Diamond Colour

Diamond colour refers to the natural tint present in a white diamond. Most people assume diamonds are completely white, but in reality, the majority contain subtle shades of yellow or brown. The closer a diamond is to being colourless, the higher its value — especially for engagement rings where brilliance and purity matter most.


Diamond Colour Grading Scale (D–Z)

Diamonds are graded on a standardised scale from D (colourless) to Z (tinted colour). This scale is used by gemmological institutions like GIA and HRD to indicate how much colour a diamond contains.

  • D – Excellent White+: Completely colourless. The highest grade — extremely rare and highly prized.
  • E – Excellent White: Nearly colourless, with minute traces of colour detectable only by gemmologists.
  • F – Rare White+: Very slight colour, still appears colourless to the naked eye. Excellent value.
  • G – Rare White: Barely noticeable warmth. Still considered near-colourless and offers great brilliance.
  • H – White: Slightly tinted, especially in larger stones or white metal settings.
  • I / J – Slightly Tinted White: Warmth becomes more visible, but remains attractive, especially in yellow or rose gold settings.
  • K / L – Tinted White: Noticeable colour tinting, visible even without magnification.
  • M – Z – Tinted Colour: Clear yellow or brown tones visible to the naked eye. Less desirable for traditional white diamonds.


Fancy Colour Diamonds

Diamonds in the M–Z range are not considered fancy coloured diamonds, as their colour is not vivid or saturated enough. Fancy colour diamonds — such as pink, blue, green, and vivid yellow — are graded on a completely different scale, based on hue, tone, and saturation. These rare stones are prized for their uniqueness and expressive character.


How to Choose the Right Diamond Colour

Colour is one of the most important factors when selecting a diamond, influencing both its appearance and price. If you're looking for icy white brilliance, D–F diamonds offer the purest look. For excellent value, G–H diamonds still appear white in most settings.

Choosing a yellow or rose gold ring? Slightly tinted diamonds like I–J or even K can blend beautifully, giving you more size or clarity for the same budget.

At One Mo Diamond, we offer diamonds carefully selected for their beauty, brightness, and exceptional colour balance — helping you make a choice you’ll cherish for life.

Need personalised help choosing a diamond? Contact our team at info@onemodiamond.com — we're always happy to guide you.