Color actually affects the beauty of a diamond MORE than clarity does (That's because you're dealing with tiny, microscopic inclusions). A color range of D, E, F, or G (All better color grades than H-I), will actually make your diamond look bigger, brighter, and sparkle more. That extra brilliance is worth every penny! H & I color diamonds are considered near colorless.
Read our comparison so you know which color is right for your jewelry! H color diamonds are 2nd in the "near-colorless" range of the GIA color scale, meaning they appear almost colorless when viewed with the naked eye, but could show a slight yellow tint when viewed under magnification by an expert gemologist. A 1 carat H color diamond typically starts around $5,500. H color diamonds are among our top recommendations, blending near.
Are you looking to purchase a diamond? Get a closer look at the official GIA Color Scale, informally called the diamond color chart, in GIA's latest blog post. When evaluating diamond color, the spectrum ranges from D to Z, with D being colorless and Z being light yellow or brown. The closer a diamond is to the colorless end of the spectrum (D-F), the higher its value.
Two of the most sought-after color grades for diamonds are H and I. So which is considered better - H color or I color? Looking for the best diamond color for your budget? See real image comparisons of G, H, and I color diamonds and discover which one gives you the best value in 2025. Our easy-to-follow diamond color chart guide explains all about the diamond color scale & how the grading system works to guide your purchase decision.
An H color diamond is essentially equal to a D, E, or F color diamond in every manner, but costs up to 20% less. However, if you sacrifice a little more and choose an I color diamond instead of an H, you can save even more - up to 40%. The GIA grades diamonds on a scale of D (colorless) through Z (light color).
All D-Z diamonds are considered white, even though they contain varying degrees of color. True fancy colored diamonds (such as yellows, pinks, and blues) are graded on a separate color scale. Below is the GIA diamond color chart with definitions, accompanied by further explanatory comments from Lumera: GIA Grade Color.
Color plays a critical role in determining a diamond's quality and value. As one of the 4Cs, the color of white diamonds is a yellowish hue that negatively impacts a diamond's brilliance. Colorless diamonds in the D, E, and F range command higher price points than lower color grades like J, K, and M.
Diamonds in the near-colorless range, particularly G and H colors, are also regarded as.