Back to 'Learn about Diamonds'
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Which Diamond Color Should I Choose?
The GIA grades diamond color from D-Z, from completely colorless to heavily tinted yellow or brown. It's very difficult to tell high quality D-H diamonds apart in regular light and in their setting, so diamonds are graded
loose and under lab conditions of fluorescent white light.
The 'face' of a diamond is significantly whiter than how it appears on its side, due to the dazzling light that sparkles out of the top. In most cases, for a top quality looking diamond, G-H colored diamonds are recommended
for best value for money.
D-E-F Color
The rarest and most desirable diamonds are in the colorless D-F range where even under lab conditions, these diamonds are completely 'white'. These diamonds are recommended when purchasing white gold and platinum jewelry,
especially when there are small diamond accents.
Near-Colorless Diamonds
G-H-I Color
Near-colorless diamonds will still have a white face up and any difference from colorless grade diamonds will only be noticeable in a lab. G-I diamonds are recommended for all jewelry for best value for money.
Tinted Diamonds
J-K-L Color
Very slightly tinted diamonds will have a warmer, white face and are recommended when set in yellow gold jewelry for a completely white look.
M-Z Color
Tinted diamonds tend to be best for either yellow gold or when a fancy color is desired.
