The M color diamond are one of the jewelry industries best-kept secrets, and many buyers would jump to buy them if they understood them properly. This expert guide is written by Benjamin Khordipour, a GIA-certified gemologist and internationally respected authority on diamonds and jewelry.
What is an M Color Diamond?
An M color diamond is a diamond that falls toward the lower-end of the GIA colorless diamond color scale. M color diamonds will often display a warm tint that can range from faint yellow to slightly brown. This hue is slightly visible to the naked eye, especially in larger stones or diamonds set in white metals, where the contrast emphasizes the color.
Despite not being traditionally sought after for investment-grade engagement rings, M color diamonds have gained a niche cult-like following, especially among vintage and antique jewelry enthusiasts. Their subtle warmth can add character, especially when paired with yellow gold settings that enhance their natural hue.
Because of their position on the color scale, M diamonds are almost always far more affordable than higher-grade stones, making them a compelling choice for those who prioritize size, unique charm, or budget over icy whiteness.
Below, we’ll explore the many surprising advantages of choosing an M color diamond for an engagement ring, and why it might be the perfect choice for couple’s with a tight budget.
How Much Does an M Color Diamond Cost?
M color diamonds are significantly more affordable than their higher-color counterparts, often offering exceptional value for their size and clarity. Because they’re low on the GIA color scale, buyers can expect noticeable savings.
Below is a general pricing table to help illustrate the typical cost range of M color diamonds based on carat weight and quality.
| Diamond Specs | Vs2 Clarity | VVS1 Clarity |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Carat, M Color, Round Brilliant Cut | $2,300 | $2,750 |
| 2-Carats, M Color, Round Brilliant Cut | $10,560 | $13,860 |
| 3-Carats, M Color, Round Brilliant Cut | $26,070 | $30,030 |
| 4-Carats, M Color, Round Brilliant Cut | $41,800 | $50,600 |
| 5-Carats, M Color, Round Brilliant Cut | $66,000 | $77,000 |
| 6-Carats, M Color, Round Brilliant Cut | $79,200 | $92,400 |
Contact us below for our exclusive wholesale pricing.
M Color vs. L Color
The L color and M color diamonds sit side by side on the GIA color scale, but there are subtle differences between them that can influence both appearance and price.
L color diamonds typically show slightly less visible warmth than M color diamonds, especially when viewed face-up, though both are considered faintly tinted. That said, the difference is often minimal to the untrained eye, particularly in smaller stones or when set in yellow or rose gold.
If budget is a concern, opting for an M color diamond over an L color can yield noticeable savings without sacrificing much in visual quality, especially with a well-chosen setting.
Pros and Cons of M Color Diamond
Pros: One of the biggest advantages of M color diamonds is their affordability. And because they fall lower on the color scale, buyers can often afford a larger carat weight or higher clarity grade for the same price as a smaller, higher-color diamond. Additionally, many couples actually prefer the warm, yellowish hue of the M color diamond, finding it more romantic, vintage-inspired, and full of character compared to the icy brilliance of colorless stones.
This warmth pairs beautifully with yellow gold and platinum settings and is especially desirable in antique and Old European cut diamonds, where a little color is often part of the charm.
Additionally, for those who aren’t focused on collection-grade stones, many buyers feel it makes sense to skip the mid-range and go straight to the yellowish range for better value. And to the untrained eye, most people can’t tell the difference in color anyway, especially once the diamond is set.
Cons: The most obvious drawback of an M color diamond is that the yellow tint can be quite visible, especially when compared side-by-side with whiter diamonds.
While many find the hue appealing, others may view it as a flaw, which can make the diamond harder to resell later on.
Additionally, the warmer tone can sometimes clash with certain styles or settings, limiting design flexibility. For buyers who are very particular about traditional brilliance and crisp whiteness, the M color diamond will likely not meet their expectations.
Expert Tips for Shopping for an M Color Diamond
I interviewed jewelry-veteran Afshin Shaddaie, one of the world’s leading antique diamond experts, for his best tips when shopping for an M color diamond. Here’s what he recommends:
- Negotiate with the jeweler. At the M color level, mom-and-pop jewelers are often more flexible with pricing and may offer generous premium discounts.
- Buy an antique-cut diamond. Antique cuts like the old European or old mine cut will hide the yellow color far better than modern diamonds.
- Set the diamond in yellow or rose gold. The colored settings naturally hide the warmer tones. That said, many couples, choose to embrace the vintage yellowish tint, and purposely place it the diamond in a platinum mounting.
- Use yellower accent stones in the halo. A fantastic expert jewelry hack is to surround an M color diamond with smaller side stones that are even more yellow than M color. This will help the center diamond appear whiter by comparison.
- Incorporate colored gemstone halos. Surrounding the diamond with sapphires, rubies, or emeralds can create striking contrast and minimize visible warmth.
- Consider slight fluorescence. A faint blue fluorescence can counterbalance yellow tones and make the diamond appear whiter in certain lighting.
“Many of our customers fall in love with the warmth of M color diamonds,” says Afshin Shaddaie, “and once they see how much more affordable they are, they fall in love with them all over again.”
Antique and Vintage M Color Diamonds
Antique M color diamonds, especially the Old European, Old Mine, or antique cushion cut, are uniquely suited to make the most of their natural warmth.
These vintage cuts feature smaller tables, higher crowns, and open culets, all of which help reflect light in a way that masks color and gives the illusion of a whiter diamond.
In fact, some antique M color diamonds will show a “face-up” view of at least two color-grades whiter than modern cuts with the same GIA rating. Their charming glow and softer sparkle make them a favorite for those seeking a timeless look with vintage character and added value.
Shop M Color Diamond Rings
Browse our beautiful collection of stunning M color diamond rings and discover the perfect piece that combines warmth, character, and value.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is an M Color Diamond Too Yellow for an Engagement Ring?
Not necessarily. While M color diamonds do show a faint yellow tint, there is a growing market of people who find the warmth charming. The key is to choose the right cut, setting, and design to bring out its best qualities.
2. Can You See the Yellow Tint in an M Color Diamond?
Yes, the yellow tint in an M color diamond is usually visible to the naked eye, especially in larger stones or open settings. However, the effect is often subtle and can be minimized with thoughtful design. Many antique cuts naturally soften the tint, making it less noticeable.
3. What Metal Color Works Best with M Color Diamonds?
Yellow and rose gold are ideal for M color diamonds because they complement the warmth and reduce contrast. These metals help the diamond blend naturally, making the color appear more intentional. Platinum or white gold can also work if you want to highlight the color as a design feature.
4. Do M Color Diamonds Still Sparkle?
Absolutely. Color grade has very little to do with a diamond’s brilliance or fire. That is usually determined by cut quality (and the lack of significant inclusions). A well-cut M color diamond will still sparkle beautifully and catch the light just like higher-grade stones.
5. Should I Buy an M Color Diamond Online or In Person?
Buying online from a trusted, specialized jeweler is often the better option, especially with M color diamonds. Reputable online jewelers can offer a larger selection, better pricing, and expert guidance that you may not find in a local store. Just make sure to ask for videos, certifications, and return policies.
6. How Can I Make an M Color Diamond Appear Whiter?
There are several tricks to minimize the appearance of color. Choose a vintage cut like an Old European, set it in yellow gold, and consider side stones with a similar tint or a colorful halo. You can also look for diamonds with faint blue fluorescence, which can offset the yellow hue.
7. What Shapes Look Best in M Color Diamonds?
Antique shapes like Old Mine and Old European cuts are ideal for M color diamonds because they reflect light in ways that soften the tint. Rounded shapes tend to mask color better than elongated ones. Avoid step cuts like emerald or Asscher if you’re trying to downplay the yellow tone.
Shopping for an M color diamond requires a different approach than selecting a colorless stone. The setting, cut, fluorescence, and even the side stones can dramatically affect how the diamond appears in real life. That’s why speaking with a diamond expert who understands the nuances of warm-toned diamonds is crucial.
At Estate Diamond Jewelry, our team is here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re browsing online or need a second opinion on a diamond you’ve seen elsewhere, we’ll provide personalized guidance to ensure you make a confident and informed decision.
Fill out the form below and we’ll respond within 1 business hour.
D Color | E Color | F Color | G Color | H Color | I Color | J Color | K Color | L Color | M Color
