Global colour scale for white diamonds

Global colour scale for “white” diamonds
As mentioned above, the scale within this segment starts at D (colourless) and goes up to Z (yellowish-brown). Why D? Because the GIA wanted a fresh start and older grades were sometimes known as BBB or 4. To avoid confusion they therefore started further in the alphabet.

From D to Z means 23 different gradations and does not always communicate easily. For this purpose some letters have been combined into a group with a more descriptive name. These are colourless (D-F); almost colourless (G-j); weak (K-M); very light (N-R); and light (S-Z).

diamond colour grading scale

To see what colour a stone has, a set of so-called ‘master stones’ is used to look at each stone the diamond in question matches. If the colour of the diamond – under special lighting and precise conditions – corresponds to a master stone, then the gradation is officially assigned.

Global colour scale for fantasy coloured diamonds
Many fantasy coloured diamonds are unsuitable for jewellery or lose value because their colour is not vibrant enough. For this purpose, these diamonds look at the hue and saturation in terms of color. Another factor is that the colour must be visible on the table side of the diamond.

There are no master stones for fantasy colours and the assessment is very precise work. The color determination is done by lab technicians with years of training and specialization in this field.

How does colour influence the value of a diamond?
You now know that there are two decisive groups that can determine the value (if one looks at the diamond colour). The diamond is labelled as a “white” diamond or as a fantasy colour. The next logical step is to see what each colour is worth.

The value of “white” diamonds
The purest form of diamond is completely transparent. Light can thus pass through the gem without being slowed down, causing the ‘fire’ through reflections. These diamonds are the rarest in this group and therefore the most valuable.

To give you an idea of their value. One of the largest diamonds with D-color quality is the Millennium Star. This diamond is one of the most beautiful of its kind.