What Is Diamond Colour?

Diamonds naturally occur in a variety of colors depending on the degree of presence of other minerals during formation. Some highly prized diamonds have hues pink, blue, even yellow. However, more commonly, a diamond is born within the colour range of white or colourless to a tint of light yellow. The more clear or colourless the diamond, the more rare and valuable. 

Diamond Colour Grading

Diamond colour differences are difficult to detect and therefore are graded in controlled environments where calculated measurements are possible. The diamond industry has adopted the Geological Institute of America's (GIA) diamond colour grading scale whereby the scale begins with the letter D, representing colorless, and continues, with increasing presence of color, to the letter Z.

Diamond Colour Chart
	D E F	Colourless	Slight differences in colour between D, E, and F diamonds can be detected by a gemologist and rarely by the untrained eye.
	G H I J	Near Colourless	Containing only traces of color detectable by a gemologist.
	K L M	Faint Colour	Faint colour (usually a yellow tint) is more easily detected by the naked eye.
	N - R	Very Light Colour	Diamonds in the N-R colour range have a visible yellow or brownish tint.
	S - Z	Light Colour	Diamonds of this range often have too much yellow or brownish colour to be sold as a colourless or white diamond.

Fluorescence

Fluorescence refers to a diamond's tendency to emit a soft colored glow when tested under ultraviolet light. Roughly 30% of diamonds fluoresce to some degree. Colourless (D-F) fluorescent diamonds can sell at up to a 15% discount since the fluorescence is considered a defect.

What Is My Diamond's Colour Grade?

A diamond's colour grade is located on your loose diamond or jewellery appraisal certificate. An appraisal certificate is normally provided by your jeweller upon purchase and is necessary for proof of value and to obtain insurance coverage.

Don't have an appraisal? Our diamond and jewellery consultants are pleased to help. Call us during business hours at 905-788-0376 or email us.

Questions? 

Ask our courteous, professional diamond consultants. Our diamond and jewellery consultants are pleased to help answer your questions. Call us during business hours at 905-788-0376 or email us.