When it comes to buying a diamond, one term that requires your attention is “I color diamond.” This term relates to a diamond grading scale that determines the level of yellowness present in the stone.
The scale ranges from diamonds that are completely colorless to those that exhibit noticeable yellow tones. An “I color diamond” falls within the category of nearly colorless diamonds.
While the idea of grading yellowness might sound unusual or concerning, there’s no need to worry. Yellowness is simply one of the characteristics that will be further discussed in this article. Read on to learn everything you need to know about I color diamonds!
Diamond Price Chart
DESIGN YOUR OWN ENGAGEMENT RING: START WITH A SETTING OR START WITH A DIAMOND. IT’S REALLY UP TO YOU!
| Shape | Top Quality D/E, FL/IF | Our Recommendation G/H, VS2/SI | The Lower End I/J SI1/SI2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round | $23,200 | $7,710 | $6,100 |
| Princess | $15,200 | $6,280 | $5,000 |
| Cushion | $15,790 | $5,870 | $3,730 |
| Emerald | $16,050 | $7,760 | $5,140 |
| Oval | $18,950 | $7,390 | $5,760 |
| Pear | $17,800 | $7,580 | $5,710 |
| Marquise | $21,320 | $9,210 | $5,150 |
| Radiant | $20,100 | $7,020 | $4,100 |
| Asscher | $19,610 | $7,720 | $4,360 |
What Exactly Is I Color Diamond?
An I color diamond is a standard used to assess the color of a diamond. The color scale ranges from D to Z, with each letter representing a different level of color, from colorless to yellow.
It’s important to note that we don’t have to disregard all diamonds on the scale except for the perfectly colorless ones. Likewise, we shouldn’t settle for diamonds with excessive and noticeable yellowness.
I color diamond falls within the “near colorless” range of the color scale. What does this mean? It means that when viewed with the naked eye, an I color diamond appears colorless. However, when examined under magnification, some yellow reflections may be observed. Despite these reflections and the presence of a certain level of yellow, an I color diamond still looks colorless to the naked eye.
Given its position on the color scale, an I color diamond offers a great combination of price and quality. It is often chosen for jewelry, including engagement rings, because the yellow hue is almost imperceptible to the naked eye, especially when set in a ring’s crown. Additionally, I color diamonds tend to be more affordable than fully colorless ones.
Standards For Grading Diamond Color
If you find the color scale we mentioned earlier to be abstract, here is an overview of all the grades on the diamond color chart:
- Colorless Diamonds (D to F): These diamonds are considered to have the highest color ratings. Diamonds in the D category are completely colorless and quite rare, making them very expensive. They are often referred to as “icy-white” diamonds.
- Near Colorless Diamonds (G to J): This range includes the category of I color diamonds we discussed earlier. These diamonds have subtle yellow reflections that are only visible under magnification, not to the naked eye.
- Faint Diamonds (K to M): In this category, a slight yellowish glare can be observed even with the naked eye. Some people find K color diamonds particularly beautiful when paired with yellow gold.
- Very Light Yellow Diamonds (N to R): Diamonds in this range exhibit a more noticeable hint of yellow within them.
- Lightly Colored Diamonds (S to Z): This range encompasses diamonds that have a hint of brown color.
- Fancy Colored Diamonds: These diamonds possess strong and distinct colors, and they are gaining popularity among buyers.
By understanding the different color grades on the diamond color chart, you can make informed decisions when selecting a diamond. Additionally, it’s worth considering popular diamond colors and clarities, which can provide further insights into the preferences of buyers.
The Price Difference
The distinction between colorless and near-colorless diamonds may be imperceptible to the naked eye, but the difference in price is remarkably significant.
Here are the key advantages of an I color diamond:
- No visible traces of yellow can be seen with the naked eye.
- It is highly rated in terms of its yellowness on the color scale.
- It is significantly more affordable compared to colorless diamonds.
To illustrate this, let’s consider concrete examples: Three near-colorless diamonds with slight variations in color are priced at $4,540, $4,800, and $4,890. In contrast, three colorless diamonds are valued at $10,050, $10,080, and $10,100. As you can see, colorless diamonds are twice as expensive, yet the difference in appearance is challenging to detect.
Should you buy an I color diamond? Here are some shopping tips to consider:
- Don’t be concerned about a near-colorless grade when purchasing an I color diamond. Even an expert would find it challenging to distinguish between an I color and a colorless diamond.
- Ensure that the diamond is eye-clean, meaning it has no visible inclusions or blemishes when viewed with the naked eye.
- Pay attention to the cut grade, as it significantly impacts the diamond’s brilliance and sparkle.
- The ring setting is crucial when buying an I color diamond. Whether it’s white gold, rose gold, or yellow gold, it’s difficult to notice any color tint when viewing the diamond with the naked eye.
Does the shape of a diamond affect the visibility of yellowness?
Yes, it does! Some diamond shapes make it easier to spot yellowness, even with the naked eye. It’s important to be aware of these shapes to avoid them during your shopping process. The pear shape, in particular, is not adept at concealing color and tends to exhibit the most noticeable color among all diamond shapes.
Another shape to avoid when buying an I color diamond is the emerald cut. This shape accentuates the difference in color between an I color and a colorless diamond, especially under good lighting or when examined with a magnifying glass. While the distinction may not be apparent to the naked eye, it’s best to steer clear of this shape as the yellowish tint becomes more visible.
How can you make an I color diamond appear whiter?
If you’ve chosen an I color diamond and want to minimize the visibility of any yellow tint, consider the following tips:
- For cushion-shaped diamonds, avoid crushed ice cuts as they tend to emphasize color. Opt for brilliant diamonds with facets similar to round diamonds for a better result.
- Choose a yellow gold ring setting for your I color diamond. When the color of the setting matches the stone, the yellowness is less noticeable. However, if you opt for a white gold or platinum setting, which contrasts with yellow, the yellow tint in the diamond becomes more apparent.
- Consider the fluorescence grade of the diamond. In moderation, fluorescence can make a diamond appear whiter. However, excessive fluorescence can result in a cloudy or hazy appearance. For I color diamonds, the fluorescence options are categorized as none, faint, or medium.
For a comprehensive guide on diamond selection, including tips on choosing the right diamond, you can refer to our related read: “Diamond Buying Guide: How to Choose a Diamond?”
Final Thoughts
Let’s recap the essential facts and remember what’s crucial to know about I color diamonds!
When it comes to buying something as valuable as a diamond, it’s natural to seek the best. Especially for an engagement ring, the expectations are high. However, when you are aware of the importance of appearance, you can be confident and satisfied with an I color diamond without any regrets.
An I color diamond offers a great combination of saving money and still providing quality and a white appearance. It’s a winning choice. If you desire the most beautiful white look, consider the shape of the diamond. Additionally, pay attention to the significant price difference, which should not be overlooked.
To further enhance your understanding of I color diamonds, explore the concept of fluorescence grade in our article. It will shed light on its significance for I color diamonds.
We hope that our article has been helpful and has expanded or upgraded your knowledge of I color diamonds. Feel free to share this article with anyone you think might be interested in this topic! If you believe we have overlooked any information about I color diamonds, please reach out to us.
