Diamond Color Guide

When you think of a diamond, you typically picture a bright shimmering stone that is completely clear. However, not all diamonds are completely colorless. Diamond color refers to the natural tint diamonds can have, mostly influence by their amount of icy white, but also with very faint shades of yellow or brown.

The less color a diamond has, the more light it reflects, giving it that bright, lively sparkle most people love. Completely colorless diamonds are rare (making them more sought after and valuable) and diamonds that have a slight tint may still be gorgeous depending on the overall design of the piece.

It’s important to remember that diamond color is about subtle differences that are often invisible to the naked eye. Picking the best diamond color is subjective and is based on your own preference, the metal you choose for your setting, and how much you can spend.

Diamonds are graded on a color scale established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The color scale ranges from D (completely colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The closer a diamond approaches colorlessness, the rarer and more valuable it becomes.

At Lucenjuri, our collection exclusively features sustainably created diamonds ranging from D to J on the color scale, ensuring colorless and near colorless options.

A diamond’s color isn’t just about nature—it’s influenced by several factors that determine whether it appears icy white, slightly tinted, or warmly hued. Understanding these factors can help you choose a diamond that looks its best in your preferred setting.

In lab grown diamonds, color can be affected by certain conditions during the diamond forming process. The presence of trace elements, like natural diamonds, is important—nitrogen will usually give off a soft yellow tint and boron will produce the rare blue colors. Also, the temperature, pressure and growth atmosphere during the CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) or HPHT (High Pressure High Temp) process will affect the final color grading of the diamond.

Essentially, a good cut can make color palettes less visible. A diamond with ideal proportions and precise faceting can effectively reflect light back into the eye of the beholder, creating a brilliance that may hide slight tints.

Larger diamonds show color more easily than smaller ones because they have more surface area to reflect and absorb light. A G-color diamond, for instance, may appear whiter in a 1-carat stone but slightly tinted in a 3-carat stone.

The type of metal you choose for your jewelry can either hide or highlight a diamond’s color. White metals (platinum or white gold) emphasize colorless diamonds, while yellow or rose gold can make near-colorless or faintly tinted diamonds appear whiter.

Diamonds can look different depending on the light. Natural daylight reveals the diamond’s true color, while warm indoor lighting can make faint tints less noticeable.

There is no right or wrong when it comes to diamond color—it’s all about what works best for your style, setting, and budget. What looks perfect to one person may not matter to another, particularly since many of the differences in color are subtle and can be almost impossible to detect in the absence of a grader's loupe.

The metal and setting you choose can dramatically influence how a diamond’s color appears. Platinum or white gold settings enhance the sparkle of colorless diamonds by creating a bright, reflective backdrop. Yellow or rose gold, on the other hand, complements warmer-toned diamonds beautifully, blending with their natural hues and making them appear whiter.

Larger diamonds are typically more easily influenced by color due to the sheer physical size of the stone. If you’re choosing a stone 2 carats or larger, consider opting for a higher color grade (G or better) to maintain a whiter appearance.

Slightly lower color grades, like H or I, can look almost identical to higher grades once set, especially in the right metal. Selecting a Near Colorless diamond will give you more budget to play with for better cut or larger carat weight which is much more evident in characteristic beauty. When all is said and done, the best diamond color for you is the color that is pleasing to you; beautiful to your eye, fits your sense of style, and comfortably fits your budget.

When it comes to choosing the color of diamond that’s right for you, it’s not about finding perfect color—it's about finding the color combination that feels right. Whether you’re drawn to the crisp brilliance of a colorless diamond or the warm charm of a near-colorless stone set in yellow gold, the right combination of color and setting can make any diamond truly stunning.

At Lucenjuri, every diamond is carefully curated for beauty, quality, and brilliance—no matter its color grade. Explore our collection of lab grown diamonds, available in a range of color grades and diamond characteristics, and find the perfect match for your style, story, and budget.