Diamond Color Chart: Official Scale & Grades Explained

The GIA Diamond Color Scale (Chart): What It Is & How It Works

The GIA (Gemological Institute of America), the authority behind the GIA diamond certification, created the definitive Diamond Color Scale, which became the industry standard for diamond color grading, bringing clarity, consistency, and objectivity to the conversation around diamond color.

This scale for diamonds and their color distinctions is also known as the official "diamond color chart." It measures the color hue of diamonds on a spectrum from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or light brown diamond shade), helping buyers and sellers understand the subtle differences in color that can affect a diamond's appearance, quality, and value.

Colorless Diamonds

(D, E, F)

Near Colorless Diamonds

(G, H, I, J)

Faint Yellow Diamonds

(K, L, M)

Noticeable Color

(N-Z)

How Is Diamond Color Graded?

The absence of color is what determines the diamond's grade on the diamond color chart and value and also has a significant impact on its appearance. A diamond is graded by comparing it with different stones in a subset of master stones. A professional diamond grader first identifies two master stones based on the sample stone's range of color.

The grader then decides the color grade based on the saturation of the diamond's color in comparison with master stones. This color grading is done with the diamond face down and the culet facing up against a pure white surface under normal lighting conditions (natural light) in order to spot these subtle differences.

Diamond Color Grades

Understanding the importance of color is crucial to making an informed decision when buying a diamond. Each GIA diamond color grade is assigned a specific and well-defined narrow range of color appearance, which directly impacts its value and visual appeal. Below is an overview of the different diamond color grades and what they mean.

Colorless (D, E, F)

The colorless grades include D, E, and F letter grades, coming at the very top of the official diamond color chart.

• D Color Diamonds: The highest color grade a diamond can receive. This means it is completely colorless, and there are no visible tints of brown or yellow color. A D color diamond is the most valuable in terms of color - the benchmark of quality, extremely rare, emits unrivaled brilliance, and comes with premium diamond prices.
• E Color Diamonds: The second-best diamond color grade. Also highly valuable, like the D color diamond. E-color diamonds offer excellent brilliance and sparkle; they are one of the most popular choices for diamond engagement rings and fine jewelry.
• F Color Diamonds: May contain very minute traces of color, which aren't easy to detect with the naked eye. F-colored diamonds are an excellent choice for those who want a high-quality, colorless diamond but want to avoid paying the premium price of D and E-color diamonds.

Near Colorless (G, H, I, J)

Containing faint traces of color that are hard to detect unless compared with higher color grades, G and H color diamonds still provide an excellent value and are a popular choice for balancing quality and cost.

• G Color Diamonds: Top diamond color grades in the near-colorless range, and they offer an outstanding appearance at a more affordable price than the diamonds in the colorless range. G-color diamonds are the perfect balance of beauty and budget.
• H Color Diamonds are still part of the near-colorless range, and despite the subtle tint of color, they are highly sought-after for their combination of excellent quality and value for money.
• I & J Color Diamonds: Well-cut diamonds with I and J diamond color grade appear colorless to the untrained eye yet contain a slightly detectable faint color.

Faint Color / Tint Diamonds (K, L, M)

K, L, and M color diamonds, also known as “faint yellow” diamonds, are identified as having a "faint tint" on the diamond color scale, especially noticeable in larger diamonds. But even with the presence of color, diamonds with these grades can still emit fire and beauty. While colorless diamonds are often seen as the "ideal," diamonds with a slight natural tint can still be stunning, especially when set in the right metal.

In fact, many buyers prefer warmer diamonds with K-M types of diamond color for the character and warmth they bring to a piece, as well as the affordability compared to colorless and near-colorless diamonds. K-M diamond grades are excellent choices when you're looking to maximize carat weight.

In this case, consider choosing a yellow gold or rose gold setting so that the color will not be as apparent. These settings complement the color of the diamond and may even make it appear identical to a D color diamond to the naked eye.

Noticeable Color / Very Light and Light (N-Z)

As you move toward the Z grade, N-Z color diamonds will have a more pronounced tint. Considered very light (N-R) or light color diamonds (S-Z), stones in this range have a brownish-yellow tint, which can affect their overall brilliance. While diamonds in this range may still exhibit some fire and brilliance, the tint is more apparent, especially in larger stones, visible even to the untrained naked eye.

Due to this, they are typically less expensive than higher-grade diamonds. However, these diamonds can still look attractive when set in certain jewelry, which can mask or complement the tint.

Best Settings for Each Diamond Color Grade

The right type of setting can significantly influence how a diamond’s color is perceived. Matching the metal to the diamond’s hue can either highlight its clarity or mask any tint, allowing you to make the most of your stone.

Colorless Diamonds (D-F): Platinum or White Gold

These diamonds are completely colorless, and cool-toned metal such as platinum or white gold settings help maintain their icy, brilliant appearance without introducing any warm tones.

Near Colorless Diamonds (G-J): Platinum, White Gold, or Yellow Gold

Platinum or white gold can enhance the bright look of near-colorless diamonds, while yellow gold can create a warm contrast. For larger stones in this range, platinum or white gold may be better to minimize any noticeable color.

Faint Color Diamonds (K-M): Yellow Gold or Rose Gold

Diamonds in this range have a more noticeable tint, so setting these stones in yellow or rose gold helps to blend the diamond’s color with the metal, making the tint less obvious. Avoid platinum or white gold, as these can make the faint color more apparent.

Very Light & Light Color Diamonds (N-Z): Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, Custom or Vintage Settings

The stronger yellow or brown hues in this range can be embraced with a yellow or rose gold setting, making the diamond’s color seem intentional rather than a flaw. Custom or vintage-style settings can draw attention away from the color and emphasize the design. Opt for settings with side stones or intricate details to divert attention from the diamond color or turn it into a unique feature rather than something to hide.

Fancy Colored Diamonds

Fancy color diamonds offer an exciting pop of color and are a bold and exciting way to make your jewelry one-of-a-kind. In the jewelry industry, colored diamonds, more commonly known as "fancy diamonds," are beautiful, eye-catching gems naturally created when trace elements interact with the billions of carbon atoms in the crystal lattice during the diamond formation process, resulting in a unique color.

These stones are scarce, with only one out of ten thousand diamonds having a natural color. They come in almost any color you can imagine, including blue, pink, purple, yellow, green, olive, orange, red, brown, and black. The hue, intensity, and purity of the diamond color often determine their value. Red stones are the rarest fancy-colored diamonds with only around 20 to 30 authentic red diamonds known to exist, most less than half a carat in size.

Fancy Colored Diamond Grading Chart

While traditional diamonds are valued for their lack of color, fancy-colored diamonds are prized for their vibrant hues. Fancy color diamonds are outside the normal color range of the diamond color scale and are graded differently from white diamonds, with color being the most important factor. They are graded using the same system as grading colorless diamonds, where a diamond is compared against a set of master stones of a predetermined color.

However, unlike colorless diamonds, fancy-colored diamonds are graded face up. With colorless diamonds, the more transparent the diamond is, the higher the value. In the case of fancy-colored diamonds, the value increases with the intensity of the most prominent hue within the stone.

GIA grades the fancy color diamonds according to the intensity of the color:

• Very Light
• Light
• Fancy Light
• Fancy
• Fancy Dark
• Fancy Intense
• Fancy Deep
• Fancy Vivid

Fancy-colored diamonds, especially rare ones like red, blue, and pink diamonds, are highly sought after not just for their beauty but also for their investment potential. The rarity of these stones often means they appreciate over time, making them both a luxury item and a financial asset. With their own grading system focused on the quality of color, these gems offer a striking alternative to traditional white diamonds.

From D to Z: Your Diamond Decision Just Got Easier

The GIA's Diamond Color Scale is the official diamond color chart that has become the universal standard for grading color in diamonds. Whether you're looking for accent diamonds or the center diamond for an engagement ring, understanding the diamond color grad system, as well as diamond clarity, cut, and carat weight, is crucial for shopping for your diamond with confidence.

If you're in the market for diamonds, at Brilliance, you can find a wide range of conflict-free and certified lab-grown and natural diamonds in any color you can imagine. If you're feeling unsure or need help with your diamond search, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Just reach out, and we'll help you make the right choice!

Diamond Color Chart FAQs

Any more questions about how the diamond color chart works? Our experts are here to help.

Which Diamond Color Is Best?

The highest diamond color grade is D, meaning the diamond is completely colorless, with no traces of tint in it. But this does not mean it is always the best diamond color you should put in your engagement ring, wedding ring, or any jewelry. If you want to save money, you can opt for a G, H, or I color diamond and then choose a yellow or rose gold setting.

Near-colorless diamonds that fall within the G to H color grades offer the best value if you want to maximize your budget. G to H color diamonds still appear colorless to the naked eye, especially with a yellow or rose gold setting, but will save you hundreds of dollars. Ultimately, the best diamond color is the one that appeals to you and suits your budget.

Which Color Diamond Is the Most Expensive?

The most expensive diamonds are colorless diamonds, graded D on the GIA color scale. The rare complete absence of color allows the diamond to reflect light most brightly, maximizing its brilliance. In addition to D-colored diamonds, some fancy-colored diamonds like intense pink, blue, or red can also be extremely expensive due to their rarity.

What Is the Cheapest Diamond Color?

Diamonds with a visible tint, typically in the S-Z range on the GIA diamond color chart, are the most affordable. These diamonds have a noticeable yellow or brown hue that affects their overall appearance and market value. While the tint might be obvious, these diamonds can still look attractive when set in the right jewelry.

Can a Diamond Have 2 Colors?

Yes, diamonds can have two or more colors, especially fancy-colored diamonds. These diamonds can exhibit what is known as color zoning, where two or more colors are present within the same stone. These color transitions occur due to variations in the diamond’s formation process, which results in different hues.

Bicolor or multicolored diamonds are rare and are often prized by collectors for their uniqueness. The value of such diamonds depends on the combination and intensity of the colors, as well as how well the colors blend or contrast within the stone.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds also Graded?

Although lab diamonds are created in a controlled lab environment, their qualities may vary, and they are graded on the same diamond color chart as natural diamonds. The GIA has lab-created diamond grading reports that include the standard GIA color, clarity, and cut grading scales.