Lab Diamond Color

Color is a defining factor in a diamond’s beauty, impacting how bright or warm it appears. Lab-created diamonds are graded for color just like natural diamonds, helping buyers understand their visual quality. While lab diamonds are chemically and optically similar to mined diamonds, their color can vary due to the growth process, with most falling within the near-colorless to faint color range. In this guide, we’ll explore the color grading scale and what each grade means to help you find the perfect lab-created diamond.

Diamond Color Scale

Diamonds, both lab-created and natural, are graded on a color scale to indicate the presence or absence of any hue. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) developed the industry-standard scale for color, ranging from D (colorless) to Z (light color), and this same scale applies to lab-created diamonds. The IGI (International Gemological Institute) also uses a similar scale for grading lab diamonds.

GIA Color Scale

Here’s a breakdown of each grade on the color scale:

D-F (Colorless)
Diamonds graded D, E, or F are considered colorless, displaying no visible color. These diamonds appear icy white and are the rarest and most valuable on the scale. A D grade represents an absolutely colorless diamond, the highest color grade achievable. E is also colorless, with minuscule color traces detectable only by an expert under magnification. F diamonds are nearly indistinguishable from D and E to the naked eye, with only a very slight hint of color detectable under close examination.

G-J (Near-Colorless)
Diamonds graded G, H, I, or J are classified as near-colorless, showing a very slight warmth that’s often invisible to the untrained eye. G and H have minimal color, appearing white in most settings, offering an excellent balance between quality and value. I and J diamonds may show a faint warmth, particularly in larger sizes or when set in white metals, but generally maintain a white appearance in most settings.

K-M (Faint Color)
Diamonds in this range begin to show a slight tint, typically yellow, which becomes more noticeable in larger stones. K-graded diamonds have a visible warmth but are often chosen for vintage-inspired settings or set in yellow or rose gold to complement their tone. L and M grades show more pronounced color, making them better suited for those seeking a warmer look or for settings in warmer metals.

N-Z (Light Color)
Diamonds graded N through Z have a noticeable yellow or brown tint, easily visible even to casual observers. These diamonds are less commonly chosen for engagement rings but can work for those who prefer a unique look or embrace a warm hue.

IGI Color Scale