A diamond's value and quality are determined with the help of the 4 Cs. And they are carat, cut, clarity, and colour. It is very important to connect with these features and learn about them before buying a diamond. And we know that buying the right diamond is not a cakewalk. That is why we are always ready to offer you the right amount of information so that you can make an informed decision. There are several points to keep in mind before making the purchase, and colour is one of those points we are talking about.
In this section, we will give you a thorough explanation of colour and how it affects a diamond.
What is Diamond Colour?
Can you see the irony here? We're talking about colour, but what we really want is a colourless, transparent diamond, because colourless diamonds have incredible quality and worth. As a result, no-colour is the most prestigious colour of this precious stone. A pure diamond should be able to transmit visible light and appear as a transparent, colourless crystal. Diamonds are valued based on how close they are to colourlessness; the less colour, the more valuable they are. (Fancy colour diamonds, such as pinks and blues, are an exception, as they are outside of this colour range.) Colourless to near-colourless diamonds with hues of yellow or brown are the most common in jewellery stores.
The Diamond Colour Grading Scale
With that in mind, let us explain the Gemological Institute of America's international colour grading system (GIA). The GIA's diamond colour grading scale is the industry standard. The GIA's D-to-Z diamond colour-grading system compares a stone's degree of colourlessness to master stones of known colour value under controlled lighting and viewing conditions.
The D-to-Z colour scale is the industry standard for grading diamonds, with each letter representing a different range of colour based on the tone and saturation of the diamond. They are in five categories: colourless, near-colourless, faint, very light, and light.
The diagram below will assist us in comprehending the various colour classes.
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D-F ( Colourless)
The highest colour grade is D, which means it has almost no colour. A D-colour diamond appears colourless under magnification and to the naked eye. Yellow gold and other jewellery settings detract from the diamond's uncoloured beauty; hence, D-colour diamonds are frequently set in platinum or white gold. D-colour diamonds are the rarest and most valuable on the market, commanding a large price premium above other colour grades.
E-coloured diamonds have a similar appearance to D-coloured diamonds. When a D and E diamond are studied under magnification, the differences in colour between them are usually only noticeable to an expert gemologist. E-colour diamonds, like D-colour diamonds, are frequently set in platinum or white gold to prevent the jewellery's colour from detracting from the diamond's near-perfect colour. Despite the fact that these diamonds are less expensive than D-colour diamonds, they nonetheless attract a significant price premium.
With essentially no visible colour, F-colour diamonds are nearly comparable to D and E colour diamonds. To anyone who isn't a gemologist, a D, E, and F diamond will appear nearly identical even under magnification and side by side.
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G - H - I - J ( Near Colourless)
To the human eye, G-colour diamonds have hardly any colour and look mostly colourless. The G colour grading is the highest and best in the GIA's "Near Colourless" range, which includes diamonds rated G to J. G-colour diamonds feature some colour tints, although they're nearly impossible to see with the naked eye. To avoid any colour reflection from yellow or rose gold, these diamonds should be set in platinum or white gold, just like D-F diamonds.
H colour diamonds appear colourless to the human eye, but they have a subtle yellow tint that can be seen under magnification in bright light, especially when compared to diamonds of a higher colour grade. These diamonds, like G-colour diamonds, can be placed in platinum or white gold without difficulty. H-colour diamonds are slightly less expensive than G-colour diamonds and considerably less expensive than colourless diamonds. For diamond shapes with a big table, such as the radiant and cushion cuts, this is the minimal colour grade we recommend.
Diamonds in the I colour range provide a fantastic combination of near-colourless appearance and outstanding value for money. When compared to diamonds of a higher colour grade, these diamonds have a subtle yellow tint that is normally only discernible when seen side by side. In a platinum or white gold setting, as well as alongside yellow or rose gold, an I-colour round brilliant cut diamond can look stunning. I-colour diamonds are less expensive than G or H-colour diamonds, as you might imagine. For princess-cut diamonds, this is the minimal colour grade we recommend.
J colour diamonds appear generally colourless to the human eye, although they often have a subtle yellow hue visible under intense illumination and magnification. In some lighting situations, the colour of diamonds on a huge table may be apparent to the naked eye. J-colour diamonds can be excellent buys when it comes to value for money. This colour is recommended for round brilliant cut diamonds set in platinum or white gold (solitaire setting), as the round diamond's shape is excellent at hiding colour. For diamond forms with a larger table and fewer facets, the J colour grade is not suggested.
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K - L - M (Faint )
On the GIA's diamond colour scale, K-colour diamonds are classified as "faint tint," which means they have a slight yellow tint that may be seen with the naked eye. Diamonds in this price category are substantially less expensive than those in the G to J price range. A K-colour round brilliant cut diamond set in a magnificent yellow gold setting can appear stunning. Diamonds of this colour grade, on the other hand, should not be placed in platinum or white gold.
In typical lighting conditions, L-colour diamonds have a yellow hue that may be seen with the naked eye. This colour grade is significantly less expensive than those in the G to J range, making it a good value-for-money alternative. Due to the warm, golden tone of the metal, L-colour round brilliant-cut diamonds look wonderful in yellow gold solitaire rings.
Diamonds of the M colour have a distinct yellow hue that can be seen with the naked eye. M-colour diamonds, like K and L diamonds, provide excellent value for money when compared to near-colourless or colourless diamonds. The most common grade supplied by online diamond retailers is an M-colour grade. Despite the fact that M-colour diamonds can look warm and lovely in ancient yellow gold settings, their colour is extremely noticeable even with the naked eye.
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N - O - P - Q - R (Very light)
Yellow or brown tinting can be seen in diamonds in the N to R range. These diamonds are substantially less expensive than diamonds that are slightly coloured or near colourless.
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S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z (Light)
Yellow or brown tinting can be seen in diamonds in the S-Z range.
What do diamond colours mean?
Yellow Diamonds: Diamonds are a symbol of dedication and affection. Yellow diamonds are associated with intelligence, intellect, and knowledge. It's a happy, upbeat colour that makes you feel upbeat and optimistic. A yellow diamond ring represents the start or continuation of a joyful and loving life.
Red and Pink Diamonds: Red diamonds are associated with passion as well as powerful rituals and acts. Corals are also red in colour and indicate eternal foundation, whereas pink diamonds represent femininity, romance, and tenderness, and pink diamonds themselves emanate qualities of love, creativity, and romance.
Green Diamonds: Green diamonds are associated with the natural world and peace. It's also the colour of nature, prosperity, and abundance.
Black and White Diamonds: Black diamonds have a similar symbolism to other diamonds, but they also have their own meaning. Black diamonds, like white diamonds, are supposed to represent purity, love, fidelity, and eternity. Then there's the fact that they're regarded as a symbol of strength, charisma, certainty, and enthusiasm.
Brown Diamonds: Unlike red diamonds, brown diamonds are readily available in large quantities. The gorgeous brown diamond is said to connect the bearer to the world and nature. It also represents stability, order, and clarity.
Conclusion
We all know that colourless white diamonds are highly sought-after, but have you ever wondered why? While there are many reasons for colourless diamonds' high costs, such as how pure they appear or how gorgeous they are, the main reason for their high value is simple: rarity. Because colourless diamonds are extremely rare and valuable, they are much sought-after. In reality, most diamonds discovered in nature are yellowish or brownish in colour, which is why stones with these hues are quite inexpensive. However, if the roles were reversed and yellowish diamonds were highly uncommon while white diamonds were plentiful, the former would be extremely valuable while the latter would be quite inexpensive.
Rosec Jewels makes diamond rings with fine materials and expert craftsmanship. You will find diamonds with clarity, colour, and cut of excellent grade only. To buy diamond engagement rings, you can check out our collection.