Diamond color plays a major role in influencing the gem’s beauty and value, helping you buy the perfect stone for your unique diamond jewelry. Graded on a diamond grading scale developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), diamonds are assessed for their colorlessness or subtle hues, with the scale ranging from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
In this article, we delve into the significance of diamond color grading, shedding light on the traits of K color diamonds. These diamonds fall within the faint color range and offer unique attributes that are worthy of attention. Let’s learn more about them.
What is a K Color Diamond?
A K color diamond falls within the faint range, the third category on the color 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 color of K diamond is noticeable to the naked eye.
Do K Color Diamonds Look Yellow?
K color 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 color diamonds vs. other color grades.
What’s interesting to note is that the light yellow hue of a K color diamond can give any piece of jewelry 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 color diamonds appear white.
How to Make K Color Diamonds Look Whiter
A general rule of thumb when buying a K color diamond is to minimize the contrast between the diamond and the metal. For example, setting a K color diamond in white gold or platinum accentuates the yellow tint due to the lighter metal color. However, setting it in yellow gold can make the diamond appear almost colorless.
Certain diamond cuts can also minimize the appearance of yellow color in the diamond. For instance, round-cut diamonds exhibit minimal color, whereas pear-shaped diamonds may appear more tinted because the ‘V’ shaped base catches light.
How To Choose K Color Diamonds
It’s important to consider the cut, color, 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 color diamond:
Best Cuts For A K Color Diamond
The cut of a diamond can either mask or accentuate its color. Round cut diamonds, renowned for their brilliance, effectively mask color due to their numerous facets. Generally, the more facets a stone has, the better it conceals color. Other suitable cuts include Asscher, emerald, old European and princess cuts, which also conceal color.
Cuts with fewer facets, such as radiant cuts, and shapes with tapered edges, like pears, ovals, and marquise, may accentuate color.
Best Settings For A K Color Diamond
A K color diamond’s color 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 Color Diamond
If you’re getting a piece of jewelry with K color diamonds and side stones (also known as accent stones), choosing lower color-grade diamonds for the accents can enhance the center stone’s brightness and whiteness. This principle applies to various settings like K color diamonds and halo or K color diamonds and pave setting.
Value of a K Color Diamond
A one-carat K color 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 color 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 color diamonds can be around $487 or almost 7%.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, check out lab-grown K color 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.
FAQs
1. How much do K color diamonds cost?
A 1-carat K color diamond typically starts around $3,540, varying based on factors like cut and clarity. However, it is notably cheaper than D color diamonds ( approximately 42% less) or even J color diamonds (approximately 7% less), which are only one grade higher.
2. Should I buy a K color diamond?
K color 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 color grade exhibit sparkle?
Yes, it does, albeit less than a D color diamond. The presence of color affects the penetration and relfection of light, diminishing brilliance and sparkle.
4. Is a K color diamond good?
A K color 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-color diamonds are not rare. Nevertheless, they are a popular choice, particularly for those who emphasize cut, carat and clarity.
