Diamond Colours Explained: Understanding the Diamond Colour Chart

What Is the GIA Diamond Colour Chart?

The GIA diamond colour scale is the world’s leading and most trusted standard for diamond colour grading.

Before the GIA introduced this system, other grading scales used letters like A, B and C. To avoid confusion, the GIA deliberately started its scale at D, creating the universally recognised D–Z diamond colour chart we use today.

This chart grades diamonds based on how colourless they appear, ranging from completely colourless to noticeably tinted.

The Diamond Colour Chart Explained (D–Z)

The GIA diamond colour chart is divided into six main categories, from colourless to light colour.

D Colour Diamonds – Absolutely Colourless

• Completely devoid of colour
• Extremely rare
• Less than 1% of diamonds mined worldwide are graded D
• The most valuable and sought-after

E–F Colour Diamonds – Colourless

• Appear colourless to the naked eye
• Any trace of colour can only be detected by expert gemmologists
• Slightly less rare than D, but still exceptional
• A popular choice for high-end engagement rings

G–H Colour Diamonds – Near Colourless

• Appear white and bright when worn
• Contain very small traces of colour
• Excellent value compared to higher grades

I–J Colour Diamonds – Near Colourless With Faint Tint

• A subtle yellow tint may be visible, especially in certain settings
• Often chosen for smaller stones or warmer metal settings

K–L Colour Diamonds – Faint Colour

• A noticeable yellow tint visible to the naked eye
• Best suited to yellow gold settings

M–Z Colour Diamonds – Light Colour

• Clearly visible yellow or brown tint
• Least valuable on the colour scale

As you move down the chart, colour becomes more noticeable and value decreases.

Why Diamond Colour Matters When Buying Jewellery

Diamond colour has a direct impact on both appearance and price.

In general:

• Less colour = higher rarity and higher price
• More colour = lower price, but also a warmer look

While brilliance and sparkle often catch the eye first, diamond colour is typically considered the second most important factor after cut quality.

The Diamond Colours We Usually Recommend: D, E and F

For engagement rings and bespoke jewellery, we usually recommend D, E and F colour diamonds.

These diamonds are:

• Truly colourless
• Exceptionally bright in all lighting conditions
• Ideal for platinum and white gold settings
• Timeless and elegant

Many clients choose this range for peace of mind, knowing their diamond sits at the very top of the colour scale with no compromise on whiteness.

Diamond Shape, Size and Ring Metal Matter

Diamond colour never exists on its own; it’s influenced by design choices.

Ring Metal

• White gold & platinum enhance whiteness and pair beautifully with D–F diamonds
• Yellow gold can visually mask warmth, making slightly lower colours appear brighter

A yellow gold setting may reflect warmth into a colourless diamond, subtly affecting how it looks.

Diamond Shape

• Brilliant cuts (round, princess) reflect more light and mask colour well
• Step cuts (emerald, Asscher) have larger open facets and show colour more easily
• Fancy shapes (pear, marquise) may show colour at their pointed tips

Diamond Size

Colour is easier to detect in larger diamonds.

• For diamonds over 1 carat, higher colour grades are usually recommended
• Slightly lower colours work best just under a carat

What Does “Fancy Colour” Mean in Diamonds?

While the D–Z diamond colour chart measures how colourless a diamond is, fancy colour diamonds are something entirely different. A diamond is described as “fancy” when it shows a strong, intentional colour such as yellow, pink, blue, green or brown — and these diamonds are not graded on the D–Z scale. In fact, the more intense and evenly distributed the colour, the more valuable the diamond becomes. Fancy colour diamonds are graded by hue, tone and saturation, and can be extremely rare, especially in colours like pink and blue. Rather than aiming for whiteness, fancy colour diamonds are celebrated for their personality, individuality and bold beauty.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Diamond Colour

There’s no single “correct” diamond colour; only the one that suits your design, your priorities and your eye.

Some people love the reassurance of a D, E or F colour diamond, while others prefer to balance colour with size or budget. What matters most is understanding how colour works and seeing options in context.

That’s why we always guide clients through diamond colour in a clear, honest and pressure-free way — so the final choice feels confident, personal and right for you.