Diamond colour
Side-by-side comparison of different diamond colour grades.
When it comes to diamonds, colour is one of the most important characteristics that most consumers look at. In fact, a common misconception is that diamonds of a higher colour grade have better clarity and sparkle.
The truth is far from it.
In this section, you will find out what diamond colour is and what it is not. You’ll also find insights into saving money when buying an engagement ring and how to choose the best colour grade based on your needs.
Let’s get started!
What is diamond colour?
In nature, diamonds come in almost every colour and shade you can imagine; grey, white, yellow, red, green, pink and brown. Contrary to popular belief, it is very rare to find a diamond that has no colour at all.
The GIA has devised a system for classifying colours, describing diamonds in normal ranges by the letters D (colourless) to Z (light brown or yellow). If the colour intensity of the diamond is stronger than Z, a fine colour grading system is used instead.
A diamond colour scale diagram showing diamonds in the D-Z grading.
How is the colour of a diamond classified and what is its significance?
Almost every diamond sold on the market today is graded on the GIA colour scale, whether graded by the GIA or not.
During the grading process, loose gemstones are turned over by a trained gemmologist and compared to known master gem sets. When the diamond is viewed upside down, the differences in colour are most obvious.
Notice how the colour at the tip is clearer and easier to see?
Looking at diamonds this way also reduces the distractions caused by internal and surface reflective components. Finally, to get an accurate grading, it is always done in a controlled environment with neutral lighting for consistency.
In real life, the diamond is mounted face up on a stand and it would be very difficult for untrained eyes to pick out subtle colour differences. I will discuss this in more detail in later pages and show you how to buy white diamonds without emptying your bank accounts.
Diamond colours according to the diamond colour scale chart
The GIA diamond chart has five main categories and the colour grades range from completely colourless to pale. D-coloured diamonds are extremely rare and the “whitest” that money can buy.
As you move up the colour scale, the hue becomes more pronounced. Let’s delve into some of the popular colour categories you’ll come across when buying an engagement ring.
If you are interested in a particular colour category, click on the corresponding link to read a detailed write-up on the colour categorisation.
Colourless diamonds (D, E, and F)
The colorless category consists of 3 categories: D, E, and F.
To the naked eye, all 3 colour classes look white and identical. As a trained diamond grader with years of experience, I can’t even tell the difference between a D or F color diamond outside of laboratory conditions.
Because of their white occurrence, they are usually set in platinum or white gold instead of yellow or rose gold. This is because the coloured inlay reflects the colour and weakens the colourless effect of the diamond.
Nearly colourless diamonds (G, H, I and J)
The almost colourless category consists of 4 classes: G, H, I and J.
Nearly colourless diamonds show colour traces when viewed upside down. When a diamond is embedded in a ring, it is particularly difficult for the layperson to detect a faint colour.
The category of almost colourless diamonds is the most popular when people buy engagement rings because they are much more affordable and offer good value for money.
G-J diamonds are suitable for both platinum and white gold settings, and rightly so for white gold if cut well. They are also very versatile and can also be set in yellow or rose gold.
Light-coloured diamonds (K, L, and M)
The pale colour category consists of 3 classes: K, L, and M.
Pale diamonds have a colour that can be seen with the naked eye when the diamond is right-side up. For people who want a warmer diamond or want to buy antique style rings, K-M diamonds offer fantastic value for money by complementing the look of the ring.
K-M diamonds are usually used in vintage-style and yellow gold rings. Because of their visible colour, they cost significantly less than colourless diamonds.
Why is diamond colour important to consider?
From a technical point of view, it affects the behaviour and physics of light as it passes through different media. Coloured diamonds (e.g. black, brown, grey) can negatively affect the absorption of light and in turn affect the sparkle of the diamond.
In weaker coloured diamonds, such as the very light or pale yellow category, the hue of the diamond can change the ‘true colour’ of the sparkle as light passes through it. This has a very faint effect and is not easily seen in higher colour grades.
This is why white (colourless) diamonds are commonly used in jewellery, as they have better reflective properties compared to brown or dark coloured diamonds. The exceptions to this rule are, of course, the very rare and highly sought-after colours – pink, red, blue and orange.
Another reason why diamond colour matters when consumers buy engagement rings is largely psychological.
In many societies, there is a stigma that lower-coloured diamonds are of poor quality and ‘ugly’. In fact, paying a lot for a colourless diamond gives the recipient an opportunity for self-aggrandisement and to demonstrate social status.
So, how should you choose the colour for your diamond? How important is this factor when shopping for your store? Are there any better colours for certain jewellery options? I know you probably have more questions on your mind right now.
Visit our store at Pohjoisesplanadi 35 to find the answers to these questions or give us a call.