Diamond Registry

Chat With An Expert
Contact us! →
Diamond Registry: Global expertise in loose diamonds since 1961. Unparalleled service for all your diamond needs. Learn more.

The Diamond Color Scale Understood

Updated on May 27, 2024

With over 40 years of expertise, Diamond Registry’s CEO and owner, Nissan Perla, is your trusted guide in the diamond-buying world. Recognized by prestigious publications like The Washington Post and Chicago Tribune, Nissan’s extensive knowledge and experience in evaluating, buying, and selling diamonds are unparalleled. Our commitment to integrity, transparency, and delivering exceptional value ensures that you make an informed decision when acquiring your timeless treasure. Choose Diamond Registry for personalized guidance, education, and a curated selection of the finest quality diamonds, backed by decades of industry expertise and dedication to your satisfaction.

Table of Contents

wedding ring engagement ring diamond jewelry

D color diamonds are the rarest and most valuable of all diamonds.

What makes us your trusted partner

With over 40 years of expertise, Diamond Registry’s CEO and owner, Nissan Perla, is your trusted guide in the diamond-buying world. Recognized by prestigious publications like The Washington Post and Chicago Tribune, Nissan’s extensive knowledge and experience in evaluating, buying, and selling diamonds are unparalleled. Our commitment to integrity, transparency, and delivering exceptional value ensures that you make an informed decision when acquiring your timeless treasure. Choose Diamond Registry for personalized guidance, education, and a curated selection of the finest quality diamonds, backed by decades of industry expertise and dedication to your satisfaction.

Small particles trapped in the stone during its formation give diamonds their distinctive color. There are 12 different grades of diamonds, ranging from D to Z. The lower a gem’s value drops as its color intensity increases. Diamonds that fall outside the D to Z classification are the exception to this rule; most diamonds found in the market are colorless to slightly yellow or brown.

The color of a diamond is determined by comparing it to a master stone that has already been established. They are viewed face-down on a white background with industry-standard lighting. Invisible to the unaided eye, most color variations in diamonds translate to significant differences in the stone’s quality and price.

Diamond value is determined by its color. Here is a comparison of D color diamonds to other color stones.

D Color

The highest possible color grade is D. Magnification doesn’t change the fact that these stones are clear and colorless. D gems are extremely rare and expensive to acquire, making them the most valuable. Diamonds with a D color grade are often set in white gold or platinum to enhance their icy sparkle.

E And F Color

The GIA also considers E and F-color stones colorless. With the naked eye, it is difficult to tell the difference between these grades of gems. Gemologists are able to tell the difference between D, E, and F-colored rocks with training.

White gold is a common setting for gems ranging from D to F. Diamonds set in white gold will appear more muted in comparison to those set in yellow or rose gold.

Colors G, H, I, And J

Nearly colorless diamonds are those with a clarity grade of G to J. They have a tinge of yellow pigmentation, but at first glance one might mistake them for colorless gems. Compared to D to F gems, they are less rare and more affordable. Set them in white gold or platinum so that they can shine brightest. Using these metals will help to reduce their yellow hue.

K, L And M Color

GIA rates stones in the K to M range as faint colors. They have a more distinct color than gems in the G to J range. When mounted, diamonds under half a carat in weight will appear colorless. There may be a slight tint to larger rocks.

N, O, P, Q, And R Color

Diamonds with a color range of N to R have a very pale hue. Gems with yellow or brown hues are less desirable because of this.

S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, And Z Color

In the S to Z color range, diamonds can be seen by the naked eye to have yellow, brown, or gray pigmentation.

In the diamond market, G to L color diamonds are the most commonly available because of their appearance as colorless and their lower price. The way jewelers set these stones determines how they look. In a yellow gold setting, a colorless stone will appear yellow. Because of this, platinum and white gold are commonly used to set D to J stones, while yellow gold is used to set other gems on the scale.

Bonus!

Sell your diamonds with ease with Diamond Registry`s comprehensive approach and vast global industry connections to help you find the best buyer for your diamond fast. Visit www.diamondregistry.com/sell-your-ring to take your first step to fast, easy and reliable way of selling your diamond.

Want to check and calculate diamond per carat instantly? Go to DR`s diamond price calculator www.diamondregistry.com/diamond-price-list/#calc-move-to to know how. Reliable and trusted carat calculator in the diamond industry since!

Questions?
Immediate assistance is ready for you

Related Reading

2 Carat Diamond Price

As diamond experts, we will cover factors affecting 2-carat diamond costs, price ranges based on the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity and carat), where to buy

Read More »

Client Reviews

Rebecca Schott
Rebecca Schott
Nissan, David and his team were extremely accommodating, understanding and patient with our purchase. They took the upmost care to find the best solution for our needs and went above and beyond normal ‘customer service’ standards. I have absolutely no qualms recommending their products and services. Both were absolutely flawless. I will continue to sing them praises and will most definitely purchase from them again in the future. Thank you again!
Gershom Menachem
Gershom Menachem
Great team of diamond experts who show personal care for the client’s needs and aftersales service. They really go the extra mile to make it happen no matter the challenges ahead. Rush orders, international shipping, upgrade service, jewelry repair, large diamonds, small items, precious stones. Very honest and open information to the clients. You will feel like talking to a friend.
Thom P.
Thom P.
Bought a beautiful stone here for an engagement ring. I was a little apprehensive since you’re buying something unseen. But Cid made it easy. In fact, Nissan, the owner also gave a call to make me more comfortable. They sent me the stone to take to a local jeweler with only my Amex in case I bailed on them.

Submit your details and our experts will contact you with price information

Submit your details and our experts will contact you with price information