HOW COLOR AFFECTS VALUE

D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M… Where to start?
When considering what color diamond is right for you, start by looking at an H or I color diamond. This is in the middle of the popular color grade range (from D to M color). If you see some color then consider buying a diamond of a higher color grade, and if you don’t see any color then consider buying a diamond of a lower color grade.

It is difficult for an untrained eye to see the difference between each individual letter grade, but most people can easily see the distinction between diamonds of a few grade differences, such an E and an H or an H and a K, especially when compared side by side. Color differences are most noticeable when diamonds are next to one another. Keep this in mind when purchasing loose diamonds that will be set next to one another in a piece of jewelry. Make sure they are similar colors – not more than 2-3 grades different.

The price difference between each color grade (all else being equal) ranges from about 3% to more than 25%. The price increments increase when the other quality factors are higher. For example, the difference between each color grade for a 1.00 carat VS1 clarity diamond is about 10-15% per color grade, whereas the difference between each color grade for a 1.00 carat SI2 clarity diamond is about 3-7% per color.

Color is more noticeable in larger diamonds and in diamonds with fewer facets such as Emerald and Assscher cuts, and, color is less noticeable in well cut diamonds and in diamonds with more facets such as Round and Princess cuts.