Let's look at one of the most important characteristics of our diamond buying guide: color. The diamond color range spans from completely colorless to pale yellow. Even without being a trained gemologist, you can tell the difference from one end of the scale to the other. This makes color a critically important factor to consider when purchasing a diamond.
Introduction to Diamond Color
Tip: You can think of Diamond Color like a glass of water – the purest form is completely clear, while even slight traces of color make it less pristine.
Did you know: In the world of lab created diamonds, we can achieve the same exceptional color grades as natural diamonds, but without the premium price tag. This is because natural diamond color typically comes from trace elements present during formation. In lab created diamonds, we can control these elements with precision, ensuring consistent color quality.
Understanding the GIA Diamond Color Scale
The diamond industry uses the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) color chart, which ranges from grade D (colorless) to grade Z (light yellow or brown). Diamond Color D is hence the highest rated diamond color. At Created Forever, we focus on the higher end of this scale to provide our customers with the clearest cultured diamonds.
The diamond color chart breaks down into the following ratings & color codes:
- Colorless (D-F): The highest quality, completely colorless diamonds
- Near Colorless (G-J): Excellent quality with minimal color, typically undetectable to the untrained eye
- Faint (K-M): Slight traces of color may be visible
- Very Light (N-R) and Light (S-Z): Noticeable yellow or brown tinting
Colorless vs Near Colorless Diamonds
Colorless diamonds (grades D-F) represent the pinnacle of diamond purity, appearing completely transparent under professional examination, while near-colorless diamonds (grades G-J) present an exceptional alternative that appears equally white to the untrained eye, often providing remarkable value without a perceptible difference in visual appearance.
Near Colorless vs Very Light Colored Diamonds
Near colorless diamonds (grades G-J) maintain an almost imperceptible hint of color that remains invisible to the naked eye, presenting an excellent balance of quality and affordability, while faint colored diamonds (K-M) or very light colored diamonds (grades K-R) begin to display a more noticeable yellow or brown tint that becomes increasingly apparent as you move down the color scale.
The 4C's: Color in Context
Color is one factor of the 4C's, along with Cut, Clarity, and Carat. All factors stand in relation to each other and are important to understand when choosing a diamond.
1. Color and Cut: Finding the Perfect Match
- Round Brilliant: Most forgiving of color, making them excellent choices in near-colorless grades (G-J)
- Emerald and Asscher: Their step-cut facets make color more visible, so going higher on the color scale is recommended
- Oval, Pear, and Marquise: May show more color, so consider H+ colors for the best appearance
Expert Tip: Remember that cut quality often matters more than color for overall brilliance!
2. Color and Carat: Understanding the Impact
- Under 1 carat: H-J colors often appear colorless
- 1-2 carats: G-I colors provide excellent value
- Over 2 carats: Consider D-H colors for the best appearance
3. Color and Clarity: Pick the right Quality
While the color scale measures the presence of color in a diamond (ranging from D to Z), clarity evaluates the internal and external imperfections (randing from FL (“flawless”) to I “Included”). A high clarity rating doesn't necessarily mean a high color rating, for example:
Expert Tip: A diamond can have an exceptional color grade but still have visible inclusions & a lower color grade can coexist with a flawless clarity rating
4. Color and Setting: The Perfect Pairing
- White Gold/Platinum/Silver: These colors may emphasize the yellow tint of a diamond in comparison, we suggest H+ colors
- Yellow Gold and Rose Gold: Can complement lower color grades (I-K) as the warm metal suits the slight warmth of near-colorless diamond
Expert Tip: Consider how the diamond will be set – the metal color can influence your optimal color choice!
Diamond Color: Common Misconceptions
- Higher is always better: While D-color diamonds are prestigious, they command a premium that may not be necessary for a visually beautiful diamond. Anything color scale rated I or higher, will appear colorless to you (unless you are an expert).
- All color grades look notably different: To the untrained eye, several adjacent color grades will look identical
- Color affects sparkle: A diamond's sparkle comes primarily from its cut, not its color
Lab-Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds
Diamond color and prices
The top color grades (J and higher) represent the most sought-after diamonds in the market, typically commanding premium prices due to their rarity and visual purity.
Lab-grown diamonds offer a cheaper solution, allowing you to access these exceptional color grades at a more accessible price point, without compromising on the diamond's brilliance or quality.
Expert Tip: Lab-grown near-colorless grades (G-I) have the best value-to-beauty ratio
Why are lab-diamonds cheaper?
Natural diamond color typically comes from trace elements present during formation. Nitrogen, the most common impurity, creates yellow tinting, while boron produces blue diamonds. In lab created diamonds, we can control these elements with precision, ensuring consistent color quality.
The controlled creation process allows to produce engineered diamonds with excellent color grades more reliably than nature. This translates to better value for you, as you're not paying a premium for the rarity factor that drives up prices in natural diamonds.
Did you know? Besides having great color range with a lower price tag at the same quality, lab-grown diamonds are conflict-free diamonds that are eco-friendly, ethical and sustainable.
Created Forever Diamond Colors
At Created Forever, our laboratory-grown diamonds leverage precise technological processes to deliver exceptional color consistency. By growing diamonds under controlled laboratory conditions, we can offer an impressive range of color grades that meet the highest standards of quality. Our diamond collection predominantly features GH color grades, which provide an optimal balance of pristine appearance and value. We also offer a select collection of premium D,E,F-color diamonds and a limited range of H-I color grades, all available at more accessible price points compared to traditionally mined diamonds.
Did you know: Our quality assurance process ensures that every diamond meets strict color standards, verified by independent gemological laboratories. This means you can trust that your Created Forever diamond will display the beautiful colorless to near-colorless appearance you desire.
Frequently Asked Questions
The "best" color depends on your priorities. While D is technically the highest grade, G-I colors offer excellent appearance and value, especially in synthetic diamonds.
Yes! H color diamonds are an excellent choice, offering a beautiful appearance while providing significant value compared to higher grades.
Near colorless diamonds (G-J) appear colorless to the naked eye but cost significantly less than colorless D-F diamonds.
On our Created Forever website, that’s easy. Just select “info”, which is right next to the product description tab on the product page and you will see the color code of the diamond listed.
You may encounter diamonds labeled with combined color grades like “GH,” "H-I," or "EFG." These combinations indicate that the diamond's color falls within that range. For example, a GH diamond's color grade falls between these two letters, offering excellent value while maintaining beautiful aesthetics.
The GIA scale starts at D to differentiate it from older, less consistent scales that used A-C.
In the white diamond range, D color commands the highest prices. Colorless diamonds are the most rare. However, some extremely rare natural fancy colors can be even more valuable.
