Breaking Down the 4 C’s of Diamond Buying: Color

Breaking Down the 4 C’s of Diamond Buying: Color

Date Icon 25 September, 2025

So you have decided that it’s time to get married. Or perhaps you have realized that it’s time to upgrade your loved one to a brand new ring because when you first proposed you were a little strapped for cash. Or perhaps you just want to surprise a sweetheart with an amazing gift. No matter what the occasion, diamond jewelry is a great option; however, before you buy just any jewelry, make sure you understand how to find the highest quality so you get something that will sparkle for decades.

There are four factors to consider in diamond buying, often called the “4 C’s”. Today we are going to go a little more in-depth into one of these four C’s and talk about diamond color.

Diamonds are Colored?

There are some diamonds that come in colors, such as pink or blue, but when someone is talking about diamond “color” as part of your decision to buy, they probably mean the lack of color. A quality diamond will be colorless, sometimes also referred to as “white”, and will not have any visible hue to it. When a diamond does have color, usually it’s a pale yellow hue.

How Diamond Color is Identified

The light around you can sometimes influence the look of a diamond, so it’s important to note that even if you don’t notice any visible color to the diamond, that doesn’t mean it’s a white, colorless diamond. Color is graded by experts on a scale of D (the highest score) to Z (the lowest score). Generally you are safe with anything scored between a D and a J. Most people consider color to be the second most important of the 4 C’s behind cut—people notice the sparkle first, then the color, and diamonds with a yellow hue will often look less appealing.

How the Rating System Works

When a diamond is rated for its color, it will fall into one of six color categories:

  • Z through N: noticeably colored, often a yellow hue; most reputable diamond seller won’t carry these categories
  • M through K: noticeably colored, but slightly better than the ones that rank in the bottom category
  • J through I: a warm tone is slight, but may be detectable by a trained eye
  • H through G: nearly colorless, and extremely difficult to detect unless it’s placed next to a diamond with a better color grade
  • F through E: colorless diamond, with only minute traces that could be detected by a gemologist with the correct tools
  • D: completely colorless, and extremely rare

Most people will be happy with a diamond that is rated somewhere between a D and G, but you can find a little more value if you are willing to go with an I or J diamond. It’s also important to note that the larger a diamond you choose, the more you will be able to notice imperfections, so consider the size when selecting your color grade.

To learn more about jewelry and find the perfect diamond for the one you love, check out AAA Jewelry in Salt Lake City.