Did you know that diamonds come in more colors than just white? In fact, the color of the diamond scale is so wide and there are over 200 different shades of diamonds!
While you might be able to notice a very slight difference in color between the two diamonds when they’re viewed under 20x magnification, the color difference is almost imperceptible to the naked eye. If you choose a yellow or rose gold setting, there’s a good chance that the color of the setting will give the two diamonds an identical appearance anyway, negating the higher color grade.
GIA Diamond Color Chart
GIA diamond color scale, which grades the diamond’s color on a spectrum of D (colorless) to Z (light yellow hue). The absence of color is what determines both its grade and value, as well as has a significant impact on its appearance.
D-E-F: Colorless
Diamonds in the D-E-F range are considered “colorless.” This means that they have very little yellow or brown tint, giving them the highest possible purity rating. Diamonds in this range are rare and therefore the most valuable. While there are differences in color between D, E, and F diamonds, they can be detected only by a gemologist in side-by-side comparisons, and rarely by the untrained eye. D-F diamonds should only be set in white gold/platinum.
D Color Diamonds
D-color diamond is the highest quality and most expensive type of diamond. They are completely colorless, which is why they are so prized. d color diamonds are so rare that they make up less than 2% of all diamonds that are mined each year. When shopping for d colored diamonds, keep in mind that the closer a diamond is to being perfectly colorless, the higher its price will be.
E Color Diamonds
One of the rarest and most valuable diamonds is the e-color diamond. This type of diamond is completely free of any impurities or coloration, resulting in a stone that is pure white in appearance. While e-color diamonds make up a small percentage of all diamonds that are mined, they are highly sought-after by collectors and diamond connoisseurs. In fact, these diamonds typically sell for a significant premium over other diamonds of similar carat weight. If you’re lucky enough to own an e-color diamond, you can be confident that you have a truly rare and valuable gemstone.
F Color Diamonds
F diamonds are some of the rarest and most valuable diamonds in the world. They are prized for their exceptional beauty, and only a small number of f diamonds are mined each year. The vast majority of f-color diamonds are found in Brazil, South Africa, and Australia. F-color diamonds get their name from the fact that they have no hue, or color when viewed under natural light. This makes them incredibly rare, as most diamonds have a slight yellow or brown tint. F-color diamonds are also known for their exceptional fire and brilliance. Thanks to their extremely high level of purity, f-color diamonds can reflect light extremely well, resulting in a dazzling display of colors. Because of their exceptional beauty and rarity, f-color diamonds are highly sought-after by jewelers and collectors alike.
G-H-I: Near Colorless
Diamonds in the G-H-I range are considered “near colorless.” This means that they have a very slight yellow or brown tint that is not easily detectable by the naked eye. Diamonds in this range are less rare than those in the D-E-F range and are therefore less valuable.
G Color Diamonds
G-color diamond is a popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. G-color diamond is less expensive than flawless diamond, but they still have excellent clarity and color. It is often used in diamond solitaire rings, as well as in three-stone rings and other designs. They may also be referred to as near-colorless diamonds.
H Color Diamonds
H color diamond is one of the rarest and most valuable diamonds in the world. It is typically found in highly-regulated mines, and only a small number of them are mined each year. As a result, they are quite expensive, and their value greatly depends on the quality of the stone. H-color diamonds are often used in high-end jewelry, and their scarcity makes them a desirable investment for many collectors.
I Color Diamonds
I color diamonds or iCDs are colored diamonds that have been manufactured in a laboratory. iCDs are created using technology that alters the diamond’s natural color by adding or removing impurities. The i in iCD stands for “innovation” and the iCDs are also sometimes called “synthetic diamonds” or “lab-grown diamonds.” iCDs can be made in any color and they are less expensive than natural-colored diamonds, but they still have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds. iCDs are also more durable than natural diamonds and are not subject to color fading over time.
J-K: Faint Yellow
Diamonds in the J-K range have a noticeable yellow or brown tint. These diamonds are less rare than those in the G-H-I range and are therefore less valuable.
J Color Diamonds
A j color diamond is a type of diamond that is yellow in color. J-color diamonds are still quite popular, as they are less expensive than diamonds of other colors. When shopping for a j color diamond, it is important to keep in mind that the yellow color may be more or less noticeable depending on the size of the diamond and the setting in which it is placed. For example, a small j color diamond set in a white gold setting may appear to be almost colorless, while a large j color diamond set in a yellow gold setting may be very noticeably yellow. These diamonds are a great choice for those looking for an affordable yellow diamond.
K Color Diamonds
The k color designation is given to diamonds that are slightly yellowish in color. The k-color diamond scale runs from D (no hue) to Z (a light yellow). K-color diamonds are typically less expensive than diamonds of other colors, making them a good choice for those on a budget. However, k color diamonds still have good clarity and can be just as beautiful as diamonds of other colors.
L-M: Fancy Light Yellow
Diamonds in the L-M range have a strong yellow or brown tint. These diamonds are less rare than those in the J-K range and are therefore less valuable.
L Color Diamonds
L color diamonds get their name from the fact that they have very little or no yellow tint, which is the result of traces of nitrogen in the stone. The less yellow color a diamond has, the rarer and more valuable it is. These diamonds are often used in engagement rings and other fine jewelry because of their beauty and value.
M Color Diamonds
M-color diamonds are diamonds with a slight hint of color. The m stands for “minor,” referring to the fact that these diamonds have a very faint color. While m-colored diamonds are not as rare as other colored diamonds, they are still quite unique. M color diamonds can be found in a variety of colors, including yellow, brown, and pink. The most common m color diamond is the champagne diamond, which has a light yellow hue. M-colored diamonds are often used in engagement rings and other fine jewelry. While they are not as valuable as other colored diamonds, m-colored diamonds still have a certain beauty and elegance.
N-R: Fancy Yellow
Diamonds in the N-R range have a very strong yellow or brown tint. These diamonds are less rare than those in the L-M range and are therefore less valuable.
N Color Diamonds
N-colored diamonds are some of the rarest and most valuable diamonds in the world. Literally meaning “colorless,” they are prized for their unique ability to reflect light. Cut and polished correctly, they can create a dazzling display of color and sparkle. N-color diamonds are so rare that they make up less than 1% of all diamonds mined each year. And because they are so rare, they are also very expensive. N color diamonds have been found in a variety of locations around the world, but most come from Africa.
O-P Color Diamonds
O-p color diamonds are some of the rarest and most valuable diamonds in the world. o-p color diamonds get their name from the olivine and powder colors that they exhibit. They are extremely rare, and only a handful of o-p color diamonds have been found in a variety of places, including Africa, Australia, and China. O-p color diamonds are typically very small, and the largest o-p color diamond ever found was only 3 carats. They are very valuable, and the most expensive one ever sold was for $16 million. They are beautiful and unique, and they are a symbol of luxury and wealth.
Q-R Color Diamonds
Q-R color diamonds are some of the rarest and most valuable diamonds in the world. Often called “fancy diamonds”, these stones are prized for their intense color, which can range from a deep blue to a vibrant pink. These diamonds get their name from the fact that they fall outside of the traditional “colorless” diamond scale (D-Z). In addition to their rarity and beauty, q-r color diamonds are also known for their high price tag. A q-r color diamond can sell for tens of thousands of dollars per carat, making them one of the most expensive gemstones on the market.
S-Z: Fancy Intense Yellow/Brown
Diamonds in the S-Z range have an intense yellow or brown tint. These diamonds are less rare than those in the N-R range and are therefore less valuable.
S-T Color Diamonds
S-t color diamonds are diamonds that contain nitrogen impurities. The presence of these impurities leads to a yellow or brownish tint in the diamond. S-t color diamonds are less expensive than rarer, colorless diamonds. However, they are still quite valuable. These diamonds are often used in jewelry, especially in larger pieces where the color is less noticeable. These diamonds are also popular for use in engagement rings and other statement jewelry. They are beautiful and unique, and they offer a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive diamonds.
U-V Color Diamonds
U-v color diamonds are a type of diamond that exhibits a strong u-v color. This color is caused by the presence of nitrogen in the diamond’s crystal structure. U-v color diamonds are extremely rare, and as a result, they are very valuable. Because of their rarity, u-v color diamonds are often used in high-end jewelry. In addition to their u-v color, u-v diamonds also tend to be very large and have excellent clarity. As a result, they are often cut into large, flawless gems. U-v color diamonds are truly unique and stunning gemstones, and they are sure to impress anyone who sees them.
W-X Color Diamonds
W-x color diamonds are some of the rarest and most expensive diamonds in the world. They are prized for their unique color, which can range from vivid blue to deep green. These diamonds get their distinctive hue from trace amounts of boron impurities in the diamond crystal. This makes them quite different from other diamonds, which are usually colorless or have a yellowish tint. W-x color diamonds are so rare that they make up less than 1% of all gem-quality diamonds. As a result, they are highly sought after by collectors and jewelers alike.
Y-Z Color Diamonds
While y-z color diamonds are not as popular as other colors, they can still be beautiful and unique. These diamonds get their color from nitrogen impurities in the stone. The more nitrogen impurities, the darker the diamond will be. Y-z color diamonds are usually yellow, brown, or gray. They are not as valuable as other diamonds, but they can still be expensive because they are so rare.
Color Grades of Diamonds
White Diamonds
White diamonds are by far the most popular color of the diamond. They are associated with purity, innocence, and new beginnings. White diamonds are often used in engagement rings and other fine jewelry because they symbolize eternal love. If you’re looking for a diamond that is classic and timeless, then a white diamond is a perfect choice.
Yellow Diamonds
Yellow diamonds are associated with happiness, joy, and sunshine. They are perfect for people who want a unique diamond that sets them apart from the crowd. Yellow diamonds are also said to represent new beginnings, so they make an excellent gift for someone starting a new chapter in their life. If you’re looking for a diamond with a warm and friendly tone, then a yellow diamond is the way to go.
Pink Diamonds
Although pink diamonds are some of the rarest and most valuable diamonds in the world, very little is known about their origins. It is thought that they are formed under intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth’s crust, but how they become pink is still a mystery. It is possible that trace amounts of impurities, such as nitrogen or boron, are responsible for their color. Regardless of their color, pink diamonds are highly sought-after by collectors and jewelers alike. Thanks to their rarity and beauty, pink diamonds can fetch prices in excess of $1 million per carat.
Blue Diamonds
Blue diamonds are some of the rarest and most valuable diamonds in the world. They are said to represent trust, loyalty, and wisdom. Blue diamonds are perfect for people who want a unique and stylish piece of jewelry.
Green Diamonds
Green Diamonds are prized for their unique color. While most diamonds are transparent, these diamonds get their color from trace amounts of radiation exposure or nitrogen impurities. They are extremely rare, and because of their color, they are often associated with nature and growth. Green Diamonds are also said to represent new beginnings and hope.
Red Diamonds
Red diamonds are among the rarest of all diamonds. They are associated with passion, desire, and power. Red diamonds are perfect for people who want a luxurious and prestigious piece of jewelry.
Brown Diamonds
Brown diamonds are the most common type of diamonds found in nature. They get their color from traces of impurities, such as nitrogen, that are present in the stone. Brown diamonds were once considered to be of little value, but they have become increasingly popular in recent years. Many jewelry designers now incorporate brown diamonds into their pieces, and they are especially popular for engagement rings. Brown diamonds are also a great way to add a unique touch to a piece of jewelry. Because they are less expensive than other types of diamonds, brown diamonds are a great choice for people who want the look of diamonds without the price tag.
Conclusion:
There you have it! A quick overview of some of the different colors of diamonds and their meanings on the diamond color scale. As you can see, each color has its own unique symbolism. So, when you’re choosing a diamond for yourself or as a gift for someone else, be sure to keep these meanings in mind. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect diamond to fit your needs!
FAQ – Color of Diamond Scale
What are fancy-colored diamonds?
Fancy-colored diamonds are those that are found in colors other than traditional white or black. These diamonds can come in any color, from pink to blue to yellow, and are often more valuable than their white counterparts. The rarest and most valuable fancy-colored diamonds are red, followed by green, gray, and purple. The reason for this is that these colors are caused by impurities in the diamond’s structure, which are much less common than the impurities that cause white or black diamonds. As a result, fancy-colored diamonds are often highly sought-after by collectors and jewelers alike.
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