Learn more about the different Colours of Diamonds and that impacts their Desirability
WORKSHOP | Diamond Colour Explained
Diamond colour embodies the distinct character of a gem. It refers to the visible tint within the stone, ranging from colourless (D) to light yellow or brown (Z) on the grading scale. The presence or absence of colour profoundly influences a diamond's value. Generally, the closer a diamond is to being colourless, the more valuable it becomes. It's important to note that subtle colour differences might be challenging to discern, particularly when the diamond is set in jewellery.
The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) colour scale is the industry standard for diamond grading...
White Diamonds
The GIA diamond colour grades range from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Many ask why the GIA diamond grading scale starts at D. Arcane systems used grades of A to C, 1-3, and I-III, etc. The GIA set out to standardize these diverse systems and began their diamond colour scale fresh with a grade of D. This is the most used, standardized measurement for diamond colour.
COLOURLESS
'D' is the highest colour grade, meaning it has nearly no colour. Under magnification and to the naked eye, a 'D' colour diamond will appear colourless. 'F' and 'E' diamonds will look almost identical to 'D' diamonds unless you are an expert gemologist viewing each diamond next to each other with magnification.
We recommend that 'D' to 'F' grade diamonds (especially 'D') be paired with platinum or white gold settings, as yellow or rose gold would likely detract from the diamond's uncoloured beauty.
D
E
F
NEAR COLOURLESS
Near Colourless diamonds are cheaper than their Colourless counterparts. They appear primarily colourless to the naked eye. Their slight yellow tint is only visible when compared to higher grades of diamonds.
G
H
I
J
FAINT YELLOW
According to the GIA’s diamond colour scale, faint yellow diamonds have a slight yellow tint that’s visible even to the naked eye. Diamonds in this category are priced significantly less than those in the higher grades. We recommend pairing diamonds from this grade with Rose or Yellow gold, as setting them within a Platinum or White gold piece of jewellery could highlight their less desirable yellow hue.
K
L
M
LIGHT YELLOW
While cheaper than high-colour grades, Essex Bespoke Jewellery doesn't recommend a grade N to R diamond as their yellow hue is pretty noticeable to the naked eye... even if used as diamonds set into a band or shoulder of an engagement ring.
N
O
P
Q
R
YELLOW
This is the lowest GIA grade of clear / white diamonds and as a rule never used by Essex Bespoke Jewellery due its noticeable Yellow hue.
S-Z
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