Stumbled upon the letter F while shopping for unique diamond jewellery, but need help understanding what it means? We’ve got you covered. The letter F refers to the diamond colour 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 colour similar to a drop of pure water or a snowflake. That’s the beauty of an F colour diamond.
Now, diamonds are graded based on the 4cs of diamonds: cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. Colour 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 Colour Grading
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), a leading gemological research and diamond grading institute, developed a colour grading scale ranging from D to Z. This scale, recognised and respected worldwide, addressed the inconsistencies observed in other grading systems, ensuring that you can trust the colour 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. Colourless (D-F)
The first category consists of three grades: D, E, and F. D colour diamonds are completely colourless. E and F colour diamonds have a slight tint of colour but appear colourless to the naked eye and under 10x magnification.
2. Near Colourless (G-J)
G and H colour diamonds also have a slight tint of colour that can only be noticed when compared to colourless diamonds. On the other hand, I and J colour 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 colour diamonds have a noticeable light yellow hue compared to faint colour diamonds.
5. Light (S-Z)
This is the last category on the colour grading scale. Diamonds in this range have a brown or light yellow hue.
Any diamonds beyond Z are considered fancy colours. These diamond colours are rarer than colourless diamonds and are very expensive—red diamonds are the rarest.
Read: Diamond Clarity and Colour Chart
What is F Colour Diamond?
So, what is the meaning of F colour diamond? A F colour diamond is the third and last quality within the ‘colourless’ category on the colour grading scale. It has a very slight tint of colour. However, the marginal increase in colour 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 Colour Diamond Price
Diamonds within the D to F range are rare and expensive. When choosing between diamonds within this range, an F-colour diamond is the best choice. This is because it is virtually indistinguishable from a D or E colour diamond and yet less costly.
A one-carat F colour 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 colour diamond, it’s a worthwhile investment. Overall, the value of F colour diamond justifies its cost when compared to other grades within the colourless range.
Read: Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds
Things To Consider When Buying F Colour Diamonds
When choosing your F colour diamond, consider these things to help you get the best quality diamond.
- Shape: A diamond’s shape affects its colour. For example, emerald cuts and round diamonds appear white, even if they’re in the ‘faint’ range. Similarly, oval and radiant cuts reflect more colour, 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.
- Colour: When buying jewellery designs that feature more than one stone, it’s important to keep in mind that the centre stone and side stones can influence each other. For instance, if your ring features a centre stone in a warmer J colour and diamond side stones in F colour, your centre stone might appear brighter in contrast to the colourless side stone. On the contrary, if you have a colourless F diamond as your centre stone and J colour accent stones, your centre stone may appear more icy white.
- Setting: The setting can also affect the appearance of your F colour 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 colour diamonds cost?
A one-carat F colour 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 colour diamond?
F colour diamonds have a high value because they are the perfect balance of brilliance and cost.
3. Does a diamond with an F colour grade exhibit sparkle?
Absolutely! Diamonds in the colourless range – D, E and F – are a sight to behold. They exhibit more sparkle than other ranges, creating a mesmerising play of light. This is because colourless diamonds are similar to clear glass, they allow more light to pass through them than coloured diamonds, enhancing their beauty.
4. Is an F colour diamond good?
Yes! F colour diamonds are not just high quality, they are a smart investment. Valued for their position in the colourless 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 ‘colourless’ category on the universal diamond grading scale. To put it into perspective, only a small percentage of all diamonds mined are colourless. So, owning an F colour diamond is not just about its beauty, but also about its exclusivity.
