Diamond Colours According To The Diamond Colour Chart

The GIA diamond colour scale is the leading industry standard of diamond colour grading. Before this was the standard, other colour grading scales used A, B and C, so GIA started their scale at D to avoid confusion.

There are six categories on the GIA diamond chart, with colour grades that range from absolutely colourless to light in colour. Diamonds rated D are the most devoid of colour and very rare, whereas G colour diamonds and H colour diamonds are near colourless, and since they’re priced lower they are excellent value diamonds. The more you move down the colour chart, the lower the colour grade is, and the more noticeable the light yellow hue becomes.

D : Absolutely colourless. The most rare and valuable. Less than 1% of diamonds mined worldwide are graded as colour D.
E – F : Also considered colourless, even though it is a minimal trace of colour that can only be detected by an expert gemmologist. Less rare than D, and more valuable than G – H.
G – H : Near colourless. To the naked eye these diamonds appear clear and colourless, although they also contain minute traces of colour. Less rare than E –F, but more valuable than I – J.
I – J : Near colourless with a faint tint of yellow. Less rare than G – H, but more valuable than K – L.
K - L : A faint yellow tint that is visible to the eye. Less rare than I – J, but slightly more valuable than M – N.
M – Z : A very light yellow tint, easily identified by the eye. Least valuable of the diamond colour grade.

Diamond Colour Buying Tips

If you’re looking to buy fine diamond jewellery such as an engagement ring, it’s important to understand how diamond colour affects price. Here are a few buying tips and things to know about diamond colour.

DIAMOND COLOUR IS THE SECOND MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR

When it comes to diamonds, less colour means higher quality. While brilliance is the first thing you notice about a diamond, colour is the second. The higher the colour grade, the less colour there is, and the more expensive it will be.

NEAR COLOURLESS DIAMONDS ARE THE BEST VALUE

For the best value, choose G-J diamond colour grades in the Near Colourless category. With these diamonds, the naked eye can’t discern any colour. The visible difference between diamonds of one colour grade (G-H or I-J) is so minor it’s difficult to detect with the unaided eye, but the cost savings can be significant. Keep this in mind when choosing your diamond colour grade.

In general, to avoid a pale yellow colour, choose a diamond grade H or higher. For the purist, look for a D to F grade colourless diamond, which will have no discernible colour under magnification.

DIAMOND SHAPE, SIZE AND RING METALS MATTER

Diamond shape, size and your ring’s metal setting can visually impact diamond colour.

Ring Setting

Pairing diamonds with similar toned metals can neutralize colour in the diamond. Consider setting higher colour grade diamonds like Near Colourless diamonds (G-J) in yellow gold and Colourless diamonds (D-F) in white gold or platinum. A gold setting may show through a colourless diamond.

Diamond Shape

Some diamond shapes may show or mask colour to varying degrees. For example, brilliant-cut shapes such as round and princess reflect more light, which means more colour is masked. Step-cut diamonds (emerald and Asscher cuts) may show more colour because they are cut with fewer facets, resulting in bigger "windows" through which to see the colour.

Fancy shaped diamonds, like pear and marquise may also show slightly more concentrated colour at their points.

Diamond Size

Colour is easier to see in larger diamonds. If you want a diamond above 1 carat, choose a G or H coloured diamond. I-J colour diamonds are best when just under a carat.