What Is Diamond Color?
Color refers to the natural tint inherent in white diamonds. In nature, most white diamonds have a slight tint of yellow. The closer to being “colorless” a diamond is, the rarer it is. The industry standard for grading color is to evaluate each stone against a master set and assign a letter grade from “D” (colorless) to “Z” (light yellow).
Diamond Color Chart
Tiffany only accepts engagement diamonds in the “colorless” and “near colorless” range on a diamond color scale. In other words, for engagement rings, Tiffany only accepts D color diamonds, E color diamonds, F color diamonds, G color diamonds, H color diamonds and I color diamonds. Borderline diamond color classifications are automatically given the more conservative grade.
DEF
Colorless
GHIJ
Near Colorless
KLM
Faint Yellow
NOPQR
Very Light Yellow
STUVWXYZ
Light Yellow
The gemological standards in this section refer only to individually registered engagement diamonds set in certain ring styles.
Does Diamond Color Matter?
Color is the second most important of the 4Cs because the color grade directly affects the stone’s appearance. Diamonds with a poor color grade can appear slightly yellow instead of the desired brilliant white. Additionally, the Tiffany Gemological Laboratory will not accept stones exhibiting strong or excessive fluorescence, which, in natural lighting, can give diamonds a milky appearance.
“If you’re buying a piece of jewelry from Tiffany, you’re buying a piece of artwork.”
—Paul Domiciano, model maker
Frequently Asked Questions
What is diamond color?
Color refers to the natural tint inherent in white diamonds. In nature, most white diamonds have a slight tint of yellow. The closer to being “colorless” a diamond is, the rarer it is. The industry standard for grading color is to evaluate each stone against a master set and assign a letter grade from “D” (colorless) to “Z” (light yellow).
What are the different types of diamond color?
White diamonds are given a color grade of D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). Tiffany only accepts engagement diamonds in the “colorless” and “near colorless” range on a diamond color scale. For engagement diamonds, Tiffany only accepts D, E, F, G, H and I color diamonds. Fancy color diamonds such as yellow or pink diamonds have their own color grades.
What's the best diamond color?
Among white diamonds, D color diamonds are of the highest grade. D color diamonds are in the "colorless" range on a diamond color scale along with E color diamonds and F color diamonds. Fancy color diamonds such as yellow or pink diamonds have their own color grades.
The 4Cs
Cut
Cut is determined by how a diamond’s facets interact with light.
Clarity
Clarity is a measure of the purity and rarity of the stone.
Carat
Carat denotes the weight of a diamond.
Engagement Rings
In 1886, Tiffany introduced the engagement ring as we know it today. We’re proud to build on that legacy as the leader in diamond traceability with responsibly sourced diamond rings.
The Guide to Diamonds
Discover how Tiffany’s high standards across cut, clarity, color and carat weight make our diamonds brighter and more vibrant.
Our Diamond Experts
Let us assist you in choosing an engagement ring, personalizing a wedding band or selecting a special anniversary gift.
A Lifetime of Service
When you purchase a Tiffany engagement ring, you receive superlative care for a lifetime.
