When shopping for a diamond, one of the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity and carat) you’ll consider is color. Diamonds graded G or I color are in the near colorless range and can be an excellent choice for engagement rings and other diamond jewelry. But which is ultimately better – G or I diamonds? Here’s an in-depth comparison of G vs I diamonds to help you decide.
Diamond Color Grading
Diamonds are graded on a color scale that ranges from D to Z. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the leading authority on diamond grading and they use the following color scale:
D, E, F – Colorless
G, H, I, J – Near colorless
K, L, M – Faint yellow
N to Z – Light yellow to yellow
Diamonds graded D to F are the highest color grades and appear completely colorless to the eye. G through J diamonds have just a hint of color that is visible when comparing diamonds side by side in a controlled environment. With near colorless diamonds like G and I, any color will be difficult to detect once the diamond is set in a ring and being worn.
What Makes a Diamond Appear Colored?
While all diamonds contain impurities, those impurities impact the visible color in varying degrees. Diamonds appear colored when nitrogen atoms are clustered throughout the crystal structure. This causes yellow tints to be observable. The more clustered the nitrogen atoms, the more intense the yellow coloration will be. Diamonds graded D through F contain the least amount of nitrogen impurities and therefore appear the most colorless.
Difference Between G and I Color Diamonds
G color diamonds are just one grade away from the highest colorless grades while I color diamonds are several grades down on the scale. Here is how G and I diamonds compare:
- G diamonds have barely detectable yellow tones under ideal grading conditions.
- I diamonds show slightly more noticeable yellow tints that can be seen in some settings.
- In a white gold or platinum setting, G color will appear completely colorless to the naked eye.
- I color may show a faint yellow in a white setting and be more obvious in yellow gold.
- With large carat weights, G will continue to appear colorless while size may make an I diamond’s color more visible.
- In well cut diamonds, the difference between G and I may be impossible to see without comparing side by side.
While they are close on the GIA scale, G color is superior to I. However, for many budgets, choosing an I diamond instead of G can allow you to increase size or improve other qualities. The difference is subtle and I looks beautiful in most settings.
G and I Diamond Prices
Diamond prices fluctuate daily with supply and demand. However, G color diamonds will have a slight premium in price over I color. Here are some average price comparisons:
| Carat | G Color Price | I Color Price |
|---|---|---|
| 0.50 | $2,000 | $1,800 |
| 1.00 | $6,500 | $5,500 |
| 1.50 | $15,000 | $12,000 |
Keep in mind these are approximations and prices vary depending on the diamond’s other features. But you can expect to pay around 10-15% more for a comparable G color vs I. The price difference gets more pronounced as carat weight increases. For budget shoppers, I color clearly provides opportunity for cost savings.
When to Choose a G Color Diamond
While you do pay a small premium, G color diamonds offer the best value in the near colorless range. G should be considered if:
- Your budget allows. You want the best color your money can buy.
- You prefer a platinum or white gold setting. A G will face up completely white with no visible yellow.
- You are considering a large carat diamond. Larger diamonds show color more easily.
- Matching multiple diamonds. Easier to match G color stones.
- Diamond has strong fluorescence. This can negate yellow tones.
- Your recipient has a trained eye. A jeweler will appreciate the nuances between G and I.
While it’s pricier, a G color diamond is a smart investment that will appear whiter and brighter. If staying within your budget to maximize carat size or spend more on cut quality is more important, I color can be an excellent option as well.
When to Select an I Color Diamond
I color diamonds offer outstanding value and allow you to potentially improve other areas like cut and carat weight. I color is a great choice when:
- You want to maximize carat weight. Step down in color to increase size.
- Your setting pairs well with warmth. Yellow gold will mask any yellowishness.
- It’s an intricate ring setting. The diamond’s hue will be obscured.
- Your diamond has faint fluorescence. This balances out warmth.
- You want to invest more in cut. Focus budget on the most important C – Cut.
- Your recipient doesn’t have an expert eye. They’ll never see the subtle difference from G.
An I color diamond looks beautiful and saves money that can be used to improve other areas like cut quality or size. If carat or budget is a priority, I color is hard to beat.
Eye Clean Diamonds
One key consideration for both G and I color diamonds is that the stone is eye clean. This means that there are no inclusions and imperfections visible to the naked eye. Diamonds with higher clarity grades will be the most eye clean.
An eye clean I color diamond will face up as beautifully as a G when worn in a ring. Make sure any diamond you’re considering doesn’t have dark inclusions that detract from the overall beauty.
Fluorescence and G/I Diamonds
Around 30% of diamonds exhibit fluorescence under UV lighting. In some cases, fluorescence can make a diamond appear whiter. With G and I color diamonds, mild to medium blue fluorescence can potentially offset any yellowish tints. This effect is more pronounced in larger diamonds. If fluorescence is a factor, have the diamond viewed in UV light to see the strength of the effect.
Cut Quality
The quality of a diamond’s cut has a big impact on its visible color. Diamonds with excellent cuts and proportions exhibit more sparkle and brilliance. This intense light return helps minimize the appearance of any color. Conversely, a poorly cut I diamond may show more obvious yellow tones while a well cut I can potentially look as good as a G.
If choosing an I color diamond, focusing budget on the highest quality cut will maximize light performance and help the diamond face up as white as possible.
Settings and G/I Diamonds
The setting you select for a G or I diamond will influence its visible color. Here are some tips on pairings:
- White metal settings like platinum or white gold will provide the whitest backdrop to minimize noticeable warmth from an I color diamond.
- Yellow gold settings pair better with diamonds on the lower end of the color spectrum. The yellow gold tones will mask any yellow in an I color diamond.
- Prongs in white metal and halo settings enhance the white appearance compared to yellow gold.
- Intricate settings with diamond accents take the focus off the center stone color.
- Three stone settings: Matching smaller side stones can be a more affordable way to flank an I color center diamond.
GIA vs Other Labs
Always compare diamond grades from the same lab. The GIA grades diamonds on a very strict scale. Other labs like EGL may grade the same diamond higher. What the EGL grades a G or H may actually be an I in GIA’s opinion. Only buy from quality labs with consistent standards like GIA or AGS.
Pick the Best Combination For Your Budget
Finding the right balance between color, cut, clarity and carat weight for your budget is the goal when shopping for any diamond. With G Vs I color, you can’t go wrong if you stay in the colorless to near colorless D to I range. If your budget allows, a G color diamond is a premium choice that will deliver outstanding brilliance and whiteness. If carat size or cut quality is more important, an eye clean I color diamond is an amazing value. Either way, your recipient will adore their beautiful new G or I color diamond!
Conclusion
G and I color diamonds are both excellent choices that provide exceptional sparkle, light performance and visual appeal. G color is the better option if your budget allows, with diamonds appearing completely white in most settings. For shoppers focused on maximizing size or cut for their budget, I color offers outstanding bang for your buck while still looking beautiful to the naked eye. Carefully review diamond cut, clarity and fluorescence as these factors work together to determine how white a G or I diamond will look. With the right setting and pairing with other C’s, both G and I color diamonds make gorgeous centerpieces for engagement rings and other diamond jewelry.