The differences between descending nuances of color in diamonds are subtle and can be influenced by things like fluorescence and the quality of the diamond’s cut - especially in rounds. A well-cut near-colorless (GHIJ) round can have a face-up appearance as good or better than colorless (DEF) rounds of average cut. With well-cut rounds the face-up differences between near-colorless diamonds (GHIJ) are particularly subtle. Descending colors in fancy shapes are not as influenced by good cut, but the difference between 2 or 3 grades is still very subtle.
Price differences are not as subtle. Prices jump when you cross the line from near-colorless to colorless. The reason for the price jump is not because of a noticeable difference. It is because colorless diamonds are considered more rare, so you're paying for the rarity, not necessarily for a "better" looking diamond.
Very important: Some labs grade softer than others. A diamond given an F by a soft lab might actually be a G or an H if graded by a strong lab like the AGS or GIA. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples. The visual difference between two or three colors graded by the same lab, with the same cut quality is not noticeable to most people. People who are color sensitive may pick up the difference, but it's slight. Also, if (for example) an H is alone on your finger, NOT mounted next to (for example) an E it may not look any different to anyone unless you were to set the two right next to each other.
To some people one or two grades matters a lot. To others, it matters not at all. Color and clarity tolerances are very personal, subjective matters - with no wrong decisions.
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