Diamond Colour Guide

Fancy diamonds are a rare and exquisite type of diamond that exhibit a colour other than colourless. While most diamonds are known for their brilliance and clarity, fancy diamonds possess a unique hue that can range from yellow, pink, blue, and green to more exotic colours like red, orange, and purple.

The best diamond colour is often considered to be colourless. These diamonds are the rarest and most valuable, as they have no visible colour impurities. They are graded as D, E, or F on the GIA colour scale.

However, the "best" colour can also depend on personal preference and budget. Some people prefer the subtle warmth of a slightly yellow diamond, while others may appreciate the unique beauty of fancy coloured diamonds. Ultimately, the best diamond colour is the one that appeals most to you.

While many people associate diamonds with the classic colourless (D-F) grade, the most popular diamond colour overall is slightly off-white or near-colourless (G-H). This is because these grades offer a great balance of brilliance and value. They are often indistinguishable from colourless diamonds to the untrained eye, but they come at a more affordable price point.

Diamond shape/cut does not directly affect its colour. The colour of a diamond is determined by the presence or absence of impurities within the stone. The way a diamond is cut can, however, influence how its colour is perceived. For example, a poorly cut diamond may appear more yellow due to the way light interacts with the stone's facets.

To ensure that a diamond's colour is accurately represented, it's important to choose a well-cut stone. A good cut will maximize the diamond's brilliance and minimize the appearance of any colour.

The GIA colour grading system starts at D because it represents the highest possible colour grade for a diamond. "D" stands for "Decolorless," indicating that the diamond has no visible colour to the naked eye under standard viewing conditions.

The subsequent letters in the GIA colour grading system (E, F, G, etc.) represent progressively lower colour grades, meaning that the diamond has a slightly more noticeable yellow or brown tint.