Colour
Diamond colour is graded from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The closer a diamond is to colourless, the rarer and more valuable it becomes. At À Vie, we recommend D–I grades for engagement rings, where diamonds appear bright and white to the naked eye.
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Why Colour Matters
Diamond colour refers to how much tint — usually yellow or brown — is present within the stone. The GIA grading scale ranges from D (colourless) to Z (noticeable colour).
- D–F: Colourless — exceptionally rare and highly valued.
- G–I: Near colourless — an excellent balance of purity and value.
- J–K and beyond: Warm tones, often chosen for vintage-inspired or yellow-gold settings.
Colour plays a major role in the overall look of your diamond. Many clients prefer near-colourless stones (G–I), which appear white once set but offer better value than perfectly colourless grades.
"Colour is about perception — many near-colourless diamonds look strikingly white once set. Choosing wisely means balancing rarity, beauty, and budget."
— À Vie Gemmology Team - D–F: Colourless — exceptionally rare and highly valued.
HOW COLOUR AFFECTS APPEARANCE
Move the slider to see how diamond colour affects brightness, warmth, and overall look.
Diamond Colour Grading
Colourless
D-F diamonds are completely colourless. These rare diamonds allow maximum light return and are the most valuable colour grade.
G-J diamonds are near-colourless. Colour is difficult to detect when mounted, offering excellent value with minimal colour visibility.
K-M diamonds have faint colour. A slight yellow tint may be visible, especially in larger stones or certain settings.
N-R diamonds show very light colour. The yellow tint is more noticeable but can be attractive in certain settings and styles.
S-Z diamonds have light colour. The yellow tint is clearly visible but can create a warm, vintage appearance that some prefer.
Important Note
Diamonds graded J and below are uncommon in jewellery as they are considered undesirable for their visible yellow tint. These lower-grade diamonds are typically used in industrial applications for machinery and cutting tools.
Understanding the Diamond Colour Scale
The GIA developed the international colour scale, which starts at D (completely colourless) and runs through to Z. Diamonds graded D–I typically appear bright and white to the naked eye, while warmer tones may become more visible from J onwards.
Your choice may also depend on setting — for example, yellow or rose gold bands can complement warmer stones beautifully.
Diamond Colour Explained by GIA
In this video, GIA experts explain how diamond colour is graded and what it means for beauty and value. Learn why many near-colourless diamonds appear stunningly white once set, making them a smart choice for engagement rings.