A colorless diamond has no visible color both to the naked eye and when observed under 10x magnification by a professional. On the diamond color scale, colorless diamonds have the highest color grade possible, which makes them both expensive and rare.

Next after colorless on the color scale is near colorless (G-J), faint (K-M), very light (N-R), and light (S-Z). The further down the color scale a diamond goes, the less expensive it is and the more visible color it has.

No, colorless diamonds are not necessarily "better." Color is just one element of the 4Cs, which (along with color grade) include cut, carat size, and clarity.

When you consider purchasing a diamond, carefully weigh all of the elements of the 4Cs along with your budget. Colorless diamonds are quite expensive, and depending on the diamond shape you choose, color may not be as important as cut or even clarity.

So ultimately, whether or not a colorless diamond is better depends on your preferences, budget, and the diamond shape you want.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

The 4Cs were created by GIA founder Robert M. Shipley. Prior to Shipley's 4Cs, there was no standardized way for diamond merchants to grade diamonds.

According to the GIA website, "Under Shipley’s direction, the term 4Cs became part of the American gem industry’s vernacular, popularized through advertising campaigns, lectures, and GIA education courses. Within decades, they were integrated into the international nomenclature as well."

Overall yes, colorless diamonds are more expensive because they are rare. Most diamonds can have a brown tint or yellowish tint and are more common than colorless diamonds. Therefore, anything with a tint to it, however slight, is going to be less expensive.

While a colorless diamond falls into the D-F range on the color grade scale, a near colorless diamond falls within G-K. Near colorless diamonds have a very slight yellow or brown tint to them, but it's usually not visible to the naked eye.

Save Money With a Near Colorless Ring

If you're shopping for colorless diamond rings but are having a hard time staying within budget, a near colorless diamond engagement ring is just as beautiful. It is also an excellent value.

G Color Diamonds vs F Color Diamonds

A G color diamond can look just as colorless as an F color diamond. And if a diamond appears to be a better color to the untrained eye than it actually is, no one will be able to tell the difference in the diamond's quality. You'll get the best value for your money and still have a gorgeous ring you will love.

Yes, colorless diamonds are quite rare. They're even more rare the larger they are. It's difficult enough to find a small colorless diamond let alone one that has a larger carat weight.

Most diamonds have trace amounts of minerals in them that influence their color, such as boron, nitrogen, and sulphur. In a natural diamond, these minerals come from the earth around it when it forms.

No, flawless diamonds are not necessarily colorless. A flawless clarity rating in a diamond refers to how many (if any) inclusions and blemishes it has--not its color. But it is possible to have a diamond that is both flawless and colorless. If you do happen to find a flawless, colorless diamond, be prepared to pay a higher price because it is extremely rare.

Yes you can put a colorless diamond in a rose gold ring setting.

However, rose gold metal will give your diamond a warmer color. And if you're buying a colorless diamond because you want a white diamond then you should consider a setting in white gold or platinum.

Neither a white gold nor platinum setting will detract from the bright white shine of a colorless diamond ring. In fact, both metal options will enhance your diamond's white color.

A diamond's sparkle has more to do with its cut rather than its color. So while a colorless diamond will indeed sparkle like any other diamond, be sure to pay attention to the quality of its cut to maximize sparkle.

Just like natural or mined diamonds, lab grown diamonds come in all color grades--from colorless to light yellow. Clean Origin carries a variety of colorless grade diamonds that range from a few hundred dollars to several thousands.

Considering other diamond colors too? Be sure to check out our collection of yellow, blue, and pink diamonds. Keep in mind that colored diamonds are rated according to a different scale (one that is just for fancy-colored diamonds) and can be just as expensive as colorless diamonds.

Shop with us today to find the perfect, colorless engagement ring!