H Color Diamonds: The Perfect Choice for Any Jewelry Setting

When discussing the GIA color scale, H color diamonds stand second in the “near-colorless” range. This means a diamond appears almost colorless when it is being viewed with the naked eye. However, a slight yellow tint could be seen while viewing under magnification by some experienced gemologists. Talking about the price, for an A 1 carat H color diamond, it usually starts around $5,500.

H-color diamonds are highly desirable. Their near-colorless beauty brings great value to the table for diamond enthusiasts. This article is all about explaining to you the core of H-color diamonds and why they are in demand for multiple occasions like engagements, weddings, and anniversaries. Additionally, we have also tried to give you a comparison of H-color diamonds with other color grades.

The primary reason why an H color diamond is best for diamond lovers is because they are much cheaper than the other grades. For example, compared to G, D and I color diamonds, they cost 15-20% and 40% less respectively.

In the near-colorless category, H color diamonds hold a significant share that comprises around 50-60% of all diamonds sold globally.

What are H Color Diamonds?

Less people know that diamonds come in a wide range of colors, from totally colorless to quite strongly yellow tinted. You may also see fancy colored diamonds such as pink and champagne colored diamonds.

Appearance-wise H color diamonds appear near colorless to the naked eye. However, if you view the diamond under magnification, you can see a light-yellow tint unlike in the case of diamonds of a higher color grade.

The setting of H color diamonds can be done in platinum or white gold similar to G color diamonds. According to GIA, diamonds having no hue, are considered more valuable because of their chemical purity and structural perfection, just like drops of pure water.

The color grading system (D to Z) of GIA helps in measuring the degree of colorlessness by comparing a stone under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions to master stones of established color value.

In a nutshell, H color diamonds strike a wonderful balance between quality and value. This is because they appear nearly colorless while being more affordable than higher-grade diamonds. They are quite popular when it comes to engagement rings and other fine jewelry where a subtle difference of color is negotiable.

H Color Diamonds Vs. Other Color Grades

H color grade, being a part of the “near-colorless” range of the diamond color scale is the second-highest color grade in this category. G is the highest color grade, with D, E, and F as parts of the colorless range. Since H color diamonds aren’t in the “colorless” range, people usually assume that they must have an obvious yellow color.

Yet, this doesn’t always hold true. When you actually see an H colored diamond under magnification in a brightly lit room, you can’t easily spot any prominent difference between an H color diamond and a color grade belonging to the colorless range. Let us draw a comparison of this grade with the others to have a clear picture in the mind.

H Color vs. D-F Color (Colorless)

D-F color diamonds signify the highest color scale quality as they are completely colorless. In contrast, H color diamonds have a slight yellow tint which is very difficult to detect in normal circumstances. D-F color diamonds are considered pure and come at an expensive price.

H Color vs. G Color (Near-Colorless)

G color diamonds are more colorless than H color diamonds as they are one grade higher. There is a subtle difference between G and H color grades with G color diamonds having even less yellow tint. However, H colored diamonds while still appearing colorless to the naked eye can offer better value.

H Color vs. I-J Color (Near-Colorless)

Comparing H color diamonds with I-J color diamonds, we see that there is a slightly noticeable yellow tint in I color diamonds. H color has less tint than I-J. It is more affordable than diamonds of higher color grades. Therefore, those who are seeking quality with affordability must go with H color diamonds.

How Much Do H Color Diamonds Cost?

The color grade of a diamond has a significant impact on its price. The Diamonds cost depends on various factors such as carat weight, cut, clarity, and shape. Compared to higher color grades like D, E, and F, they are much more affordable.

Therefore, they strike a perfect balance between beauty and cost-effectiveness. For instance, the price range of a high clarity 1-carat H-color diamond with an excellent cut might start from several thousand to over $10,000, depending on several characteristics.

Diamonds that are large in size or those having remarkable clarity and cut often come at high prices. The best thing about H-color diamonds is that they come at budget-friendly prices while still appearing nearly colorless, especially when set in fine jewelry.

When to Buy an H Color Diamond?

You get value for money if you choose H color diamonds. Belonging to the near colorless range of the diamond color scale, these diamonds always look colorless when set in a ring, making them an excellent choice for diamond lovers.

There are several scenarios where buying H color diamonds can be a smart choice. Let’s understand them one by one:

Complementing Budget and Quality

If you don’t want to overstretch your budget, go for H color as it offers a nearly colorless look at a much lower price than other grades. The pocket-friendly price allows you to focus on different areas of a gemstone like a carat weight, cut, or setting.

Choosing a Yellow or Rose Gold Setting

An H color diamond is ideal in a scenario when it is being paired with a gold or yellow gold setting. This metal’s warm tones can make the diamond appear even colorless by complementing the diamond’s slight tint. This brings a dazzling look without paying any extra amount.

Emphasizing Cut Quality

An H-color diamond with an Excellent or Ideal cut can outperform diamonds with a higher color grade but a lower cut quality if cut quality is your primary concern. The job of an exceptional cut is to help minimize any visible color tint making sure that the stone looks bright and shiny.  

Opting for a Smaller Diamond

If you are buying smaller diamonds (below 1 carat), the color difference is less noticeable between a higher grade and H grade diamond. Smaller diamonds are more colorless. Therefore, an H color diamond is an ideal choice when it comes to looks and affordability.

Conclusion

In the end, let us all agree that H color diamonds signify beauty and value. It is an ideal choice for those who are seeking a nearly colorless diamond in exchange for an amount much less than higher color-grade diamonds.

The slight tint is very negligible to get noticed, especially when paired with a high-quality cut and set in fine jewelry. Hence, you can always consider purchasing an H color diamond for weddings and engagements as they are quite affordable and aesthetically appealing.

We hope we’ve covered most of the nitty-gritty of this amazing gemstone. For more, you can directly contact us and our gemologists and experts will personally guide you to help you make a sound decision.

FAQs

1. Is an H Color Diamond Good?

With their near-colorless property, H-color diamonds are considered a good option for diamond shoppers. They offer a greater amount of value than higher-graded diamonds as they tend to appear “white”, or colorless to the naked eye.

2. Do H Color Diamonds Look Yellow?

H color diamonds do have a slight yellow tint, but unnoticeable to the naked eye, especially when set in jewelry. When compared to higher grades from D to G, the faint yellow tint might be more apparent, but on its own, an H color diamond looks nearly colorless while striking a perfect balance of beauty and value.

3. What is the Best Cut for H Color Diamond?

An excellent or ideal cut is considered as best concerning an H color diamond. A high-quality cut helps in enhancing the overall brilliance and fire within a diamond. It helps in masking any slight color tint that makes the diamond appear more vibrant and dazzling.

4. Which is Better, H or G?

G color diamonds are more colorless, hence considered better than H color diamonds. They have a less noticeable yellow tint as compared to H color diamonds. However, the color difference is almost negligible, and therefore, on the contrary, the value offered by H color diamonds is better than G color diamonds with their near colorless property especially once set in jewelry.