Diamond colour plays a major role in influencing the gem’s beauty and value, helping you buy the perfect stone for your unique diamond jewellery. Graded on a diamond grading scale developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), diamonds are assessed for their colourlessness or subtle hues, with the scale ranging from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
In this article, we delve into the significance of diamond colour grading, shedding light on the traits of K colour diamonds. These diamonds fall within the faint colour range and offer unique attributes that are worthy of attention. Let’s learn more about them.
Read: Why Are Diamonds So Hard?
What is a K Colour Diamond?
A K colour diamond falls within the faint range, the third category on the colour grading scale. Diamonds in this range (K, L & M) have a faint yellow hue due to the presence of trace elements such as nitrogen and boron within them. The colour of K diamond is noticeable to the naked eye.
Do K Colour Diamonds Look Yellow?
K colour diamonds exhibit a slight yellow tint which is visible depending on the lighting and setting. The tint can also become more apparent when doing a comparison between K colour diamonds vs. other colour grades.
What’s interesting to note is that the light yellow hue of a K colour diamond can give any piece of jewellery an antique or vintage look. While some may find this K diamond quality less desirable, others find it very unique. But if you fall into the former category, know that there are various techniques that can make K colour diamonds appear white.
Also See: 4C’s of Diamond Quality
How to Make K Colour Diamonds Look Whiter
A general rule of thumb when buying a K colour diamond is to minimize the contrast between the diamond and the metal. For example, setting a K colour diamond in white gold or platinum accentuates the yellow tint due to the lighter metal colour. However, setting it in yellow gold can make the diamond appear almost colourless.
Certain diamond cuts can also minimize the appearance of yellow colour in the diamond. For instance, round-cut diamonds exhibit minimal colour, whereas pear-shaped diamonds may appear more tinted because the ‘V’ shaped base catches light.
Read: Diamond Clarity and Colour Chart
How To Choose K Colour Diamonds
It’s important to consider the cut, colour, carat, and clarity of a K diamond before making a purchase. Here are some tips that’ll help you pick make the most of your K colour diamond:
Best Cuts For A K Colour Diamond
The cut of a diamond can either mask or accentuate its colour. Round cut diamonds, renowned for their brilliance, effectively mask colour due to their numerous facets. Generally, the more facets a stone has, the better it conceals colour. Other suitable cuts include Asscher, emerald, old European and princess cuts, which also conceal colour.
Cuts with fewer facets, such as radiant cuts, and shapes with tapered edges, like pears, ovals, and marquise, may accentuate colour.
Read: The Different Types of Diamond Cuts
Best Settings For A K Colour Diamond
A K colour diamond’s colour is most noticeable from its sides, making a bezel setting ideal if you’re looking to mask the yellow tint. In this setting, the stone’s sides are concealed, unlike in prong settings where the diamond is visible from all sides.
Other options include solitaire, tension or cathedral settings.
Best Accent Stones For A K Colour Diamond
If you’re getting a piece of jewellery with K colour diamonds and side stones (also known as accent stones), choosing lower colour-grade diamonds for the accents can enhance the centre stone’s brightness and whiteness. This principle applies to various settings like K colour diamonds and halo or K colour diamonds and pave setting.
Value of a K Colour Diamond
A one-carat K colour diamond price typically starts at $3,540, making it a good option for those who want to stay on budget. The price difference between K and D colour diamonds with the same cut, carat weight and clarity can be considerable, with a difference of around $4,650, which is almost 42%. Similarly, the price difference between J and K colour diamonds can be around $487 or almost 7%.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, cheque out lab-grown K colour diamonds. They are optically, chemically and physically the same as natural diamonds. The only difference is that they’re created in a lab and not mined from the earth.
Read: Natural vs Lab Diamonds
FAQs
1. How much do K colour diamonds cost?
A 1-carat K colour diamond typically starts around $3,540, varying based on factors like cut and clarity. However, it is notably cheaper than D colour diamonds ( approximately 42% less) or even J colour diamonds (approximately 7% less), which are only one grade higher.
2. Should I buy a K colour diamond?
K colour diamonds are a suitable option if you’re trying to stick to a budget or want to prioritize factors like cut, clarity and carat. However, consider all factors carefully before purchasing diamonds.
3. Does a diamond with K colour grade exhibit sparkle?
Yes, it does, albeit less than a D colour diamond. The presence of colour affects the penetration and relfection of light, diminishing brilliance and sparkle.
4. Is a K colour diamond good?
A K colour diamond is a good option for those seeking an affordable option or prioritizing other diamond attributes like cut, clarity and carat.
5. How rare are K diamonds?
K-colour diamonds are not rare. Nevertheless, they are a popular choice, particularly for those who emphasize cut, carat and clarity.
