The Complete Diamond Color Guide: How to Find a Colorless Diamond on a Budget

If you're shopping around to buy an engagement ring, you might have heard the term diamond colour thrown around and wondered what it means. Diamond colour refers to the amount of colour in the diamond, ranging from D (the most colourless) to Z (the most coloured).

Colour grades are measured on a scale ranging from D-Z, with D being the highest grade of colourless and Z as close to black as possible without actually being black. In between these two extremes are G, H, and I, each gradually increasing in colour grade and decreasing in price.

What is Diamond Color?

A diamond's colour refers to how clear or yellow it is. The less colour a diamond has, the more valuable it is. Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (no colour) to Z (a yellow tint). The vast majority of diamonds fall somewhere in the middle of this scale. It can be difficult for the untrained eye to see the difference between a high-grade diamond and a lower-grade diamond.

However, there is a big price difference. A D-colored diamond will cost much more than a Z-colored diamond. You don't need to get the highest grade if you're on a budget. A diamond with slight colour will still look beautiful and won't break the bank.

A diamond's colour can be divided into two categories. A diamond's hue refers to its body colour. In contrast, its saturation refers to how vivid or dull it is—the GIA grades hue on a scale from D (colourless) through Z (light yellow).

The GIA also grades saturation from D (none) through Z (very light). Suppose you know your diamond's grade for both hue and saturation. In that case, you can accurately describe it as low, medium, or high in color. For example, a color grade of H-I means there's no tint of yellow in its body color while also being very intense.

What should I know about the diamond color scale?

Regarding the 4Cs of diamonds, we separate cut and carat weight from color and clarity. This is because color and clarity have the biggest impact on a diamond's appearance.

The diamond color scale goes from D (no hue) to Z (a yellow-hued diamond). The closer a diamond is to being colorless, the more expensive it will be. However, you don't need to go to the top of the scale to find a colorless diamond.

Diamond color also refers to how light behaves as it passes through. If a diamond appears white, it reflects nearly all light. A diamond with less color is said to have more body color.

On GIA's scale, there are three main types of body color, including yellowish-brown (Z), brown (Z+), and greyish-blue (D). An engagement ring's yellow or brown tint means less sparkle and potentially lower resale value.

To make it easier, we'll walk you through each level of color, identifying diamonds with body color and discussing what they will look like when set. Remember that diamond cut also plays a big role in how light interacts with it.

However, cut is less important than color regarding pricing and appearance. Read below or skip ahead to learn more about finding a diamond with low body color and lower prices.

What is the GIA diamond color scale?

The GIA diamond color scale is the industry standard for classifying diamonds by color. The scale goes from D (no hue) to Z (a yellow-hued diamond). Most shoppers are looking for a diamond that appears colorless, which is why D, E, and F grades are the most popular.

However, very high grades offer little visible difference but come with a big price increase. Take this diamond with a D color grade. It's an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option that still looks amazing.

What color grade should I choose when buying a diamond?

The best color for a diamond you will put in your engagement ring is not D. You can find a colorless diamond on a budget by looking for one with an E or F color grade.

If you want to save even more money, look for a diamond with a G or H color grade. These diamonds will have a slight yellow tint, but they will be much cheaper than diamonds with no color.

What's the Best Color for a Diamond?

D color diamonds are the highest quality colorless diamonds. However, they come at a significantly higher price than lower color grades. Suppose you're looking for a budget-friendly option. In that case, you can find plenty of attractive options a few steps down the diamond color scale.

For example, look at this 1 carat, VS2 clarity, excellent cut, D color round brilliant cut diamond from James Allen. It has all the sparkle and fire of a D-color diamond without a hefty price tag.

Keep It Simple and Stick With Round

If you're looking for a colorless diamond on a budget, keep it simple and stick with round. Round diamonds are the most popular shape and offer the most value for your money.

FAQ

What are fancy diamonds?

The shape is one of the 4 Cs of diamonds and is an important factor when shopping for a diamond. The most popular shapes are round, princess, and oval.

How Important is Shape?

When choosing a diamond shape, it's best to keep things simple and stick with round. Round diamonds are the most popular shape and offer great versatility in setting and styling.

Where Can I Buy A Low-Cost Fancy Shape?

You may need to adjust your budget if your heart is set on a specific fancy shape. The most popular shapes—round, princess, and emerald—are also the most expensive. But don't despair!

When Can I Upgrade From My First Diamond?

Color is one of the four Cs of diamonds, and it refers to the presence or absence of hue in a diamond. The diamond color scale begins with the letter D (no hue). It continues with an increasing presence of color to Z (a yellow-hued diamond).

While most people think they should buy a diamond at the top of the scale, very high grades offer little visible difference but come with a big price increase. You can save money by choosing a lower grade that still appears colorless. Here's how to do it

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