Diamond Color

The color of a diamond is graded between a D and Z. D is colorless and Z is light yellow. The less color present in the diamond, the more scarce it is, which in turn increases its value. The majority of diamonds used show very little to no color to the untrained eye.

Diamond Color Grading

Many systems have been used to grade diamond color over the centuries, however, to eliminate confusion; the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) introduced a color grading system in the 1950s that is used today by the entire diamond industry. The reason this scale begins at D and not A is due to the fact that this letter hadn’t been used in the past for classifying diamond color.

How Color Grading Is Performed

Diamond color is difficult to determine when a diamond is viewed face-up and therefore the diamond grader will turn the diamond face-down against a pure white surface under carefully controlled light in order to discover its color. The diamond grader compares the diamond to a so-called master stone to determine color. The master stone is a diamond of a predetermined color that is used for comparison.

D (Colorless)

This is the highest color grade. This color emits unequaled brilliance, and is extremely rare.
 
E (Colorless)

The diamond contains minute traces of color. This diamond emits unsurpassed brilliance and is very rare.
 
F (Colorless)

The diamond contains minute traces of color which can only be detected by a trained gemologist. This is still a high-quality color grade.
 
G, H (Near Colorless)

The diamond has a noticeable color when compared to higher color grades. This diamond is excellent value as to the untrained eye it appears colorless.
 
I, J (Near Colorless)

The diamond has a slightly detectable color. This diamond is excellent value as to the untrained eye it appears colorless.
 
K, L, M (Faint Yellow)

The diamond has a faint noticeable color. Although this diamond has a slight color presence it can still be beautiful.
 
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