Diamond Basics
What Do F, G and H Colour Diamonds Mean?
The diamond colour scale runs from D to Z. We explain the difference between E, F, G and H colour stones, whether you can see it when they are worn, and which gold suits which colour.
3 min readUpdated: October 7, 2026
Short answer: The diamond colour scale runs from D to Z: D is the most colourless and Z has a clear yellowish tint. E and F colour are “colourless”, and G and H are in the “near colourless” group. A G or H colour diamond looks white when worn and when seen on its own; the difference between D and G is usually noticed only when stones are compared side by side in special light.
How to read the colour scale
| Grade | Group | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| D, E, F | Colourless | Icy white; the difference shows only in expert comparison |
| G, H | Near colourless | White when worn; the most balanced range |
| I, J | Near colourless | A slight warm tone side by side |
| K – M | Faint colour | A yellowish tint visible to the eye |
| N – Z | Very light yellow to yellow | A clear yellow tint |
The scale starts at D rather than A because the new system was deliberately started at D to set it apart from older, confusing letter systems.
The difference between E, F, G and H
- E colour: Colourless; its difference from D is understood only by a skilled eye with comparison stones.
- F colour: The last grade of the colourless group; an icy white look.
- G colour: The first grade of the near-colourless group. It looks white in white gold and costs noticeably less than F. That is why it is one of the most recommended grades.
- H colour: Looks white when worn; especially in yellow and rose gold, no difference can be seen.
Gold colour and stone colour
The colour of the setting reflects into the stone:
- White gold: Brings out the stone’s whiteness; G–H colour is a safe choice. For a very white look, E–F.
- Yellow gold: Because the warm tone of the gold reflects into the stone, no difference is seen even at H–I. Gold solitaire.
- Rose gold: As with yellow, H–I colour can be used comfortably.
On yellow gold solitaires, making the prongs that hold the stone from white gold also helps the stone look white.
Shape and size affect colour
The round brilliant is the shape that hides colour best. In elongated shapes such as oval, pear and marquise, colour can show a little more at the ends; step cuts such as the emerald also show colour more openly. And the bigger the stone, the easier colour is to notice: at 2 carats and above, going one grade higher can be a good idea.
A practical tip: for a round or oval solitaire in white gold, G colour, and in yellow or rose gold, H colour, are among the choices that use the budget best. You can put the savings into cut or carat. The 4C balance.
Colour in lab-grown diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are graded on the same D–Z scale. With the same budget it is often possible to reach a higher colour grade, so D–F colour stones become more attainable with lab-grown diamonds. The report also states any post-growth colour treatment. CVD and HPHT.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. G colour is the first grade of the near-colourless group; it looks white when worn and has one of the best balances of price and appearance. Usually not when the stone is seen on its own. The difference is slightly noticeable when the stones are compared side by side on a white background. No. H colour looks white when worn; especially in a yellow or rose gold setting, no yellowness can be seen at all. E colour is the second grade on the scale and belongs to the colourless group. Its difference from D colour is understood only in expert comparison.Is a G colour diamond good?
Can you see the difference between F and G colour?
Does H colour look yellow?
What does E colour diamond mean?
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