Color. The grade describing how little yellow or brown tint a diamond shows. The GIA color scale runs from D (completely colorless) to Z (light yellow). On resale, stones in the D–F range fetch a premium; G–J are the practical sweet spot for value.
Color is graded by comparing a diamond face-down to a set of master stones under controlled lighting. The difference between adjacent grades is subtle and often invisible once a stone is mounted in a setting.
For most resale offers, a one-grade difference in color shifts the price 5–10%. Larger jumps — for example D to H — can shift price by 30% or more on big stones.
Related terms
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