The color of a diamond refers to the absence of color in white diamonds. Most natural diamonds contain slight yellow or brown tints, and the less color a diamond has, the higher its value (in traditional white diamonds). The ideal diamond is completely colorless, allowing the most reflection of light.
Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown):
The difference between color grades is subtle, especially to the untrained eye, but can significantly impact the diamond’s price.
It’s important to note that fancy color diamonds (like pink, blue, or yellow diamonds) are graded differently. In those cases, more color equals more value, as these hues are rare and highly prized.
If you're shopping for a diamond on a budget, consider a near-colorless grade like G or H, especially when set in yellow or rose gold. These appear nearly colorless to the naked eye but are more affordable than D-grade diamonds.