab color grading for full transparency.
- The difference between adjacent letter grades is more significant for higher color diamonds.
Conclusion
Understanding the GIA D-Z color grading scale enables informed diamond buying based on preference for colorlessness versus cost savings. While D-F diamonds are the most prestigious and valued, lower colors from G-J provide excellent brilliance at more affordable prices for jewelry buyers.
