Diamonds are loved for their durability and brilliance, making them a popular choice for everyday jewelry. Picking the right diamond can be tricky. However, knowing about the diamond’s 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight) can be helpful when purchasing diamond jewelry for women and men.
Cut is the most crucial aspect that determines a diamond’s value. You can read about the different types of diamond cuts here. After cut comes color – the second most crucial aspect to consider when buying diamonds. Diamonds are generally graded on a scale ranging from D to Z. D color diamonds are top-tier and completely colorless but come with a hefty price tag. The next best thing? E quality diamonds. Read on to learn more about them.
Understanding GIA Color Grading
To understand what diamond color E means, you need to know the universal color grading system for diamonds.
The GIA (Gemological Institute of America), the world’s leading geological research institute, plays a crucial role in diamond grading. It tests and grades diamonds based on the diamond 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. The GIA color grading scale, with its 23 grades divided into five categories, is the industry standard. Here’s what they represent:
1. Colorless – D, E, F
The diamond grading scale begins with the letter D, which resembles a colorless diamond. While E and F grade diamonds appear colorless to the naked eye, they might have some tint of yellow when viewed under specialized gemological equipment.
2. Near Colorless – G, H, I, J
The color in G and H diamonds can only be noticed when compared to colorless diamonds. I and J color diamonds have warm undertones.
3. Faint – K, L, M
This category is for diamonds with a faint yellow hue that increases from K to M.
4. Very Light – N, O, P, Q, R
Diamonds in this category have a light yellow hue that is more noticeable than faint color diamonds.
5. Light – S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z
This range features diamonds with a brown or light yellow hue.
Any colors beyond Z are considered fancy diamonds.
Read: Diamond Clarity and Color Chart
What is E Color Diamond?
According to the GIA, a chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue, like a drop of pure water, and, therefore, a higher value. Almost 98% of mined diamonds have a yellow tint. The E-color diamond, however, is part of the premium D-F range which signifies a colorless diamond.
E-color diamonds offer a unique balance of quality and affordability. They are less expensive than D-color diamonds and more transparent than F-color diamonds, making them a smart choice for those seeking value for their money.
While E color diamonds are not completely colorless like D, they appear that way to the naked eye when viewed under bright light or 10x magnification. The difference between a D and E color diamond is so subtle that only an expert gemologist with advanced equipment can distinguish them.
Read: Why Are Diamonds So Hard?
E Color Diamonds Price
E color diamonds, being part of the premium D-F range, are top quality and represent less than 1% of the world’s diamonds. This rarity and quality contribute to their higher price, making them a valuable investment.
The color of a diamond affects its brilliance (white light reflected from within the diamond), which is why many people choose diamonds that show little to no color. The more color or hue a diamond has, the less sparkly and expensive it gets. This is why the value of E color diamond is pretty high.
The price of a one-carat E-color diamond can range between $6,500 and $11,000. However, the cut and clarity can also affect this price.
If you’re looking for more sparkle for your spend, you can opt for lab-grown diamonds. They are optically, chemically and physically the same as their mined counterpart and cost significantly less.
Read: Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds: What’s the Difference?
Tips for Buying E Color Diamonds
Here are some tips that’ll help you pick the right E diamond jewelry of your choice:
- Metal: White metals, such as platinum or white gold, have a beautiful silvery shine that complements the brightness of E-color diamonds. However, if you prefer yellow or rose gold, remember that the warm reflection of these metals can affect the appearance of your E color diamond, making it appear less colorless.
- Setting: Solitaire settings are ideal for showcasing a colorless E diamond quality. This ensures the focus is solely on the stone without introducing color variation with side or accent stones.
- Cut: A diamond’s cut and shape can affect its brilliance. Round cuts can mask slight color variations, while emerald or Asscher shapes reveal them.
FAQs
1. How much do E color diamonds cost?
A one-carat E color diamond can range from $6,500 to $11,000. However, this price can vary due to factors like the cut and clarity of the diamond.
2. Should I buy an E color diamond?
E-color diamond is a premium quality gem that will add more value to any piece of jewelry. So, if your budget allows for an E color diamond, go for it.
3. Does a diamond with E color grade exhibit sparkle?
Colorless diamonds, like D, E and F color diamonds, exhibit more sparkle because they best reflect white light. Diamonds with more color tend to have less brilliance and sparkle less.
4. Is an E color diamond good?
An E color diamond is a top-quality gem that offers a near-identical appearance to the highest-tier D diamond, which is absolutely colorless. Your friends, neighbors, or even jewelers won’t be able to tell the difference between a D and an E diamond unless viewed under specialized gemological equipment.
5. How rare are E diamonds?
Of all the diamonds mined worldwide, less than 1% fall under the D or E range. Thus, they are extremely rare and quite expensive.
