The Diamond color is one of four major characteristics that are considered when determining a diamond's quality and value. They are known as the Four Cs, and the remaining three are diamond clarity, diamond cut, and diamond carat weight. Understanding these four characteristics, and how they interact, will help you choose a diamond that suits your tastes and your pocketbook. To be graded, diamonds must be loose, because once a diamond is set into metal the metal can affect the color we perceive.

 

Diamond Color Grades

Colorless diamonds and diamonds that are yellow or yellowish brown are grouped into the categories shown below. These grades do not apply to fancy colored diamonds - they have their own color grading standards.

D-E-F

Colorless

G-H-I-J

Nearly colorless

K-L-M

Faintly tinted, usually yellow.

N-O-P-Q-R

Lightly tinted, usually yellow. Tint can be seen with the naked eye.

S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z

Tinted, usually yellow diamonds, may progress to brownish.

Tint is visible to the naked eye, even when mounted.