What is Diamond Colour?
In the world of diamonds, color is a critical aspect of a stone's beauty and value. A diamond’s colour is graded based on the presence or absence of colour within the stone. The less colour a diamond has, the rarer and more valuable it is.
The presence of colour within a diamond can affect how light passes through the stone, ultimately impacting its brilliance and sparkle. Most diamonds exhibit some degree of colour due to trace elements found during their formation. These colours can range from almost imperceptible shades of yellow or brown to completely colourless stones. Though rare, diamonds can also occur in more vivid hues like pink, blue, or green, but these are classified separately as fancy coloured diamonds.
The Diamond Colour Grading Scale
Diamonds are graded on a colour scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown), established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Each letter represents a range of colour subtlety that can be challenging to detect with the naked eye but makes a significant difference in appearance and value.
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D (Colourless): D colour diamonds are the pinnacle of the GIA colour grading scale. Bright, white and completely colourless when viewed under magnification and to the naked eye.
- E-F (Colourless): Diamonds in this range are almost identical to D graded stones with the difference only usually noticeable by an expert gemologist. They are exceptionally rare and highly sought after for their pure, icey appearance.
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G-H (Near Colourless): Diamonds in this range show very little colour to the naked eye and offer an excellent balance of beauty and value. The slight warmth may be noticeable when compared to colourless stones but is often indistinguishable without a side-by-side comparison, meaning these colours are the most commonly purchased natural-mined diamonds.
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I-J (Faint Colour): These diamonds have a faint hint of warmth, often yellow or brown, visible in certain lights. They can be an attractive option for those seeking a distinctive look at a more accessible price.
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K-Z (Noticeable Colour): Diamonds in this range have a clearly noticeable colour, adding a unique character to each stone. While less traditional in fine jewelry, they can be an excellent choice for those desiring a more unconventional look.
Why Does Diamond Color Matter?
- Aesthetic Appeal: A diamond’s colour significantly impacts its overall appearance. Most buyers prefer colourless or near-colourless diamonds for their bright, icey look that compliments a wide range of settings.
- Metal preference: Your choice of metal will have an effect on the diamonds whiteness. Platinum will magnify a diamond's white or yellow tones whereas yellow gold can mask them,
- Light Performance: Colour affects how a diamond interacts with light. A colourless diamond can reflect light more efficiently, resulting in more sparkle and brilliance. As colour increases, light performance can be slightly diminished due to the interference of hue with light dispersion.
- Value: Colourless diamonds are rarer and thus command higher prices. Even a single step up on the colour scale can have a significant effect on price, most noticeably in natural-mined and larger stones where colour is more easily detected.
Tips for Choosing the Right Colour
Setting Style: Choose your diamond with your metal in mind, it may save you money. For example, a slightly warm diamond (G–J) may appear more colourless in a yellow or rose gold setting, while a white metal like platinum may emphasise colour.
Diamond Shape: Some diamond shapes reveal colour more than others. For instance, round brilliant cuts tend to hide colour better than step cuts like emerald or Asscher.
Budget Considerations: If your budget is a concern, consider diamonds in the near-colourless range (G–J). They appear nearly identical to colorless diamonds to the naked eye but come at a more affordable price.
When choosing a diamond, color is an essential aspect to consider. Understanding the GIA colour grading scale and how different factors affect a diamond’s appearance can help you make an informed decision. Whether you prefer the pure brilliance of a colourless diamond or are seeking value in the near-colourless range, striking the right balance between colour, clarity, and cut will ensure that your diamond shines as brightly as possible.
For more information on diamond colours, speak with our team of diamond experts or join us in-store to view colour differences first hand.