Visual chart

Diamond Color Scale

GIA grades color from D (no color) to Z (light yellow). The naked eye stops detecting the difference around H-I. Most of the price difference between D and G is theater.

D · E · F

Colorless

No discernible color. Most expensive. The difference between D, E, and F is not visible to non-experts even side by side.

G · H · I · J

Near colorless

No visible color in the face-up view in normal lighting. G-H is mainstream; I-J shows slight warmth in white metal but disappears in yellow gold.

K · L · M

Faint

Slight yellowish or brownish tint visible to most people. Significant price drop from J to K — sometimes 30%.

N · O · P · Q · R

Very light

Visible color. These stones are rarely sold in mainstream retail. Specialty designers occasionally use them for vintage looks.

S to Z

Light

Yellow color obvious. Past Z grades into "fancy yellow" territory which is graded on a separate scale and can be much more valuable.

Buy rules

· White gold or platinum setting: G or H is the sweet spot.
· Yellow gold setting: I or J is fine — the metal masks any warmth.
· Rose gold setting: H or I works; the pink reflects warmth into the stone.
· Bigger stones (1.5ct+) show color more — buy a grade up vs smaller stones.