When it comes to diamonds, it’s important to consider various factors that influence their value, appearance, and price. One question that frequently arises is: “What Diamond Color is The Best Value?”
This question is common because many people are unfamiliar with the characteristics of diamonds and the reasons behind their different shapes, colors, and prices.
The simplest response is that the highest and most expensive color grade for diamonds is D, which is also relatively rare. Approximately 8% of buyers opt for a D color diamond.
However, we won’t leave it at just that answer. Let’s delve into the information we’ve prepared for you regarding diamond values and colors!
DESIGN YOUR OWN ENGAGEMENT RING: START WITH A SETTING OR START WITH A DIAMOND. IT’S REALLY UP TO YOU!
What Does Color Mean When Speaking About Diamonds?
The color of a diamond refers to its degree of clarity or presence of a yellowish tint. The highest-quality diamonds are completely colorless, while lower-quality diamonds may exhibit a slight yellow hue.
Diamond color is assessed using the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) color scale, which ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
There are several color grades for diamonds, ranging from nearly colorless to slightly yellow, falling between the D to Z range. Considering the diamond color is an important aspect of the purchasing process when searching for diamonds.
The price of a diamond can vary significantly based on its color, so selecting the best color for your needs can help you save money without compromising the overall design of the ring or jewelry you’re purchasing.
Naturally colored diamonds, such as blue, pink, and yellow, are highly sought after. However, a yellowish tint is generally undesirable in white diamonds.
You might be wondering why that is the case. Here’s a quick explanation:
When a diamond has a slight tint, it reflects less of the original color in the eye. As a result, the more colorless a diamond is, the more brilliance, value, and rarity it tends to have.
Colorless diamonds are exceptionally rare and score higher on the color grading scale compared to diamonds with even the slightest hint of yellow.
Now that we have a better understanding of diamond colors, let’s explore which color makes a diamond look its best!
What Color Makes a Diamond Look the Best?
Let’s begin by discussing the color grades for diamonds.
The top diamond color grade is D, indicating a completely colorless diamond without any hint of yellow or other hues.
However, D color is not necessarily the ideal choice for an engagement ring. Why? Because a ring with a diamond in the G, H, or I color range will look virtually the same but cost significantly less.
While diamonds in the colorless group (D to F) are highly valuable, they may not be the most cost-effective option. On the other end, diamonds in the faint color group (K and beyond) are not desirable. This leaves us with the nearly colorless range, from G to J.
The G color grade offers great value, but let’s explore if there’s more to be gained.
Diamond experts, who provide certificates for each stone, assess the hue of diamonds. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) developed the widely used diamond color grading system in the 1950s. Various reputable gemological laboratories worldwide use similar techniques and terminology to describe the presence or absence of color in diamonds.
Most diamonds are either colorless or nearly colorless, while others may exhibit a pale yellow or brown hue. The traditional diamond color grading scale, ranging from D (colorless) to Z (pale yellow or brown), assigns letter grades to differentiate them.
The standard color classifications for diamonds are colorless (D-F), near-colorless (G-J), faint yellow (K-M), very light yellow (N-R), and light yellow (S-Z).
Later in this article, we will delve further into the diamond color scale.
To ensure your diamond appears as white or colorless as possible, it is advisable to choose side stones that have the same color as the central diamond or a slightly lower tint. For example, if the center diamond is H, opt for side diamonds in the H, I, or J color range. Introducing more color in the side stones could give the central diamond a slightly golden appearance.
While there may be a discernible difference in hue between diamonds graded F and H when viewed loose, this distinction becomes less noticeable when they are set in jewelry. The G to H color grades appear almost colorless to the naked eye and are less expensive than colorless graded diamonds.
For these reasons, we often recommend selecting a diamond in the G or H color range to maximize value, along with obtaining higher clarity.
If you don’t plan to sell your diamond jewelry in the future with the hope of making a profit, you need not stress too much about the diamond color grading.
GIA Assigns Color Grades Using A Sliding Scale Divided Into Five Categories
Let’s explore the diamond color grades in more detail:
D-F (Colorless): Diamonds in the D grade are completely colorless and the highest grade. Even to a highly skilled gemologist, it is challenging to detect any trace of color. E and F grades are also considered colorless and relatively rare. These diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from one another.
G-J (Near Colorless): A faint yellow undertone may be noticeable to a trained gemologist. While GIA classifies this range as “near colorless,” we hesitate to include J in this category because the color becomes more evident at this grade.
K-M (Faint): In this range, a yellow hue is more apparent and can be seen without comparing the diamond to a higher color grade. Online jewelry stores typically don’t offer diamonds below the K grade for engagement rings. K diamonds can look stunning on yellow gold rings.
N-R (Very Light): Even to an untrained eye, diamonds in this range have a noticeable yellow hue and may appear of lower quality.
S-Z (Light): Diamonds in this range may start to exhibit a brownish or rusty hue. There is minimal demand for diamonds in this color spectrum.
In addition to understanding the color scale, it’s important to consider the positioning of diamonds.
To assess the diamond’s color, the GIA examines it by placing it upside down and comparing it to a set of master stones. This positioning allows for clearer visibility of the color.
When viewed face-up, it can be challenging to differentiate between different colors. You might notice that the yellow hue of a diamond becomes more pronounced from the side view compared to the face-up view. However, when the diamond is set in a ring, the color will primarily be seen from the front.
Now, let’s discuss whether colorless diamonds justify their higher cost.
Due to their rarity, colorless diamonds (D, E, and F grades) come with a premium price. While F diamonds may have minute traces of color visible only when viewed face-down by a skilled gemologist, D diamonds are truly colorless.
However, to the average person, these differences are not discernible at all. For instance, most individuals cannot distinguish between a colorless diamond and one in the H color range. In some cases, people may not even notice a difference between colorless and J diamonds.
Considering that diamonds on rings are typically viewed face-up, reflecting light back to the viewer’s eyes, the question arises: Is it worth spending extra money to have the “colorless” designation on a certificate? This is a highly subjective decision.
Some individuals, particularly in the Asian market, strive for perfection and appreciate the rarity of their possessions. The icy-white appearance of a D-colored diamond appeals to specific individuals as well.
However, an H-colored diamond will appear perfectly white to the average person. In our opinion, the additional expense for the “colorless” label is essentially spent on something that may not be fully appreciated.
To notice a visible difference in color, diamonds would need to be compared side by side with at least a 3 to 4-grade deviation. Therefore, it’s quite unlikely that your fiancée would be aware that her diamond is “near colorless” unless she directly compares it with a perfectly colorless diamond belonging to a friend.
In the end, it’s up to you to decide if the extra cost for a colorless diamond is truly worth it.
What is Diamond Fluorescence?
Let’s delve into the topic of fluorescence and its significance:
Fluorescence is a characteristic of diamonds that causes them to emit a glow when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. However, fluorescence has often been perceived as a negative quality. Diamonds with fluorescence can sell for up to 15% less than their non-fluorescent counterparts. Approximately one-third of all gem-quality diamonds exhibit some level of fluorescence.
If diamonds in the J-M color range possess medium to strong blue fluorescence, they can appear to have a higher color grade and may exhibit traces of a yellow hue. This is because UV light can enhance the fluorescence of these diamonds, making them appear visually whiter with a reduced yellow tint.
Since blue fluorescence is common in most diamonds, the blue and yellow hues complement each other and effectively cancel each other out. As a result, the diamond appears noticeably whiter.
It’s worth noting that diamonds with very strong fluorescence can have a milky or hazy appearance, lacking the sparkle and brilliance typically associated with diamonds. However, the presence of very subtle fluorescence can be advantageous.
Now, let’s discuss the importance of the Diamond Color Scale:
Having an understanding of the Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) diamond color scale is essential. However, it’s important to recognize that diamond color matters only to a certain extent.
When considering the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight), cut and carat weight are particularly crucial factors to maximize. These qualities significantly impact the overall appearance and value of a diamond.
When evaluating a diamond, you want to ensure that you don’t notice any undesirable characteristics, such as noticeable color or clarity issues. The diamond color scale helps establish a threshold where you can determine whether a diamond appears clear or exhibits a noticeable yellowish tinge.
The goal is to avoid purchasing a diamond that has a significant yellowish hue. The specific point at which a diamond crosses the boundary between yellowish and visually clear can vary depending on the diamond’s shape and the type of setting used.
Once a diamond appears clear to your eyes, there isn’t much to gain from spending more money on a higher color grade. It’s important to keep in mind that purchasing a diamond involves trade-offs. If you opt for a higher color grade than necessary to save money, it may come at the expense of size, brightness, or clarity. You should carefully consider this trade-off and make an informed decision based on your preferences and priorities.
The Basic Rules for Shopping Diamonds
In conclusion, when evaluating a diamond’s color, it’s important to consider the following guidelines:
- The setting plays a significant role in how the diamond’s color is perceived. If you opt for a D-F (colorless) diamond, it is best paired with a platinum or white gold setting. This ensures that the diamond reflects its true color. However, if you choose a yellow or rose gold setting, the diamond’s color will be influenced by the metal, so going below a color grade of I is not recommended for white gold or platinum settings.
- A diamond with a slight yellow tint can look stunning in a yellow or rose gold setting. If you prefer such a setting, you can consider going down to a color grade of K. Remember, the diamond’s cut is the most crucial factor in its overall appearance and sparkle.
- The shape of the diamond matters. Round diamonds that are expertly cut exhibit fire, brilliance, and are good at masking color nuances. On the other hand, fancy-cut diamonds with sharp ends, like marquise and pear shapes, can trap color. If you desire one of these cuts, it’s preferable to choose a higher color grade, with H being the lowest recommended.
- Step-cut diamonds, such as emerald and Asscher cuts, are known for their depth and shine rather than their brilliance. Color is more easily noticeable in these cuts. To ensure the stone looks its best, we suggest choosing a color grade of at least G for step-cut diamonds.
- Size matters. If you’re purchasing a larger diamond (2 carats or larger), the color will be more noticeable. In such cases, it’s advisable to opt for a darker shade of diamond to minimize the appearance of color.
Remember, cutting corners on the diamond’s cut and sacrificing its quality is not recommended. An excellently cut, colorless diamond will always appear more dazzling than a poorly cut diamond with no color.
Final Thoughts
Throughout this article, we have strived to provide a comprehensive answer to the question: What Diamond Color is The Best Value? We have delved into the intricacies of diamond color and its impact on value, but it’s important to remember that the value of a diamond is determined by multiple factors, including cut, clarity, and carat weight, in addition to color.
We encourage you to explore the 4C’s rule in greater detail, as it will provide you with a deeper understanding of how these factors interact to determine a diamond’s value. You can find more information on the 4C’s in one of our earlier articles.
We hope that this exploration of diamond color and value has been enlightening for you. Enjoy your journey of learning more about diamonds, and may you have a wonderful time exploring the fascinating world of these precious gemstones!
