Diamond Color

As one shops for a diamond, the strong preference is to choose a stone having the least amount of color. The color of a diamond ranges from D-Z, and there are five generally accepted categories; colorless, near colorless, faint, very light and light.

Diamonds exist throughout the full color spectrum.In a diamond, the predominant color one sees is yellow, as caused by the slight existence of the element of nitrogen.

As we look to distinguish between two diamonds, it would be difficult to differentiate between them as regards their color unless they are minimally two color grades apart.

Looking at the images below, it is near impossible to see their color looking at the diamond in its face up position. Looking from the side of the diamond, one can perhaps see a hint of some of the color, but please understand, the beauty of the diamond is admired from its face up position, not the side.

Colorless Diamonds (D-F)

These are the rarest and most valuable of diamonds on the color scale. D-E color diamonds have virtually no color, and F color ones have an almost undetected level of color as viewed by a gemologist in the face down position.

Near Colorless Diamonds (G-J)

In this range, diamonds appear near colorless when viewed in the face up position, however when viewed face down display a slight amount of color put up against a perfectly white background. However, this slight, trace color is virtually not detectable to the untrained eye once the diamond has been placed into its setting.

These near colorless diamonds certainly give great value for their price.

Faint Color Diamonds (K)

These diamonds may show some slight hint of color while viewed in the face up position, nonetheless, they are still a great option for those not as sensitive to color. In fact, some people enjoy the color scheme that is created from these diamonds.

As mentioned previously, the predominant color found in a diamond is yellow. Not uncommonly, a diamond appears brown. Generally speaking, this appears to be caused by internal graining which stems from possible structural irregularities and as a consequence of being combined with the impure nitrogen.