Today, the International Diamond Council , or IDC, designation is an internationally recognised way to define and classify the colour of diamonds. But that hasn’t always been the case. Before the IDC was formed in 2000 in Antwerp, Belgium, there were other scales to determine a diamond's colour, some of which are still used as well today.
Terms like Top Wesselton andWesselton are phrases that refer to the old denominations of the colour of diamonds. These terms can be paired with the GIA letter designations and English denomination descriptive terms.
Today, the colour of a diamond is indicated by gradations of whiteness which go from D to Z. Previously, the colour of a diamond was indicated by variations from Jager to Light Yellow. The old terms Top Wesselton and Wesselton respectively correspond with the new denominations G and H, which we offer at BNT Diamonds.
To compare the different designations of diamond colour, below you will find an overview of the new and old names of these colours. This model of colours is officially used by the IDC (International Diamond Council).
Colour | English denomination | Old denomination |
D | Finest white + | Jager |
E | Finest white | River |
F | Fine white + | River |
G | Fine white | Top Wesselton |
H | White | Wesselton |
I | Lightly tinted White + | Top Crystal |
J | Lightly tinted white | Crystal |
K | Tinted white + | Top Cape |
L | Tinted white | Top Cape |
M | Tinted colour | Cape |
N | Tinted colour | Low Cape |
O | Tinted colour | Very Light Yellow |
P-Z | Tinted colour | Light Yellow |
Knowing the different descriptors in diamond colour can help to choose the best diamond investment for you.
Want to learn more about diamonds for investment? The experts at BNT Diamonds can help. Get in touch with us today by booking an appointment in one of our showrooms or requesting a quote.
