Many are familiar with the Three C’s of diamond buying: color, clarity and cut. For a quick review diamonds are graded for color from white to yellow starting with D as the highest or whitest color.
Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring Color I-J
White diamonds are often also grouped further. They are termed in the following way:
Colorless: (or whitest) if they merit a D, E or F color.
Near Colorless: Colors G, H I and J.
Faint Color: Colors K, L and M.
Very Light Yellow: N through R colors.
Below an R they move into the fancy yellow diamond range.
So what does this really mean when you are looking at a diamond or buying one? What will you see? What color do you want in a diamond or a diamond engagement ring?
First, every diamond is unique and every grading (or designation of color letter D, E, F, etc.) is an opinion. Also, settings or mountings can effect a diamond’s color. If set into yellow or rose gold, the diamond may hold reflections of this color and appear a bit more golden.
Overall, most diamonds above a K or even above an L still look white to the majority of us. That’s right! That is good news. That means that you can purchase an affordable diamond ring or engagement ring without spending top dollar for a diamond with only the whitest designations of color grading. In the K or L range, in candle light, or some more golden lights, you may see hints of golden tones, but in most circumstances, it is going to be a white, shimmering diamond.
For the antique or vintage diamond or jewelry buyer, this is also positive news as most antique diamonds range in the lower white colors. Many rank in the I through M range. Better diamonds merit the G-J range. Don’t hesitate to trust your eye or ask your dealer what the diamond looks like in person if you are buying online and be specific about what is important to you. If it is most important to have a whiter diamond, then make that clear from the beginning.
Buying an antique or modern diamond is a balance between its size, color clarity and cut. There are always good options in any price range.
For more information, contact me or visit GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) website: http://4csblog.gia.edu/2012/a-guide-to-diamond-color-d-to-z