Diamond Color: Education & Color Scale Charts (2024)

FAQs

What is the best color on the diamond scale? ›

What is the best color letter for a diamond? The most valuable and rarest color grade is a D color diamond, which is fully colorless. Diamonds graded D-F are the most colorless options available.

Color on a 0 to 10 Scale, the AGS Way

The American Gem Society Color Grade indicates where a diamond's color falls on a scale that runs from 0 (colorless) to 10 (light yellow or light brown). Most labs grade based on using D as the best color (see top line in the scale above), down to Z.

Yes, James Allen is an extremely reputable jeweler, and its inventory consists of over 315,000 natural diamonds as well as over 50,000 lab-grown diamonds. Diamonds sold by James Allen are certified by one of the leading independent diamond labs.

The GIA Clarity Scale contains 11 grades, with most diamonds falling into the VS (very slightly included) or SI (slightly included) categories. In determining a clarity grade, the GIA system considers the size, nature, position, color or relief, and quantity of clarity characteristics visible under 10× magnification.

​ ​VS1 is higher than the VS2 grade. The only difference between the two is a VS2 diamond's impurities can be easier to spot than those in a VS1. Imperfections in a VS2 grade diamond are similar in size and quantity to those in a VS1.

Because color is easier to detect in larger diamonds, opt for G-H in diamonds over 1 carat, and I-J for those under 1 carat. Once set in a ring, these diamonds will look just like higher color grade diamonds.

Clarity is more important in shapes like emerald, princess, and asscher. Colour is important for cushion, radiant, pear and oval. Generally speaking, as long as you choose an eye-clean diamond, your diamond will still look beautiful in terms of clarity.

Red diamonds are the most expensive colored diamonds. Currently, only about 20 to 30 exist in the world. These diamonds derive their red shade during the mining formation. The process is uncommon, explaining why red diamonds are rare and extremely small in size.

Since James Allen doesn't have to buy all the diamonds upfront, they can offer very competitive prices!

Is it safe to buy diamonds from James Allen? ›

As with other e-commerce jewelry stores, many question the quality of the diamonds (or whether they are real diamonds at all). But rest assured, the diamonds on James Allen are very real and run the gamut of cut, color, carat, clarity, and shape to fit everyone's budget.

The main difference between James Allen and Blue Nile is James Allen offers more setting designs, while Blue Nile has a larger selection of jewelry products. James Allen also has free diamond consultation. Both offer certified diamonds at competitive prices, 360-degree videos, and free returns.

VS1 is a high clarity grade with no eye visible inclusions and only small, hard to identify inclusions under 10x magnification. These diamonds represent the top 5% of all gem quality stones and are highly recommended as a blend of value and quality.

The most popular carat weights for engagement diamonds are between one and two carats. If a diamond under . 75 carats is a budget necessity, consider a marquise cut, which appears larger than other shapes of equal carat weight, due to its elongated cut.

The best diamond clarity grade is FL, flawless.

Red diamonds are the most expensive colored diamonds. Currently, only about 20 to 30 exist in the world. These diamonds derive their red shade during the mining formation. The process is uncommon, explaining why red diamonds are rare and extremely small in size.

F color diamonds are considered to be of high quality and are valued for their near-colorless appearance. They are typically more affordable compared to higher color grades while still offering an excellent balance between value and visual appeal.

The importance of color versus clarity in a diamond depends on personal preferences and priorities. Some may prioritize a colorless appearance, choosing a higher color grade, while others may prioritize clarity, opting for a stone with fewer visible inclusions.

Flawless is the top grade in the GIA Clarity Grading System. Diamonds graded Flawless don't have visible inclusions or blemishes when examined under 10-power (10X) magnification by a skilled and experienced grader.