Diamond colour refers to the natural colour visible within a diamond, rather than the spectral flashes of colour that appear when a diamond reflects light. Most diamonds naturally contain slight hints of yellow, brown, or grey.
At New York Carat House, we carefully select diamonds with exceptional colour quality to ensure maximum beauty and brilliance.
Natural Elements Contribute to a Diamond's Colour
A diamond’s colour is influenced by natural trace elements, particularly nitrogen, that were present when the diamond formed deep beneath the Earth’s crust. In general, the less colour a diamond displays, the rarer and more valuable it becomes.
Diamond colour is typically graded as follows:
- D, E, F – Colourless
- G, H, I – Near Colourless
- J and Below – Coloured
These colour grades help determine the overall quality and value of the diamond.
Wondering Which Diamond Colour is Best? It All Comes Down to Preference
While colourless diamonds are the rarest and most valuable, it does not necessarily mean they are always the perfect choice for every diamond ring. Personal preference plays an important role when choosing a diamond.
Other factors to consider include the size of the diamond and the type of metal used for the ring setting, as both can influence how the diamond’s colour appears.
Colour is More Visible in Larger Diamonds
As the carat weight of a diamond increases, the natural colour and hue of the diamond may become more noticeable. Colour is generally easier to see in larger diamonds compared to smaller ones.
For diamonds that are 1 carat or larger, choosing a G colour or higher is often recommended to achieve a near-colourless appearance.
Complementing the Material of Your Ring Setting
The type of metal used for the ring setting can also influence the appearance of the diamond’s colour, so it is important to select a metal that complements your diamond.
Different settings can affect how the diamond colour is perceived. For example:
- Rose gold settings create a warm glow and often pair beautifully with diamonds that have a faint colour.
- Platinum or white gold settings enhance the crisp, icy look of near-colourless diamonds.
At New York Carat House, we help customers select the perfect combination of diamond colour and ring setting to create a stunning and timeless piece.