Diamond Colors and the 4Cs
Posted by Gracious Rose Jewelry on Jan 23rd 2023
Choosing the perfect diamond ring can be very confusing and hard. Questions like: “What ring will suit me best?” or “Which is the best diamond shape that will represent me?” will roam your mind. That’s why the 4C’s were created.
In this way, you will be able to determine and pick the best ring for you or your loved one. Here are the 4Cs you should consider following when selecting your diamond for your ring.
- Cut – this has two references: first is the diamond’s quality and the other is shape; determined by its polish, proportions, and symmetry. Examples of the shapes are Round, Pear, Heart, Princess, Marquise, Emerald, Oval, Radiant, and Cushion. The diamond cut is treated to be the most important factor concerning its charm – it determines the brilliance of the diamonds depending on how light is dispersed, reflected, and scintillated. Out of all the 4Cs, Cut has the greatest effect on a diamond’s beauty. The more precise, the more captivating the diamond is to a person’s eye.
- Carat – a diamond’s weight is measured in carats. The carat is the diamond’s physical weight measured in metric carats. One carat equals 1/5 gram and is subdivided into 100 points. Carat weight is considered the most objective grade of the 4Cs. All that’s required is a precisely balanced scale capable of measuring extremely small weights.
- Clarity – it’s a measure of the tiny imperfections found in almost every diamond. A perfect diamond with little to no imperfections is often desired due to its rarity, but they are also the most expensive. Hence, it is important to keep in mind that it’s a very common thing for diamonds to be formed with slight imperfections. Diamonds can have internal characteristics known as external characteristics or inclusions known as blemishes. Diamonds without blemishes or inclusions are considered rare; however, most characteristics can only be seen with magnification.
- Color – gem-quality diamonds occur in many hues; in the range from colorless to light yellow or light brown. Colorless diamonds are known to be the rarest. Other natural colors (red, pink, and blue for example) are known as “fancy”, and their color grading is different than from white colorless diamonds. Perfectly colorless diamonds considered the highest quality with the highest value, and brown or yellow diamonds being the lowest quality. The diamond grader decides the color grade based on the saturation of the color. Other diamond graders grade all diamonds “loose,” or without settings, so that the color of the diamond is not influenced by the metal of the setting. This step requires good eyes and extensive experience. The diamond graders indicate where a diamond’s color falls on a scale that runs from 0 (colorless) to 10 (light yellow or light brown). Most labs grade based on using D as the best color then down to Z. In this way, buyers will have a better understanding of its color. It’s easy to learn what each numerical grade means in term of color:
- Colorless: No Color (D-E-F)
This is the highest grade possible, and diamonds without color are very rare. Therefore, they cost more on the market. While there are differences in color between D, E, and F diamonds – they can only be detected by a gemologist in side by side comparisons, and rarely by the untrained eye. D-F diamonds should only be set in white gold or platinum. Yellow gold reflects color, negating the diamond’s colorless effect. - Near Colorless: (G-H-I-J)
These kinds of diamonds have very little color. When mounted in jewelry, these diamonds will appear colorless. While containing traces of color, G-J diamonds are suitable for a white or platinum gold setting, which would normally betray any hint of color in a diamond. It is because I-J diamonds are more common than the higher grades; they tend to be a great value. An I-J diamond may retail for half the price of a D diamond. Within the G-J range, price tends to increase 10-20% between each diamond grade. - Faint Color: (K-L-M)
If a diamond in these grades weighs less than approximately 0.50 carat, it will appear colorless when mounted. In a larger diamond, a little color may be discerned. Keep this tip in mind when shopping; you could save money and walk away with a diamond that looks like it has a higher color grade. Beginning with K diamonds, color (usually a yellow tint) is more easily detected by the naked eye. Set in yellow gold, these warm colored diamonds appeal to some and are an exceptional value. Others will feel that they have too much color. Due to its perceptible color tint, a K diamond is often half the price of a G diamond. - Very Light Color: (N-R)
A diamond in these grades will display some discernable color. The larger the diamond, the more noticeable is the color. Diamonds in the N-R color range have an easily seen brown or yellow tint but are much less expensive than higher grades. A lot of jewelry shops do not carry diamonds in this color range due to a lack of demand. If you desire a diamond in this range, the advisable thing to do is for you to request a price quote. - Light Color: (S-Z)
The color is seen with increasing ease as the grade goes from 7.5 to 10. For approximately all customers, S-Z diamonds have too much color for a white diamond. Colorless diamonds are higher priced in the colorless to yellow or colorless to brown diamond ranges. Nevertheless, many people like the warmth of a faint to light yellow or brown diamond. If that color describes you, then surely finding a great value in that type of diamond shouldn’t be a hassle.
- Colorless: No Color (D-E-F)
The interesting thing about a diamond color is that even if colorless diamonds are more expensive, with all other Cs being equal, many individuals prefer the look of a diamond with a slight yellow color because of its warmth. These individuals will find great value in these types of diamonds; so don’t be scared to discuss this preference with your jeweler.
Overall, it’s essential to have your diamonds graded by a reputable diamond grading laboratory that understands ideal diamond color or a credentialed expert to avoid regrets in buying such an expensive jewelry.
If you are looking to build or add a timeless piece to your ring collection, our jewelry advisers at Gracious Rose can provide you the expert advice you need. Browse our ethically-sourced and finely crafted rings and purchase one today! We have over 3,500 items to choose from.