Color

You'll find only the finest diamonds with color graded D-I. Diamonds graded I or better are colorless or near-colorless — their color is typically undetectable to the unaided eye. The color in diamonds graded K-Z detracts from the beauty of a diamond. It's especially noticeable set in platinum or white gold.

D	Absolutely colorless. The highest color grade, which is extremely rare.
E	Colorless. Only minute traces of color can be detected by an expert gemologist. A rare diamond.
F	Colorless. Slight color detected by an expert gemologist, but still considered a "colorless" grade. A high-quality diamond.
G-H	Near-colorless. Color noticeable when compared to diamonds of better grades, but these grades offer excellent value.
I-J	Near-colorless. Color slightly detectable. An excellent value.
K-M	Noticeable color. Not carried by Ari?.
N-Z	Noticeable color. Not carried by Ari?.

How important is color when selecting a diamond?

Color is the second most important aspect when choosing a diamond. When looking at a diamond, the human eye notices the diamond's cut first and its color second. Color becomes especially important when considering diamonds of larger size, since the additional light reflected.

Which colors on the diamond color scale offer the best value?

The colors I and J have slightly detectable color, but tend to offer an excellent value - especially when considering a diamond shape such as Round or Princess. These types of shapes have more facets that reflect more light, and therefore can mask color in a diamond.

What are the differences between the "colorless diamonds" or D, E, and F?

Ari? offers a chart that provides a comparison of colors D through I. Diamonds with the color D are absolutely colorless and are considered the rarest and most desirable. Diamonds with the color grades of E and F are still colorless to the naked eye.

What are the differences between G and H?

Both colors G and H are considered "near-colorless" and the differences between the two are minor. Color in both may be noticeable when compared to diamonds of better grades, but both of these offer excellent value.

Can I maximize the color of my diamond?

Diamond shapes that reflect more light, such as round brilliant or princess, can mask some color in a diamond. Therefore, you can maximize the color in a diamond by choosing a shape that has more facets.