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The ONLY diamond grading certificates that I recommended and TRUST are the
Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS).
My Diamond Color Recommendations
White Gold / Platinum – color grade of H or higher
Yellow Gold – (Round, Emerald, Asscher) – color grade of I, J, K
Yellow Gold – (all other shapes) – color grade of H or higher
If you purchasing a yellow gold mounting, consider a I-J-K color with medium or strong blue fluorescence. In lower color grades, the blue fluorescence actually gives a diamond a whiter, brighter appearance.
I do not recommend purchasing an oval, marquise, or pear shaped diamond in a color grade less than H. This is because yellow shades of color will show in the tips of the diamond.
Important – the larger a diamond, the easier it will be to see slight differences in color. This is especially true if you are purchasing a diamond over one carat.
Money Saving Tip
Since color shades are so subtle, choose a diamond that has a color shade a grade or two lower than what you were initially considering. Once it is mounted, a diamond will show little (if any) difference from a diamond that is one or two grades higher. Use the money you saved towards something you will see every single day – a larger diamond, an attractive mounting, or a diamond that is cut (proportioned) to reflect maximum brilliance.
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Buying a diamond can be complicated. You're going to have questions. Remember, I answer all your questions for FREE. That's right. Just ask!
The GIA and AGS Color Grading Scale
This chart will be informative if you are considering a diamond with a AGS certificate. Be sure to note how the AGS number grade coincides with the GIA letter grade.
The GIA Color Scale begins at D (colorless) and runs to Z (light yellow). Each letter on the diamond scale represents a narrow range of color, not a specific color.
D-E-F (Colorless)
Diamonds in this color range should be graded by a trained gemologist in a side by side comparison with other D-E-F diamonds. The average consumer cannot tell the difference between a D and F color. Best if set in a platinum or white gold setting. A yellow gold setting will reflect a slight tint of yellow into the diamond.
G-H-I-J (Near Colorless)
These are the most sought after colors for engagement rings. An I – J color may retail for half the price of a D color. Prices increase 10- 20 percent for each color grade in the G – J range.
K-L-M (Faint Yellow)
Diamonds that are K color have a yellow tint. When they are set in yellow gold, they may have a warmer color that may be appealing. K color diamonds retail for about half the price of a G color.
N–Z (Very Light Yellow – Light Yellow)
Noticeable yellow color. Often used in discount jewelry.
Why Does The GIA Color Scale Start
With The Letter "D"?
The GIA color grading scale was developed in the 1950’s. At that time, there were many other scales that were misleading. Some included letters of the alphabet (A or AA ) One scale even used AAAA! Others included Arabic numerals (1,2,3) and Roman numerals (I, II, III) and terms such as “blue white” and “gem blue”. Some scales gave a letter grade derived from diamond mines ( Top Wesselton, Top Cape).
As you can imagine, it was very difficult for the average consumer to purchase a diamond because the diamond scales were confusing, inconsistent, and highly inaccurate.
The creators of the GIA Color Scale wanted to set themselves apart from the other grading scales. They chose to start their color scale at D because it was a letter that wouldn’t conflict with other scales.
How Does The GIA Determine The Color Grade?
Diamonds that are color graded at one of the GIA laboratories are put through a very rigorous process.
Each diamond is graded under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions. The diamond to be color graded is matched up with diamonds in a master stone set. A minimum of two color graders enter their independent evaluations of the color grade. Depending on the agreement of these grades, and the weight and quality of the diamond, it may be sent to additional graders who offer their own color opinions. The final grade is not determined until their is sufficient consensus.
What Causes The Yellow Color Present
In Many Diamonds?
Yellow color in diamonds is caused by nitrogen that is trapped within the diamond as it was being formed.
How Does The Color Of Your Mounting Affect the Color Of Your Diamond?
If you are setting your diamond in a white gold or platinum mounting, try to keep your diamond as white as possible. Do not consider diamonds that have slight traces of color because it will be noticeable in a white mounting. You can consider lower color grades in a yellow gold mounting. Look for lower grade round diamonds (I,J, K) with medium or strong blue fluorescence. This will make your diamond appear whiter and brighter.
What Is Fluorescence?
Fluorescence is a diamond’s reaction to ultraviolet (UV) light. If you were to view a selection of engagement rings under an ultraviolet lamp, you would notice that many of them have a noticeable blue glow. Some may show hardly any glow or none at all. Fluorescence is normally blue, but sometimes it is yellow, white, or orange.
The GIA lists Fluorescence on its diamond laboratory reports as none, faint, medium, strong, or very strong. The AGS breaks fluorescence down into four categories – negligible, medium, strong, and very strong.
The Rapaport Diamond Report states “Blue Fluorescence may add value to lower color diamonds as it gives the diamonds a whiter, brighter appearance.” Here’s an example – very strong blue fluorescence can add 0-3% to the value of I,J,K color diamonds. Strong and medium blue fluorescence can add 0-2% to the value of the same color range.
Fluorescence has an negative impact in regards to diamonds that have a higher clarity and color. For example, in D-H color diamonds with a clarity of Internally Flawless (IF) to Very Slight Included (VS), the price discount can be 3-15% for very strong fluorescence. There is usually no price difference in F-H color diamonds with a clarity of SI1 to diamonds in the Imperfect (I1-I3) range.
The Author
Hello. My name is Joel DePeri. I have been a Certified Diamond Coach for more than
30 years. I have helped over 8000 couples choose a diamond engagement ring that is accurately graded and well priced. I would very much like to help you choose yours. I am happy to answer any diamond questions you have for FREE. Yes, that's right. I'm proud to say that this is probably the best value on the internet. Buying an engagement ring doesn't have to be so complicated. Let me help make this enjoyable for you.