So when we talk about diamond colour, we actually mean the absence of colour – which usually comes in the form of a yellow, but sometimes also a brown or green, tint. Montluc diamonds are as pure and colourless as nature permits The less colour a diamond contains, the higher the grading. Our larger diamonds over 0.20ct all meet the very top grade: D (Absolutely colourless). D is the highest, rarest and most expensive diamond colour. There is nothing to distract the eye from the diamond’s sparkle. D colour diamonds are for perfectionists. Our small diamonds under 0.20ct all meet the top colourless gradings from D (Absolutely colourless and very rare) to F (Colourless and rare). All diamonds in the D – F: Colourless range have no colour – or at most, the tiniest traces that only a highly trained gemologist can spot. So the difference between the D, E and F is pretty much invisible. Less than 1% of all gem quality diamond fall into this range. 100% of Montluc diamonds do.  

What is the D-Z colour grading system?

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) established what has become the world’s standard colour-grading system. The GIA’s D-Z scale measures colourlessness by comparing diamonds against master stones of established colour values. This is done on a pure white background under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions.

Why does the GIA system start at D?

Ironically enough, colour grading had always been a bit of a grey area with all kinds of measuring systems used over time. None were uniformly followed, leading to inconsistencies and misunderstandings. One of these methods was the A, B, and C scale. So when the minds behind the GIA Colour Scale wanted to start afresh, they began at the letter D. Today, the GIA scale is the universally accepted standard.  

Where does the colour come from?

Colour is a natural element in diamonds. As they develop over millions of years and more, trace elements cause a yellowish or brownish tint to appear. In fact, it is far more common to incorporate some degree of colour no matter how small, which is why colourless diamonds are more sought after. Diamond colour is difficult to identify, yet at the same time it distracts the eye from the sparkle. For example, you may notice that something makes the diamond look slightly dull or unclear, but won’t be able to pinpoint the cause. Many of these colour distinctions are so subtle that they are invisible to the untrained eye. Even so, these distinctions can make a big difference to the quality and price.  

The Colour isn’t the be all and end all

The differences between colour gradings can be so minuscule as to be virtually invisible. You should also take account of the fact that the setting will also influence the way people perceive and view the colour of an individual diamond. Besides, the most important aspect to any beautifully radiant diamond is the cut – and here Montluc excels with our triple excellent cut. Even so, Montluc guarantees the highest gradings possible, so even if others don’t see it…you’ll still know. Diamond buying tip: Always purchase a GIA-certified diamond to know you are getting the true value of your purchase.  

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