Diamond Guide: Colour

The Diamond Guide: Colour

What Is Diamond Colour?

Diamond colour refers to the absence of colour within a diamond, not the presence of any hue. It is one of the 4 C’s used to assess and determine a diamond’s quality, playing a significant role in both its appearance and value. The most valuable diamonds are those that are colourless, much like a drop of pure water. On the other hand, diamonds may show a slight yellowish tint or even possess a fancy colour, such as pink or blue, which can also affect their desirability and price.

Diamond Colour Scale

Colourless Diamond Grades

The colourless grades of diamonds are D, E, and F. Diamonds in these grades exhibit little to no colour, and they are the rarest and highest quality in terms of colour.

• D Colour

D is the highest colour grade, awarded to diamonds that are completely colourless. These diamonds exhibit an icy whiteness with no discernible colour at all to the naked eye.

• E Colour

E-colour diamonds are also colourless and appear almost identical to D-colour diamonds. The difference between D and E is often only detectable by a trained gemologist.

• F Colour

F-colour diamonds are considered colourless, and they look almost identical to D and E-colour diamonds. Typically, only an expert gemologist or trained professional can distinguish between D, E, and F-colour diamonds when viewed from the top-down position.

Colourless Diamond Value

Colourless diamonds (D, E, and F) are considered the rarest and most expensive of the white diamonds, as they are regarded as the highest quality on the GIA colour scale. Because the differences between these colour grades are nearly undetectable to the untrained eye, they are all premium choices, making them excellent options when deciding which colour grade is best for you.

Near Colourless Diamond Grades

G, H, I, and J are near colourless grades. They can feature a warmth but mostly look colourless face-up and nearly colourless face-down. When set in yellow or rose gold, they may appear to have slight traces of colour that are generally not noticeable without a professional eye.

• G Colour

G is the highest colour grade in the near-colourless range. It displays nearly no colour, appearing mostly colourless to the naked eye.

• H Colour

H-colour diamonds also appear mostly colourless to the naked eye but can have a faint yellow tint against white backgrounds or in bright lighting. This very slight tint may be noticeable when compared to diamonds of a higher colour grade, but is generally not apparent to the untrained, unaided eye.

• I Colour

I-colour diamonds have a slight tint that’s apparent against white backgrounds or in bright lighting. Like H-colour diamonds, their slight tint may be noticeable when compared to diamonds of a higher colour grade but is generally not apparent to the untrained, unaided eye.

• J Colour

J-colour diamonds have a slight tint when viewed against white backgrounds or in bright lighting. Like H and I-colour diamonds, their tint may be noticeable when compared to diamonds of a higher colour grade, but it’s generally not apparent to the untrained, unaided eye.

Near Colourless Diamond Value

Near-colourless diamonds are generally more affordable than colourless diamonds. As they are typically difficult to distinguish without an expert eye, G, H, I, and J-colour diamonds offer a stunning and often more affordable alternative to colourless diamonds. The difference between each near-colourless grade is so slight that they all make for stunning, sparkling choices.

Faint Colour Diamond Grades

K, L, and M are classified as faint colour grades. These diamonds exhibit a warm tint that is visible to the naked eye, and they are increasingly sought after, particularly for those interested in yellow or rose gold settings with a vintage or antique aesthetic. Please note that Brilliant Earth does not carry K, L, or M-colour diamonds.

• K Colour

K-colour diamonds have a noticeable tint that can be visible to the naked eye under normal lighting conditions.

• L Colour

L-colour diamonds, like K-colour diamonds, also have a faint tint that is visible to the naked eye in typical lighting.

• M Colour

M-colour diamonds, similar to K and L colours, show a faint tint that is detectable by the naked eye in normal lighting.

Faint Colour Diamond Value

Faint colour diamonds, in comparison to colourless and near-colourless diamonds, are more affordable options. However, because the tint is visible to the naked eye, these diamonds are not recommended for those seeking a bright white stone. That said, if you appreciate the warmth and uniqueness of a slight tint, these diamonds can be a beautiful and budget-friendly choice.

Very Light and Light Colour Grades

Diamonds graded between N-Z are considered very light or light colour diamonds. They exhibit a yellow, brown, or grey tint that is very noticeable even to the untrained eye. Considered to be low colour grade stones, these diamonds are generally the least desired and most affordable. We do not offer N-Z colour diamonds, though we can offer an assortment of fancy-coloured diamonds in various colours.