Diamonds are known for their timeless beauty and mesmerizing sparkle, making them a fitting symbol of love and commitment. When it comes to diamonds, colour is a key feature that can influence their appearance and value. While colourless diamonds often steal the spotlight, diamonds with a subtle tint, like those graded as J colour, have a unique charm of their own. These diamonds offer a gentle warmth that adds character and allure, making them an appealing choice for diamond jewellery for women and men.
But before we get into the meaning and value of a J colour diamond, let’s understand why the colour of a diamond is so important and how it can transform the look of your jewellery.
Why Does Diamond Colour Matter?
Okay, here’s the deal: the most coveted diamonds are the colourless ones because they’re rare. These colourless diamonds sparkle the best because they have no trace of colour that messes with the penetration and reflection of light. Remember, the more colour, the less sparkle, and the cheaper it gets.
Now that we’ve established the importance of diamond colour, let’s take a look at the diamond grading scale to understand how diamonds are graded.
The GIA Diamond Colour Grading
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) created a diamond grading scale to assess the quality of a diamond based on its cut, colour, clarity, and carat (diamond 4C’s). This scale, now the gold standard, is used to assess the absence of colour in a diamond to determine its colour grade. It was developed to address the inconsistencies that other grading systems had. The GIA colour grading system has five categories featuring 23 grades. These categories are:
1. Colourless – D, E, F
D diamonds have no colour and are the highest grade a diamond can get. E and F grades are for diamonds that appear colourless to the naked eye but have a yellow tint that can only be noticed when viewed under advanced gemological equipment.
2. Near Colourless – G, H, I, J
The G and H colour ranges are for diamonds with colour that can only be noticed when compared to diamonds in the colourless range. I and J colour diamonds have warm undertones.
3. Faint – K, L, M
Diamonds in the K-M range have a faint yellow hue that slightly increases from K grade to M grade.
4. Very Light – N, O, P, Q, R
Diamonds in this category have a light yellow hue that is more noticeable than faint colour diamonds.
5. Light – S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z
This category features diamonds with a brown or light yellow hue that gradually increases from the first to the last range.
Diamonds beyond Z are considered fancy-coloured diamonds. They come in various colours and are considered super rare – with red diamonds being the rarest.
Read: Diamond Clarity and Colour Chart
What is J Colour Diamond?
J-colour diamonds are the last grade in the ‘near colourless’ range. They are slightly tinted when assessed under bright light or against plain white backgrounds. This tint is noticeable compared to diamonds in higher grades but unnoticeable to the naked eye. J diamonds are your best bet if you’re looking to get more sparkle for your spend.
Read: Why Are Diamonds So Hard?
J Colour Diamond Price
Alright, so diamond colour J falls in a sweet spot, offering good quality without straining your budget. They are slightly more affordable than colourless diamonds, making them a popular choice for couples in search of engagement rings.
Although J colour diamonds are in the same range as G colour and H colour diamonds, there is a remarkable price difference between them. This is due to the slight presence of colour in J diamonds, which might be visible in different lighting.
What’s not subtle, however, is the price difference between the grades in the same range. The price for a 1-carat J colour diamond usually starts at around $4,802. G colour diamonds start at $6,000, while an H colour diamond would typically cost around $5,400. However, the total price depends on the cut, clarity and carat weight of the diamond.
If colour matters to you, you might have to trade off a bit on the cut, clarity or size. Or you could go for a ‘near colourless’ diamond like a J colour diamond, which is not as pricey but still pretty sparkly.
Read: Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Real Diamonds
Things To Consider When Buying J Colour Diamonds
If you’re thinking of buying a J Colour diamond, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Shape: Round diamonds are the most popular because they are great at concealing a diamond’s colour. So, if you want your J diamond to look almost colourless in every lightning, opt for round diamonds or diamonds with fewer facts and a larger table.
- Metal: Your diamond might look different depending on the band metal. Yellow or rose gold can make it seem whiter, while platinum or white gold might show a hint of yellow.
- Setting: Solitaire rings are always a safe bet, as they let the main stone shine on its own. But if you’re mixing J colour diamonds and side stones, make sure they all match up in colour, or else one stone may appear brighter than the other.
Also See: The Different Types of Diamond Cuts
FAQs
1. How much do J colour diamonds cost?
A 1-carat J-colour diamond costs around $4,082 but varies based on cut, clarity and carat weight.
2. Should I buy a colour diamond?
J colour diamonds are highly sought-after because they are the perfect balance of quality and cost.
3. Does a diamond with a J colour grade exhibit sparkle?
Yes, they do, but not as much as colourless diamonds. It’s still pretty shiny, though!
4. Is a J colour diamond good?
J-colour diamonds are in the near-colourless range, so they’re popular because they offer a good balance of sparkle and cost.
5. How rare are J diamonds?
J diamonds are not rare. But that just means they’re easier to find!
