exploring DIAMOND COLORS
color is more forgiving than people expect. Cut and brightness often matter more than a tiny step on the color ladder. sCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TO LEARN HOW design and metal SELECTION IMPACT THE BRILLIANCE OF YOUR STONES!
We often play with contrast: Think cool white diamonds in platinum heads, paired with warm gold shanks; or softly tinted stones intentionally framed in yellow gold to celebrate their character.
Schedule your Consultation TODAY AND WE WILL currate the perfect build!
GIA Color Scale (D–Z)
D–F: Colorless – Icy white; pairs beautifully with platinum/white gold.
G–J: Near-Colorless – Still face-up white, especially in yellow gold; sweet spot for value.
K–M: Faint color – Soft warmth; can look beautiful in vintage-inspired or yellow/rose gold settings.
The Collector (Top 1–2%)
Target: D–F color · FL–VVS clarity · Ideal/Excellent cut · GIA (AGS Ideal equivalent) · No fluorescence
Why: Extreme rarity, strong resale, museum-level optics.
Best in: Platinum/white gold (keeps stones icy).
Shapes: Any. Step cuts (emerald/Asscher) look breathtaking here—high clarity really shows.
Watch-outs: Premium pricing; tiny inclusions or fluorescence can dent value disproportionately.
Balanced Brilliance (Most popular “premium” pick)
Target: G–H color · VS1–VS2 clarity · Very Good–Excellent cut · GIA
Fluorescence: None to Faint/Medium blue OK (can even help G–H face whiter).
Why: Looks white on the hand, eye-clean, great performance without collector pricing.
Best in: Any metal; pairs beautifully with pavé.
Shapes: All brilliants; for step cuts, consider VS1–VS2 (or exceptionally clean VS2).
Size First! Eye-Clean!
Target: I–J color · SI1–SI2 clarity (must be eye-clean) · Very Good–Excellent cut
Fluorescence: Medium–Strong blue often helpful (may make I–J look crisper).
Why: Maximizes carat with attractive look on the hand.
Best in: Yellow/rose gold (warmer settings balance color).
Shapes: Brilliant shapes hide color/inclusions better than step cuts. If choosing step cuts, stay I (or higher) and pick carefully clean stones.
Intentional Warmth (Smart trade off on color)
Target: K–M color (or warmer) · VS–VVS clarity · Excellent cut
Why: Prioritize top optics and clarity while embracing a romantic, antique warmth.
Best in: Yellow/rose gold bezels or vintage-inspired designs.
Shapes: Cushions, Old Mine/Old Euro, emerald cuts with yellow gold heads—deliciously nostalgic.
Fluorescence: Medium–Strong blue can be a plus (counter-tints warmth in daylight).
Fancy Colors
Natural fancy pink, blue, yellow, green, etc.
Lab-grown fancy colors give a lot more room to play with saturation at approachable price points.