Diamond Colour: The D through Z of Diamonds

TERMINOLOGY: Diamonds are rated on an alphabetical scale according to their colour. The
scale is as follows:

	D - F: totally colourless or "white"
	G - J: near colourless
	K - M: slightly tinted
	N - R: just a hint of yellow brown
	S - Z: distinctly yellow or brown

Diamond Colour Chart

Nature's ways are beautiful and strange. And it just so happens that diamonds come in different colours, depending on the elements that combined with the carbon to form them. To this effect diamonds vary from totally colourless or "white" to distinctly yellow, brown or even black.

How this affects your decision:

Typically speaking, the "whiter" or more "colourless" a diamond is, the more brilliance it possesses. For this reason the higher up a diamond is on the above colour scale, the more valuable it is. Accordingly, most people choose G or H level diamonds for engagement rings— these possess exquisite sparkle while falling at a price point that is more affordable than the rarest D - F level diamonds.

Of course every rule must have its exception. So, while “see-through” clear diamonds are considered to be very precious, some other highly coveted colours do occur naturally. Every once in awhile, red, blue or yellow diamonds are discovered, and the tiniest piece of one of these rarities can be incredibly expensive!

In fact, coloured diamonds are so popular among diamond lovers that jewellers have devised a procedure using electron beams to change the colour of lower grade yellow or brown diamonds. Colors like reds, blues, pinks, and vibrant yellows can be manufactured! While these are beautiful, they are not as valuable as their naturally occurring counterparts. So, if you are buying a coloured diamond, make sure to ask if the colour is natural or man-made.

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If you have any additional questions regarding Diamond Colur, please call us at (403)252-6880 for assistance.