What Do F Color Diamonds Look Like and Are They Worth the Cost?

Q: Do F color diamonds look yellow?

F color diamonds are near-colorless, and they generally do not look yellow to the naked eye. In fact, F is considered to be a very high quality color grade for diamonds. Diamond color is graded on a scale from D to Z, with D being the highest and most colorless grade, and Z being the lowest and most visibly yellow or brown grade. F falls near the top of this scale, and it is considered to be a very good color grade for diamonds. In general, a diamond's color is most visible in larger diamonds, so if you are considering a very large diamond, it may be more important to choose a higher color grade. However, for smaller diamonds, an F color diamond will generally appear very white and bright.

Q: Which is a better diamond color F or G?

Both F and G are excellent color grades for diamonds and are considered to be near-colorless. The difference in color between these two grades is very subtle and can be difficult to detect without a trained eye and side-by-side comparison. F is considered to be a slightly higher quality color grade than G because it is one grade higher on the color scale. However, the difference in price between F and G diamonds can be significant, and it may be more practical to choose a G color diamond that is well-cut and has good clarity rather than paying a premium for an F color diamond. Ultimately, the choice between F and G color will depend on your personal preference, budget, and the other factors that contribute to a diamond's overall quality and beauty. It's always a good idea to view diamonds in person or compare them side-by-side to determine which one you prefer.

Q: What are F color diamonds?

F color diamonds are diamonds that are graded"F" on the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) diamond color grading scale. This scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). An F color diamond is considered to be in the near-colorless range, which means that it has a very faint tint of color that is barely visible to the naked eye. The F color grade is only two grades below the highest color grade of D, which is considered to be completely colorless. F color diamonds are considered to be of high quality and are popular among buyers who want a high-quality diamond that appears colorless. They are often more affordable than diamonds with higher color grades, such as D or E, while still offering a high level of quality and beauty.

By: WC Editorial Team Read Time: 2 mins Diamond

May 26, 2023

When you envision the perfect diamond, a colorless stone — AKA one that is completely white — is probably what you're thinking of.

Diamonds are graded on a color scale from D to Z, with D being colorless and Z being completely colored (yellow). F color diamonds are close to the top on the colorless scale, but are they worth your hard-earned money? Maybe.

What Are F Color Diamonds? Do F Color Diamonds Look Yellow? What's The Difference Between a D and F Color Diamond? Are F Color Diamonds Worth Buying?

What Are F Color Diamonds?

F color diamonds are at the bottom of the colorless range of diamonds, meaning they're colorless but have an ever-so-slight tint.

But don't worry, that doesn't really doesn't mean anything to us because this tint can't be seen with the naked eye. Only expert gemologists can actually tell the difference between a D, E and F diamond — and that's with specialized equipment and lighting conditions. It won't impact the overall look of the stone at all, especially in a real-life setting.

And here's another benefit: While a D color diamond might be the holy grail of color — meaning they're the most perfect — they're a lot more rare (and expensive). An F color diamond is completely indistinguishable from a D, but will typically cost a lot less.

Do F Color Diamonds Look Yellow?

Not at all. As we mentioned, they're in the colorless classification so you won't be able to detect any color at all.

What's The Difference Between a D and F Color Diamond?

You know those mind-teaser puzzles that ask you to find the differences between two similar-looking drawings? Trying to spot the differences between a D and F color diamond is a lot like that, except you'll be hard pressed to actually find any differences between the two at all.

The reason: As we mentioned, only gemologists can see the subtle color differences between the D, E, and F color diamonds — and that's while they're being graded (before they're available for sale). In real life environments — like in LED lighting or outside in the sun — it would be near impossible to tell the difference. They'll just look icy white (and fabulous).

Are F Color Diamonds Worth Buying?

That depends on your priorities.

While an F color diamond is less expensive than a D or E color diamond, it is still more expensive than other diamonds that sit lower on the color scale. (You'll see in the chart below of how many diamonds of each color we sell here at With Clarity, that F color diamonds are by far the most popular of the colorless range, but several near colorless grades are just as popular with our customers).

But here's the thing: they aren't all that different. Diamonds that fall within the next range — G, H, I and J color diamonds — are considered “near colorless,” meaning you might detect a slight tint of color in the stones, but not much (and most people won't even notice unless they're diamond experts or holding their ring next to a truly colorless stone).

You can save a lot of money by opting for an H color diamond or J color diamond, especially if you like the look of yellow gold and the color won't show through as much. Even opting for a G color diamond — which gets you out of the pricey range of the colorless diamonds — can help you save significant cash on your overall diamond engagement ring.

That said, if color is one of your top priorities and you want to be able to say you have a colorless stone, then yes, this is where you should spend your money. Just don't blindly go into the process. Let one of our expert gemologists pick out three of the best rings for your wants, needs, and budget. Just answer a few questions and they'll get to work — and deliver the best picks right to your inbox.

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FAQs

Do F color diamonds look yellow?

F color diamonds are considered nearly colorless and typically do not appear yellow to the naked eye. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond color on a scale ranging from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). F color is near the top of this scale and is highly regarded for its lack of noticeable color. F color diamonds appear very white and are often sought after for their exceptional color grading and overall visual appeal.

Which is a better diamond color F or G?

Both F and G color diamonds are considered excellent choices and are very close in color grading. F color is slightly higher on the color grading scale, being classified as "colorless," while G color is considered "near colorless." However, the difference in color between F and G is minimal and often not easily discernible to the naked eye.

Are F color diamonds worth buying?

F color diamonds are considered to be of high quality and are valued for their near-colorless appearance. They are typically more affordable compared to higher color grades while still offering an excellent balance between value and visual appeal. If you are seeking a diamond that appears white to the naked eye without the added premium associated with the top color grades, an F color diamond can be a worthwhile choice.

What are F color diamonds?

F color diamonds are a grade within the diamond color scale established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The GIA grades diamond color on a scale from D to Z, with D being the highest and most colorless grade, and Z representing diamonds with noticeable yellow or brown tones. F color is located near the top of this scale and is considered "colorless" or "almost colorless."