Diamond Color - Why G Color Gives the Best Value

In a nutshell

In colorless white diamonds, color is one of the 4Cs (carat, cut, color, clarity) in assessing the quality of the diamond. It is one of the most noticeable and vital factors determining a diamond's overall brilliance.

Since D-F colors are considered colorless, G is right at the boundary of the colorless range and cannot be distinguished from F color diamonds to the naked eye. Check out the difference in real-time with James Allen's 40X Magnified 3D Videos technology.

Since G color barely has any hue or yellow tint, it is still regarded as an investment grade.

If you go for a G-colored diamond, make sure you buy an eye-clean stone, preferably in the SI1/VS2 range at a minimum, to maximize its brilliance.

Diamond certification is important. Always go for a GIA or AGS graded diamond.

Fluorescence is an essential factor. Therefore, we recommend that you go for none or faint blue fluorescence in G color diamonds.

Here is an ( example) of an excellent G color diamond that you should compare your options with while buying a G color diamond. 

Overview

The first thing most people notice about a diamond is its color. Is it pink? Blue? Or colorless? Color is key in assessing the quality of diamonds. Colored stones range from the rare pink, red, black, and blue to completely colorless ones and those with hints of yellow. When it comes to white diamonds, clarity is a significant factor in their value. Clear diamonds are the most valuable because they reflect a great deal of light, making them more lustrous—a quality many jewelry lovers appreciate.

To rank them in quality according to color, from good to best, the Gemology Institute of America (GIA) has introduced a grading system based on letters. The letters are from D to Z, with D being the best quality and very clear with no color hues. On the other hand, z ranks lowest in clarity, with a noticeable tint.

History of Diamond Grading

Diamond grading has been around for a long time and can be traced back to the times of the Roman Empire when it was used to sort out the stones. With the increase in the popularity of diamonds, several regions worldwide have introduced grading systems. However, they differed and led to discrepancies, especially during inter-regional trade.

In the late 1800s, grading models started using letters such as A, B, C, A the A, AA, AAA, and I, II, II. Upon the formation of the Gemology Institute of America, a new grading structure took charge, also using letters. The new order used letters from D to Z to keep people from getting mixed up with the old grading system.

The Grading Process

The color grading process comes after establishing carat weight and proportions and checking on the diamond piece's clarity and finish. The diamond is then compared to a set of master stones laid from D to Z to represent the different clarity levels. The jewel is moved against each stone in the set to get the one matching its profile in color.

Afterward, it is observed keenly under ultraviolet light to check its reflective capability. The grading environment utilizes a gray or white environment for the best results.

Also, to improve the accuracy of the results, other graders will repeat the whole procedure, and a consensus will be reached to determine the grade of the gem.

The Diamond Grades

D, E, F

The grades D, E, and F, are on the higher side of clarity and are of the best quality. D ranks the highest and shows no color blemishes under proper scrutiny. However, pieces under these grades are very lustrous and rare, so they are costly. Under GIA standards, the pieces in grades D, E, and F are colorless.

G, H, I, J

The G, H, I, and J grades come second in clarity. Jewels in this grade have the description of being near colorless. They have a slight color, but it is not easily noticeable unless under intense inspection. Additionally, they offer the best value as they are almost like the D, E, and F grades in quality but slightly cheaper. Acquiring them is an effortless affair as they are not as rare as the preceding grades. Under an untrained eye, the stones appear brilliant, but a slight difference is only noticed compared to a master stone of the higher grade class.

K, L, M

The next grade class is the K, L, and M, with a slightly faint yellow hue. The light coloration is noticeable by an untrained eye, and this grade has a more comprehensive distinction from the former two grade classes. You can get a good-cut diamond in this grade class at a better bargain.

N To R

The N, O, P, Q, and R categories are noted for their pronounced yellow hue and are termed as very light yellow to slightly light brown. These diamonds are considered lower quality due to the strong coloration that makes them distinguishable. A yellow gold mount can be a good option for such diamonds to ensure that the yellow coloration can be slightly toned down. In addition, they are way cheaper and easily accessible.

S To Z

We have the S to Z category on the lower side of the grading system. The diamonds have a light yellow hue to a light brown coloration in terms of clarity. They are also easily accessible and affordable as their quality is not considered high-end. The S-graded diamonds are yellowish under the naked eye, with the Z category seemingly taking on a light brown color.

Notably, it is wrong to assume that a lower grade should not be considered because of its negligible worth. With a clear cut and the right weight proportions in carats, lower-grade diamonds offer great value, especially if they rank higher in polish, symmetry, and finish. Get a high-grade gold mount, and you are good to go.

Grading of Colored Diamonds

Diamonds with slightly higher coloration past the Z grade are no longer considered clear. Instead, they are called "fancy diamonds" and have their own grading system that uses colors to describe diamonds. The colors start from red, orange-red, yellowish-orange, and so forth. Adjectives are also used to describe their saturation in color, with terms such as faint, fancy, light, and deep.

Why G Color Gives The Best Value

The G to J grade in colorless diamond grading offers the best value due to the thin distinction between it and the best quality diamonds in the preceding D to F grades. The clarity of the jewels is almost the same, though there is a slight hue of color that experts can only see in the right conditions.

The great value comes in pricing, as the D to F grade is rare and highly priced. The G grade is not that rare; hence, it is affordable. As the clarity is not easily distinguishable, you can opt for the G color and get a gem best in clarity with a manageable price tag. With a clear cut and a great polish and finish on the G color diamond, you have the best bargain on your hands with a clear sparkle.

Bottom-line

When buying a colorless diamond, focus on its coloration to get the best piece in terms of clarity. Having a professional grader check it does the trick, and you get an accurate grade after analysis. For the best value in quality and pricing, look at G diamonds for a balance in price and utter clarity. Always go for a GIA-certified loose diamond.