608 5th Avenue, Third Floor · New York, NY 10020       Phone Icon  (212) 391-0633

  • Instagram Page Lauren B
  • Pinterest Page Lauren B
  • YouTube Page Lauren B
  • Blog Lauren B

CART (0)

section

The Blog

Diamond Color Guide: The Four C’s of Diamonds Lauren B IGTV

Diamond Color Guide: The Four C’s of Diamonds Lauren B IGTV

We are going to be discussing the color of diamonds, the second of the four Cs. Common perception suggests that diamonds need to be totally colorless and white in order to be beautiful. They are graded by absence of color, meaning how white the diamond is or how saturated in color the diamond might be. Most of the diamonds we work with at Lauren B are graded from D-J color (the colorless to near-colorless range). The colorless range is D, E, F while the near-colorless range is G, H, I, J. 

Fun fact: the color is graded from the bottom, or pavilion view, of the diamond. At GIA laboratories, the diamonds are set upside down and graded against a set of master stones. The colorlessness of the diamond from this viewpoint determines its color grade. The reason for this is that depending on how well the diamond is cut, when you turn it over, the diamond can either hide or show the color more or less.

For example, look at the round diamonds next to each other on the hand. The round on the left is graded F color, or in the colorless range. The diamond on the right is graded I color, or in the near-colorless range. When comparing the two diamonds next to each other you can see there is a bit of a difference, however the I color diamond does not look dark or yellow by any means; it is cut beautifully, it is white, bright, and has a ton of sparkle. Keep in mind diamonds are natural stones -  it is okay if it has a little bit of saturation to it!

 Notice when the I color option is viewed alone, (or without being compared to the F color diamond) the I color diamond looks great! There many ways to achieve a larger stone to work within your budget if you are open to sacrificing on the color!

I-COLOR FANCY SHAPE DIAMONDS

Cushion

First up for fancy shapes is the gorgeous brilliant style cut cushion diamond. Cushion cut diamonds can hide color well with more improved cutting styles, like the one shown. The crisp faceting and perfect proportions lend this diamond to conceal any bit of warmth. If this cushion were cut in the “crushed ice” style, a cushion in the I-color range might present as being more yellow or warm. 

Recently, we did an IGTV on cushion cuts and the difference between the different facet patterns and how they can show color differently. To learn more about those watch the IGTV here!

Step Cuts (Emerald/Asscher)

The next shape depicted is an I color emerald cut diamond. An emerald cut diamond contains a step cut facet arrangement, so the pattern is made up of parallel lines and does not show color as easily as other elongated shapes would. Emerald cut diamonds also contain fewer, but larger and more open facets, so you should not compromise too greatly on graded clarity as any obstructions can be more noticeable.

Oval & Pear

Oval and pear-shaped diamonds are a bit trickier when it comes to shopping for an I color grade, but our ovals and our pears are carefully selected to not have any strong, visible tint of yellow to the diamonds. At Lauren B, we make sure our diamonds face-up as white as possible, so you are still able to purchase a larger stone without settling for easily visible color.

All of the I-color diamonds shown are purchased and sourced for our LB inventory, and are available for purchase for your custom ring!  

In order of appearance: 2.39ct. round brilliant cut, 2.15ct. brilliant-cut cushion, 2.02ct. emerald cut, and 2.01ct. oval. 

If you have any questions about these diamonds or any other diamond request for your ring, please email [email protected].

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST