...

D Color Diamond Explained: Do’s and Don’ts

Author picture

Have a question? Not sure which one is the right diamond?

contact us

My blog is reader-supported; when you purchase through links on my site, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This enables me to provide you with free content.

Some retailers understand that the diamond buying process can be overwhelming. For that reason they are willing to share a portion of their profits with me if I can make this experience more simple for you.

In this partnership, you benefit from complimentary content and personalized consultations. If all sides are happy and you decide to buy, the retailer (and not you) compensates me.

While many diamond retailers have approached me, I hold the highest standards, choosing to collaborate only with those whose services and pricing I can confidently endorse. Your satisfaction and access to quality service are my top priorities. Therefore, you can trust that I maintain an unbiased perspective, without compromising the integrity of this blog.

Bottom Line Recommendation About D Color Diamonds

D color diamonds, representing the top of color purity, come with a substantial price tag, making them suitable for those who highly value top-tier color and can afford it. In settings like yellow or rose gold, or under budget constraints, a lower E colorless like this one can be a more practical yet still beautiful choice, saving thousands without significant compromise on appearance. For those who want a colorless appearance but are not fixed on a D colorless, carefully chosen G to J color diamonds such as this one can offer similar visual appeal to the naked eye, providing a balance of beauty and value.

I highly recommend checking out this top-rated retailer for the best prices on D color natural diamonds. Additionally, for an extensive selection of high-quality options, make sure to explore this renowned retailer known for its impressive range.

Lab-grown D color diamonds offer the same visual appeal as their natural counterparts at a much more accessible price point, making them an excellent choice for those drawn to the allure of D color diamonds but mindful of budget. These diamonds possess identical chemical and optical qualities, yet it’s essential to inspect them closely to confirm their colorlessness and ensure they don’t exhibit any grey-blue shades that can occasionally be present in lab-grown gems.

For a D color lab-grown diamond, this is my personal favorite retailer. If you are looking for low-cost options, check this one as well.

My top picks for D color

1. Best balance

1.42 Carat D VS2

2. Largest diamond

1.70 Carat D SI1

3. Most premium

1.02 Carat D VVS1

Deal Alerts!

RECOMMENDED RELIABLE SELLERS ONLY.

25% Off Sitewide + Up to 50% off The Initial Collection at James Allen

Up to 50% OFF Selected Jewelry at Blue Nile

Instant $100 off when signing up + 3% discount on wire transfer at Whiteflash

Table of Contents

D color diamonds, renowned for their exceptional prestigious ranking at the peak of the color scale, display the zenith of diamond quality. This article delves into the nuances of D color diamonds, offering insights into their unique characteristics, market value, and practical considerations for potential buyers.

What is a D Color Diamond?

D color diamonds stand at the top of the color grading scale. They are prized for their colorlessness, appearing icy white with no discernible body color, even under professional inspection in controlled laboratory settings. Notably, these diamonds represent a rarefied category, with less than 1% of the world’s diamond supply meeting this exceptional standard of color purity. This rarity and superior quality naturally lead to a premium price, reflecting their exclusive status in the world of gemstones.

Color Comparison of D Color with Other Colors

D vs E Color

Almost indistinguishable to the untrained eye, E color diamonds offer a more affordable alternative to D color diamonds while maintaining a similar appearance. The current price gap is approximately 16.47%. Opting for an E color diamond with the same clarity grade can lead to significant savings or allow for the purchase of a larger diamond.

D vs E color diamond

D vs F Color

F color diamonds closely resemble D color diamonds in appearance, striking a balance between quality and affordability. The price gap here is about 22.87%. Choosing an F color diamond can result in more substantial savings or the opportunity to invest in a larger stone.

D vs F color diamond

D vs G Color and Beyond

G to J color diamonds are near colorless with slight yellow tints. Despite the notable price difference of approximately 43.93% compared to D color diamonds, these grades still appear colorless to the casual observer. Opting for a G color diamond can save almost half the budget while still acquiring a diamond that appears colorless to non-professionals.

D vs G color diamond

D Color Diamonds in Different Settings and Shapes

The choice of setting can profoundly impact the appearance of a D color diamond. Yellow and rose gold settings can reflect their hues into the diamond, potentially altering its perceived color and diminishing its colorless quality. In contrast, white gold or platinum settings complement and maintain the diamond’s colorlessness.

Shape-wise, round diamonds conceal slight tints due to their superior sparkle and brilliance, effectively masking color nuances. On the other hand, shapes with fewer facets or larger tables, like emerald or Asscher cuts, can make color differences more discernible due to their less vibrant sparkle.

D color diamond in rose gold and yellow gold settings

D Color Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown D color diamonds present an economical alternative, retaining chemical and optical properties similar to their natural counterparts. Their affordability makes opting for D color more accessible in lab-grown varieties. Predominantly produced through the HPHT process, lab-grown D color diamonds often exhibit superior qualities compared to those created using CVD, particularly in color.

D color lab diamond from the side view

If you want a D color lab-grown diamond, always inspect any diamond from the side view, as some may display a grey-blue tint, even at higher color grades. Ensure that the diamond is truly colorless, regardless of the certificate’s claim, to guarantee you receive the quality you expect.

D Color Diamond Pricing

When assessing the pricing of D color diamonds, clarity and fluorescence are pivotal factors:

  • Clarity: Price decreases as clarity decreases. Flaws lower the price, but a balanced approach is to target an eye-clean VS1-VS2 diamond, which offers a good mix of quality and value. While SI1-SI2 diamonds can be eye-clean and more affordable, careful selection is crucial. Some SI diamonds may appear milky or hazy, diminishing sparkle and life, even if well-cut. On the other hand, higher clarity grades like VVS2 command a higher price due to rarity.
  • Fluorescence: In colorless diamonds, medium to strong fluorescence can adversely impact appearance, potentially giving the diamond a milky look or a yellowish tint under UV light, thereby resembling a lower color grade. For D color diamonds, faint fluorescence is recommended, as it generally doesn’t affect appearance but can offer a price reduction of about 5%. While significantly lowering the price, strong fluorescence can detract from the diamond’s beauty, causing the D color grade to be perceptible only on the certificate, not in its actual appearance.
Color Clarity Fluorescence Price
D VS1 None $8,110
D VS1 Faint $6,020
D VS1 Medium $5,560
D VS1 Strong $5,520
D VS2 None $6,280
D VS2 Faint $5,430
D VS2 Medium $4,570
D VS2 Strong $4,510

How to Buy a D Color Diamond?

When purchasing a D color diamond, consider the following key factors:

  1. Inspection: Carefully inspect the diamond under consistent and reliable lighting to evaluate its true color and clarity. Viewing the diamond from a side angle is crucial, as this perspective can reveal any hidden hues within its sparkle that might not be immediately apparent from a top view. This thorough inspection is essential to ascertain the diamond’s actual quality, going beyond what is stated on its certificate.
  2. Fluorescence: Be cautious of the fluorescence level. While faint fluorescence might not affect appearance significantly, medium to strong fluorescence can make a diamond appear milky or yellowish under UV light, altering its perceived color.
  3. Metal Setting: Choose the setting wisely. White gold or platinum settings enhance the colorlessness of D color diamonds. In contrast, yellow or rose gold can impart their hue onto the diamond.
  4. Diamond Shape and Cut Quality: Different shapes and cuts affect color perception. Round cuts are adept at hiding slight tints, while shapes like emerald or Asscher are more revealing of color nuances.
  5. Surrounding Diamonds: In settings featuring multiple stones, it’s important to match or exceed the color quality of the center stone with that of the surrounding diamonds. This approach ensures that the central D color diamond retains its prominence and allure. The objective is to highlight the center stone as the primary, luminous focal point of the ring, drawing attention and enhancing the overall aesthetic of the piece.

Conclusion: Is D Color Diamond Right for You?

Deciding whether a D color diamond is right for you depends on your priorities and budget. At the pinnacle of color purity, these diamonds are ideal for those who seek the utmost in color quality and can afford the premium price. However, they may not be the most practical choice for yellow or rose gold settings or under tight budget constraints. In such cases, opting for lower but still excellent color grades like E or G can offer substantial savings while maintaining a colorless appearance to the untrained eye.

Lab-grown D color diamonds are a viable alternative for those seeking the aesthetic of a D color diamond without the hefty price tag. They maintain the same chemical and optical properties but are more affordable. However, it’s crucial to thoroughly inspect these diamonds, even lab-grown ones, to ensure they are truly colorless and free from any grey-blue tints that can sometimes occur.

In summary, while D color diamonds represent the epitome of diamond color quality, your individual needs, setting preferences, and budget should guide your decision. Whether natural or lab-grown, a D color diamond symbolizes luxury and perfection, but lower color grades and lab-grown options offer practical and beautiful alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in terms of color grading, D color is considered excellent as it represents the highest possible color grade for diamonds. However, it’s important to remember that a diamond’s overall quality isn’t determined by color alone. Factors like cut and clarity also play a crucial role in defining whether a D color diamond is of good quality. Therefore, while D color is exemplary in color grade, a comprehensive assessment including other attributes is essential to determine its overall merit.

D color diamonds are better in terms of color purity as they are completely colorless. E color diamonds are also colorless but with a very slight trace of color that is not easily perceptible. The choice between D and E largely depends on personal preference and budget.

D VS2 is an excellent choice for a diamond if picked right. It combines the highest color grade (D) with a very slight inclusion rating (VS2). This means the diamond is colorless and the inclusions are not easily visible to the naked eye, making it a desirable and valuable selection.

Yes, in the context of diamond color grading, D is considered the best and highest grade in the color scale. It signifies a completely colorless diamond, which is rare and highly valued in the gemstone market.

D color diamonds are rare, comprising less than 1% of the global diamond market. This scarcity contributes to their high demand and value. Their limited availability enhances their desirability, positioning them as a luxurious and premium selection in the realm of fine jewelry.

Looking For a Diamond?

Let me do the hard work for you

Best Place to Buy Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds

My no-nonsense reviews are based on my personal experiences, knowledge, and high standards. Explore my top-rated critiques of leading diamond sellers, curated to help you make the best choice.

5/5
4.5/5
4/5
3.5/5
Author: Yaniv Hadar

Looking For a Diamond?

I'm On Your Side.

Find the most valuable diamond within your budget, without risking your money and wasting time on research.

SHOP MY #1 TOP RATED
DIAMOND PROVIDER

DEAL ALERT!

SAVE 25% ON STUDS & EARRINGS | 10% OFF SELECTED LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS

PRINCESS CUT DIAMOND

Do you want help picking the best diamond?