Introduction

Diamond colours range from D to Z, with D being fully colourless (the best and rarest). Diamonds with a J colour start showing slight tints of colour (generally yellow or brown), and these colour tints become more prominent as the colour grades keep on lowering all the way down to Z.

Everyone wonders why D is the best colour, instead of the colour grades starting with A. While there is no definite answer to this, most experts quote that D is the letter for Diamond hence it’s used to classify the absolute colourless diamond.

Diamonds are not all truly colorless, but it's the colorless, often called white, which are diamonds that other shades are judged against.

Colour Grades

• D Colour
• E Colour
• F Colour
• G Colour
• H Colour
• I Colour
• J Colour
• K to Z Colours

D Colour

D colour diamonds have no tint of colour, as D is absolutely colourless and the highest colour grade. A completely colourless diamond can reflect all of the spectral colors most accurately and therefore is highly prized. Diamonds with this grade are extremely rare, and this will affect the diamond's overall value.

E Colour

E colour diamonds are considered colourless but may have a slightly different degree of transparency than a D colour, which is only noticeable to an expert grader under laboratory conditions. Diamonds with a colour grade of E are very rare. They appear a brilliant white in the setting and will cost slightly less than a D colour, depending on other quality factors.

F Colour

F colour diamonds are considered colourless, with just a slight difference from a D or E colour apparent only with direct comparison when the diamonds are unmounted. This diamond will appear beautifully colourless in the setting at a lower price than a D or E color, depending on other quality factors. As the least expensive diamond colour in the colourless range, F colour diamonds represent excellent value.

G Colour

G colour diamonds are in the upper range of near-colourless. The only way to see a very slight tint of colour is when it is compared directly to a higher colour grade by an expert grader. G colour diamonds will appear dazzling bright white in the setting and represent an excellent balance of higher colour and great value, as the price, depending on other quality factors, will be less than that of a D, E, or F colour diamond.

H Colour

H colour diamonds are near-colourless and will only appear to have a slight tint of colour if it is compared directly to a higher colour grade. Diamonds with an H colour grade can offer an outstanding value as if you choose an H-colour grade diamond, you can buy a larger diamond for the same price as a higher color grade.

I Colour

I colour diamonds are in the middle of the near-colourless range, with a slight tint of colour apparent only with direct comparison to higher colour grades. I colour diamonds appear white in settings, and offer an excellent value for those who may want to maximize the size (or weight) of their diamond. This diamond, when cut to ideal proportions, produces a warm brilliancy not found in the higher grade colours as the slight tint helps to disperse more life when sparkling. If this diamond has medium or strong blue fluorescence, its slight tint will become less noticeable, making the diamond appear whiter to the eye.

J Colour

J colour diamonds are the least expensive of the near-colourless spectrum and therefore offers a very compelling value compared to higher colour grades. This color grade is a great choice for someone who is not as sensitive to colour differences and wants to maximize the size (or weight) of the diamond, or for someone who prefers a slightly warmer glow to the diamond. If this diamond has medium or strong blue fluorescence, its slight tint will become less noticeable, making the diamond appear whiter to the eye.

K to Z Colours

At Diamond Manufacturers we do not stock diamonds with a K or lower colour grade due to their strong colour tints.

What Colour Grade is best to buy?

The answer looks simple, D is the best colour grade and therefore the best to buy. The average person can’t tell the difference between D, E and F clarity diamonds unless these are seen together, however everyone can tell the huge difference in price.

For those who have a flexible budget: F

For those people who have a limited budget: G or H

For those who prefer size over quality: I or J