Diamond Colour is one of the most important factors in determining a diamond’s quality and value. It refers to the absence of colour in a diamond, with diamonds being graded on a scale that ranges from colourless to light yellow or brown. The more colourless a diamond is, the higher its value.

Diamond Colour Grading:
The most common diamond colour grading scale is the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) scale, which is used by most gemological labs, including the DCLA (Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia).

On the GIA scale, diamonds are graded from D to Z, with D being colourless and Z being diamonds with noticeable colour.

D – F (Colourless to Near Colourless):

D: Completely colourless, the highest grade. These diamonds are rare and extremely valuable.
E and F: Near colourless, with only slight traces of colour detectable under magnification. These diamonds still appear colourless to the naked eye and are highly valued.
G – J (Near Colourless):

These diamonds are still near colourless and typically look white to the naked eye. However, when compared to diamonds in the D-F range, there may be a very subtle hint of colour.
G: Near colourless, slightly less valuable than F but still excellent in appearance.
H: Slightly tinted, but appears mostly white to the naked eye.
I and J: Noticeably tinted, but still often appear white in settings that complement the diamond’s colour.
K – M (Faint Yellow or Brown):

Diamonds in this range show faint yellow or brown tint, which becomes more noticeable as the grade progresses.
N – Z (Light Yellow or Brown):

These diamonds show a more noticeable colour (yellow or brown), and while still diamonds, they are typically considered less valuable than those in the D-J range.
DCLA and the Diamond Colour Grading Process:
The DCLA (Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia) is one of the leading gemological laboratories in Australia that provides reliable and accurate diamond certification, including diamond colour grading. DCLA follows internationally recognized standards for grading diamond colour, similar to the GIA scale.

As part of their grading process, DCLA uses an official master set of diamonds to compare the diamond in question and determine its exact colour grade. This ensures that the grading is precise and consistent with global standards. The DCLA master set is made up of a range of diamonds, each representing one of the standard colour grades, and serves as a reference tool for accurate grading.

DCLA’s Official Master Set for Colour Grading:
The DCLA master set consists of diamonds of known colour that act as the benchmark for evaluating the colour of other diamonds.
These reference diamonds are carefully selected to represent each colour grade, from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). When a diamond is submitted for certification, DCLA compares it to this master set to determine its accurate colour grade.
DCLA’s commitment to precision ensures that their colour grading is consistent, and their grading system is recognized by jewelers, consumers, and industry professionals.
Importance of Colour in Diamond Valuation:
Colourless diamonds (D-F grades) are the rarest and typically the most expensive because they allow for the most reflection of light and therefore exhibit the most brilliance and fire.
Near colourless diamonds (G-J grades) offer excellent value for those looking for a balance of quality and price. They are often indistinguishable from the higher grades without close inspection.
Diamonds with faint to noticeable yellow or brown tints (K-Z grades) tend to be more affordable but may lack the brilliance of the higher grades due to the presence of colour.
Why Choose a Diamond with a DCLA Certification?
Transparency and Trust: DCLA provides accurate, reliable colour grading based on internationally accepted standards, which ensures that the buyer knows exactly what they are purchasing.
Consistency: The DCLA Master Set ensures that diamonds are evaluated based on consistent criteria, allowing for a reliable comparison of diamonds and ensuring that the colour grading is trustworthy.
Security: Diamonds certified by DCLA are marked with a unique laser inscription that helps identify and authenticate the diamond, adding another layer of security for buyers.
How to Choose the Right Diamond Colour:
If brilliance is your top priority, opt for a D-F grade diamond.
If you are looking for a better value without sacrificing much on appearance, G-H grade diamonds are a great choice.
For larger diamonds or those in settings where the diamond is not viewed up close, I-J diamonds can offer good value for a larger size.