Stumbled upon the letter F while shopping for unique diamond jewelry, but need help understanding what it means? We’ve got you covered. The letter F refers to the diamond color F – one of the most sought-after diamond grades known for its exquisite clarity and radiance. To give you a better idea, imagine a diamond with a color similar to a drop of pure water or a snowflake. That’s the beauty of an F color diamond.
Now, diamonds are graded based on the 4cs of diamonds: cut, color, clarity and carat weight. Color is important when buying diamonds because it affects the stone’s overall appearance. In this article, we’re exploring what purchasing an F diamond quality means and why it could be the perfect choice for you. Read on.
Read: Diamond Grading Scale
The GIA Diamond Color Grading
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), a leading gemological research and diamond grading institute, developed a color grading scale ranging from D to Z. This scale, recognized and respected worldwide, addressed the inconsistencies observed in other grading systems, ensuring that you can trust the color grade of your diamond.
The GIA grading system includes 23 grades in total, which are divided into five categories. Here’s what they stand for:
1. Colorless (D-F)
The first category consists of three grades: D, E, and F. D color diamonds are completely colorless. E and F color diamonds have a slight tint of color but appear colorless to the naked eye and under 10x magnification.
2. Near Colorless (G-J)
G and H color diamonds also have a slight tint of color that can only be noticed when compared to colorless diamonds. On the other hand, I and J color diamonds have warm undertones.
3. Faint (K-M)
The diamonds in the K to M range have a faint yellow hue.
4. Very Light (N-R)
N to R color diamonds have a noticeable light yellow hue compared to faint color diamonds.
5. Light (S-Z)
This is the last category on the color grading scale. Diamonds in this range have a brown or light yellow hue.
Any diamonds beyond Z are considered fancy colors. These diamond colors are rarer than colorless diamonds and are very expensive—red diamonds are the rarest.
Read: Diamond Clarity and Color Chart
What is F Color Diamond?
So, what is the meaning of F color diamond? A F color diamond is the third and last quality within the ‘colorless’ category on the color grading scale. It has a very slight tint of color. However, the marginal increase in color within the D to F range is negligible because it cannot be seen with the naked eye and, hence, doesn’t affect the stone’s appearance.
Read: Why Are Diamonds So Hard?
F Color Diamond Price
Diamonds within the D to F range are rare and expensive. When choosing between diamonds within this range, an F-color diamond is the best choice. This is because it is virtually indistinguishable from a D or E color diamond and yet less costly.
A one-carat F color diamond typically costs around $6,000, although this price varies depending on other attributes such as the clarity of an F diamond. This might seem high, but considering the rarity and quality of an F color diamond, it’s a worthwhile investment. Overall, the value of F color diamond justifies its cost when compared to other grades within the colorless range.
Read: Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds
Things To Consider When Buying F Color Diamonds
When choosing your F color diamond, consider these things to help you get the best quality diamond.
- Shape: A diamond’s shape affects its color. For example, emerald cuts and round diamonds appear white, even if they’re in the ‘faint’ range. Similarly, oval and radiant cuts reflect more color, even if they’re in the H-J range.
- Cut: The number of facets on a diamond can affect its brilliance. Diamonds with more facets reflect light more, hence they sparkle more.
- Clarity: The cut of a diamond impacts its clarity. The more facets a diamond has, the better its clarity. This is because more cuts lead to better reflection which makes it easier to hide inclusions and impurities.
- Color: When buying jewelry designs that feature more than one stone, it’s important to keep in mind that the center stone and side stones can influence each other. For instance, if your ring features a center stone in a warmer J color and diamond side stones in F color, your center stone might appear brighter in contrast to the colorless side stone. On the contrary, if you have a colorless F diamond as your center stone and J color accent stones, your center stone may appear more icy white.
- Setting: The setting can also affect the appearance of your F color diamond. A halo setting, for example, can make your diamond appear larger and more brilliant.
Read: The Different Types of Diamond Cuts
FAQs
1. How much do F color diamonds cost?
A one-carat F color diamond can cost around $6,000. But this price varies depending on other attributes like the cut and clarity of the diamond.
2. Should I buy an F color diamond?
F color diamonds have a high value because they are the perfect balance of brilliance and cost.
3. Does a diamond with an F color grade exhibit sparkle?
Absolutely! Diamonds in the colorless range – D, E and F – are a sight to behold. They exhibit more sparkle than other ranges, creating a mesmerizing play of light. This is because colorless diamonds are similar to clear glass, they allow more light to pass through them than colored diamonds, enhancing their beauty.
4. Is an F color diamond good?
Yes! F color diamonds are not just high quality, they are a smart investment. Valued for their position in the colorless range, they offer the best balance between value and appearance. You can be confident that you’re getting a diamond that is both beautiful and a wise financial choice.
5. How rare are F diamonds?
F diamonds are quite rare as they fall within the top-tier ‘colorless’ category on the universal diamond grading scale. To put it into perspective, only a small percentage of all diamonds mined are colorless. So, owning an F color diamond is not just about its beauty, but also about its exclusivity.
