Diamond Colour

Diamond colour is the second most important thing to consider when purchasing a diamond, right after a diamond's cut. Colour is the first thing the eye notices after sparkle, and less is more in this case: the less colour a diamond has, the higher the diamond colour grade. The Gem Vault only offers diamonds with grades of Colourless or Near-Colourless, ensuring that natural colour will usually be invisible to the naked eye. Use our diamond cut grading scale, comparison chart, and expert tips to help you choose a diamond with the best colour grade for your budget.

Buying Tips

The second most important of the 4Cs is color because it’s what the eye notices next after sparkle.
A diamond's colour actually refers to its lack of color. The less color, the higher the color grade.
To avoid a pale yellow colour, choose a diamond grade H or higher.
Gem Vault offers only Colourless (grades D-F) to Near-Colourless (grades G-J) diamonds to assure that any natural colour present is typically undetectable to the naked eye.

Grading Scale

Use the slider to see color grade details or view the Colour Grade Chart below.

Diamond Colour Grade Chart
D	Absolutely Colourless The highest colour grade. Extremely rare. See D Graded Diamonds
E-F	Colourless Minute traces of colour can be detected by an expert gemologist. A rare diamond. See E & F Graded Diamonds
G-H	Near Colourless Colour difficult to detect unless compared side-by-side against diamonds of better grades. An excellent value. See G & H Graded Diamonds
I-J	Near Colourless An exceptional value with slightly detectable warmth or tone. See I & J Graded Diamonds
K-Z	Noticeable colour Not carried by Blue Nile.

More Expert Tips

For the purist, look for a Colorless grade of D-F for a diamond with no discernible colour under magnification.
For the best value, choose a Near-Colorless grade of G-J for a diamond with no discernible colour by the naked eye.
Consider platinum or white gold settings when buying higher colour grade diamond; a gold setting may show through a colourless diamond.

Next, learn about Diamond Clarity.

Have A Question?