Colour

Although it is generally thought that diamonds are colourless, there are actually a wide range of hues which can greatly affect value. Colourless or near-colourless diamonds can be graded. Diamond colours are generally graded on an alphabetic scale, from D, which is the best, to Z, which is a distinctly yellowish-brown colour. However, if a diamond has a strong colour it is termed a fancy coloured diamond and some such stones are much sought after.

This is how we grade the colour of a diamond:

• D: Absolutely colourless. The clearest diamond colour grade, which is very rare.
• E: Extremely colourless. Trained gemmologists can detect slight colour. A high-quality diamond.
• F: Colourless. Only trained gemmologists can detect colour. Lowest of the colourless grades.
• G-H: Near-colourless. When compared to better colour grades, slight colour detectable, but is a much better value.
• I-J: Near-colourless. Colour detectable.
• K-M: Poor colour very dull in appearance.

Please see the chart below; you will see the definite change from white at the top of the scale to a faint yellow at the lower end of the scale.