Looking to buy a diamond for yourself or a loved one? Understanding the factors affecting diamond prices, such as color, cut, clarity and carat (also known as 4c’s of diamond) is crucial in selecting a high-quality diamond.
While the diamond cut is the most important of the 4cs, diamond color is the second most important because the color grade has a direct impact on the diamond’s appearance. What’s a diamond color you’re wondering? It refers to the actual color or tint of a diamond. Of all the colors out there, D color diamonds are the rarest and most valuable.
But before we dive into what makes them so special, let’s understand how diamond color grading works and why it’s important.
Read: Why Are Diamonds So Hard
Understanding GIA Color Grading
The GIA (Gemological Institute of America), a leading geological research institute, developed a standardized diamond grading scale to ensure consistency in grading. This scale evaluates diamonds based on the 4Cs—cut, color, clarity and carat, which collectively influence diamond pricing
The GIA color grading scale starts with the letter D, representing colorless diamonds, and progresses to the letter Z, representing light yellow and brown hues.
What is D Color Diamond?
If you’re wondering about the D color diamond’s meaning, allow us to explain. A D-color diamond, positioned at the beginning of the D-Z color grading scale, represents a colorless diamond. Each subsequent letter represents a slight increase in color intensity, culminating in brown or light yellow hues closer to Z.
Read: Diamond Clarity and Color Chart
D Color Diamonds vs. Other Color Grades
D diamond quality refers to diamonds that are exceptionally rare and fall within the highest quality category of the color grading scale. Here’s what each letter on the grading scale represents:
1. Colorless (D-F)
The D color diamond is the highest color grade a diamond can receive. These diamonds are completely colorless and have no tints of yellow or brown whatsoever. E and F have very slight traces of color, which are invisible to the naked eye, making them popular choices for engagement rings for those who want to avoid the premium tag of a D color diamond.
2. Near Colorless (G-J)
G and H color diamonds fall in the near-colorless range, containing noticeable colors only when compared to the higher grades.
I and J color diamonds have a slightly detectable and faint color.
3. Faint (K-M)
K, L and M have a faint yellow hue.
4. Very Light (N-R)
N to R color diamonds have a light yellow hue that is more apparent than faint color diamonds.
5. Light (S-Z)
S to Z color diamonds have a brown or light yellow hue.
Fancy color diamonds are outside the color range of the diamond grading scale and showcase colors other than light yellow or brown. These diamonds come in various colors like pink, blue, yellow, orange, green, etc. and are considered ever rarer, with only one 1 out of 10,000 diamonds having a natural color.
Read: Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamond
D Color Diamonds Price
As mentioned earlier, D color diamonds are not just rare, they are exceptionally rare. They account for less than 1% of all mined diamonds, making them a truly exclusive and coveted choice for those seeking something truly unique and special.
The price of a one-carat D color diamond can range between $13,500 and $19,700. However, the price can vary depending on the clarity and cut of the diamond.
Read: Different Types of Diamond Cuts
Factors to Consider When Buying D Color Diamonds
Irrespective of the diamond’s color grading, there are other factors that can impact the color of the diamond and should be considered when buying diamond jewelry. Let’s take a look at them:
- Shape: A diamond’s shape can impact how it reflects color. For instance, oval and radiant cuts reflect more color (H-J range) than emerald cuts and round diamonds, which appear white even when they are in the K-L color range.
- Cut: The number of facets can affect a diamond’s brilliance. The higher the number of facets, the more it is able to reflect light and sparkle.
- Clarity: The cut of a diamond plays a role in the clarity. The higher the number of facets, the less likely you will notice inclusions and impurities.
Buying a diamond that looks good is about finding a balance in the 4c’s based on your budget and personal preference because, after all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
FAQs
1. How much do D color diamonds cost?
D color diamonds are colorless which makes them rare and valuable. So, a one-carat d color diamond can range from $13,500 to $19,700. However, keep in mind that this price can vary due to other factors like the cut and clarity of the diamond.
2. Should I buy a D color diamond?
You absolutely can if that’s what you want. But we recommend that you consider and try to balance out the diamond 4Cs. A colorless diamond is absolutely brilliant but also expensive. So, if you can afford a colorless diamond without compromising on other important factors like the cut or clarity, then go for it.
3. Does a diamond with an d color grade exhibit sparkle?
It does! In fact, it exhibits the best sparkle of all diamonds. The reason is simple-it’s colorless. Since diamonds reflect white light, a D color diamond will offer the most captivating sparkle. The more color a diamond has, the less likely it is to reflect white light and sparkle.
4. Is a D color diamond good?
Yes, it is. If you’re looking for a diamond of the highest quality, a D color diamond ranks number one. However, the price point is what sways people to go for other color grades. Either way, the unique brilliance and sparkle of a D-color diamond, coupled with its rarity, make it a truly special choice.
5. How rare are D diamonds?
Less than 1% of all mined diamonds are D or E, which alone is a testament to their rarity. However, it’s worth noting that fancy color diamonds, while even rarer, are also significantly more expensive than their colorless counterparts.
