STORIES - What the D–Z Color Scale Tells You About Diamonds

Diamonds capture light, reflect life, and mark our most treasured moments.
But did you know that not all diamonds are equally white? In the world of diamond grading, color (or rather, the absence of it) plays a vital role. That’s where the D–Z color scale comes in.

In this blog, we’ll explain what the scale means and why it matters when choosing your perfect diamond.

What Is the D–Z Color Scale?

The color scale from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brownish).
The closer a diamond is to being colorless, the rarer and more valuable it is, because colorless diamonds reflect light in the purest way.

Important to know: The difference between one grade and the next is often so subtle that it’s only visible with specialized equipment, but it does make a difference in price, appearance, and feel.

The Scale at a Glance:

  • D–F (Colorless)
    Icy white, extremely rare, maximum brilliance

  • G–J (Near Colorless)
    Very slightly tinted, appears white in most settings

  • K–M (Faint Color)
    Light yellow tint visible, especially next to whiter stones

  • N–Z (Noticeable Tint)
    Yellow or brown tint clearly visible to the naked eye

A Few Fun Facts:

  • The GIA starts the scale at “D” (not A, B, or C) to avoid confusion with older grading systems.

  • Color is assessed outside of the setting (not in metal), under controlled lighting, only then can the true color be judged.

  • A diamond will appear less tinted in yellow gold than in white gold or platinum, so smart pairing makes a big difference.

The Color of Your Diamond

At byJACKY, we work with diamonds in the D to H color range.
With our passion and expertise, we’re happy to guide you through the subtle differences so you can make the best choice, for you and your jewel.

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