Opting for a diamond lower on the color spectrum can be an effective strategy to save money on an engagement ring without compromising on carat size or your desired cut. Individual preferences vary when it comes to selecting the perfect loose diamond. If whiteness isn’t a priority for you, this is an area where you can compromise and still get a more substantial or radiant stone. However, certain color grades, such as I color diamonds, often ignite discussions about quality since some people believe they appear yellow. So, are they truly a worthwhile investment?
What are I Color Diamonds?
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) assigns diamonds a grade based on their color quality. The color scale ranges from D (no visible color) to Z (light yellow). Diamonds rated D, E, and F are considered colorless, while those graded G through J are deemed near colorless. It’s important to distinguish that these diamonds are separate from colored diamonds like fancy yellows or canary diamonds.
Sitting in the middle of the grading scale, I color diamonds exhibit a slight yellow or brown tint but maintain a brilliance similar to colorless diamonds, albeit with marginally less sparkle. Notably, even GIA doesn’t categorize their color as “faint”—that classification applies to diamond grades K, L, and M.
Generally, you won’t notice a significant difference between diamonds graded E, F, G, and those graded I. However, a noticeable price difference exists between these grades, allowing you to acquire a larger diamond for less money. While the exact price difference varies, it typically ranges from 10 to 15 percent.
Do I Color Diamonds Look Yellow?
As previously mentioned, I color diamonds contain minute traces of minerals that introduce slight yellow or brown hues. Nonetheless, this subtle color is usually only detectable under specific lighting conditions, such as those used by grading organizations like GIA. Some I color diamonds appear completely white when viewed from above. The yellow tint is so subtle that even GIA doesn’t classify the hue as “faint.”
How to Make I Color Diamonds Look Whiter
If you are open to a slight yellow tinge to save money but still want to minimize the color, there are a couple of optical tricks you can use:
- Choose a yellow gold setting for your engagement ring. Yellow gold can make diamonds with a subtle yellow tinge appear whiter. Conversely, higher contrast settings like white gold or platinum will highlight the color, making it more noticeable.
- Select specific cuts. Round-cut diamonds are the best for “masking” slight yellow or brown tints in I color diamonds. Fancy shapes like pear, oval, and marquise cuts tend to reveal more color at the points and edges. If these shapes aren’t your preference, try to avoid cuts like princess, asscher, emerald, radiant, and cushion, as they usually show more color throughout the body of the diamond.
- If you prefer a cushion cut, avoid those with a crushed ice appearance. Although crushed ice diamonds conceal inclusions better, they tend to accentuate color. If you’re leaning towards a lower color grade like I, opt for cushion brilliant diamonds, which have facets more similar to round diamonds.
Are these Diamonds Worth Buying?
Compare an I color diamond with an E or F color diamond side-by-side, and you’ll likely observe only minor differences, if any. While some distinctions are noticeable in direct comparisons, consider the context. Are you likely to closely compare your engagement ring to a friend’s F color diamond? Probably not. The most significant change will be in the price; I color diamonds are a more economical option, meaning you can afford a larger carat.
So, are I color diamonds worth the investment? Absolutely! They offer a great way to save money, and if you purchase a diamond that appears slightly yellow, there are ways to make it look colorless without additional costs. It’s a win-win situation.
