Looking to buy a diamond for yourself or a loved one? Understanding the factors affecting diamond prices, such as colour, cut, clarity and carat (also known as 4c’s of diamond) is crucial in selecting a high-quality diamond.
While the diamond cut is the most important of the 4cs, diamond colour is the second most important because the colour grade has a direct impact on the diamond’s appearance. What’s a diamond colour you’re wondering? It refers to the actual colour or tint of a diamond. Of all the colours out there, D colour diamonds are the rarest and most valuable.
But before we dive into what makes them so special, let’s understand how diamond colour grading works and why it’s important.
Read: Why Are Diamonds So Hard
Understanding GIA Colour Grading
The GIA (Gemological Institute of America), a leading geological research institute, developed a standardized diamond grading scale to ensure consistency in grading. This scale evaluates diamonds based on the 4Cs—cut, colour, clarity and carat, which collectively influence diamond pricing
The GIA colour grading scale starts with the letter D, representing colourless diamonds, and progresses to the letter Z, representing light yellow and brown hues.
What is D Colour Diamond?
If you’re wondering about the D colour diamond’s meaning, allow us to explain. A D-colour diamond, positioned at the beginning of the D-Z colour grading scale, represents a colourless diamond. Each subsequent letter represents a slight increase in colour intensity, culminating in brown or light yellow hues closer to Z.
Read: Diamond Clarity and Colour Chart
D Colour Diamonds vs. Other Colour Grades
D diamond quality refers to diamonds that are exceptionally rare and fall within the highest quality category of the colour grading scale. Here’s what each letter on the grading scale represents:
1. Colourless (D-F)
The D colour diamond is the highest colour grade a diamond can receive. These diamonds are completely colourless and have no tints of yellow or brown whatsoever. E and F have very slight traces of colour, which are invisible to the naked eye, making them popular choices for engagement rings for those who want to avoid the premium tag of a D colour diamond.
2. Near Colourless (G-J)
G and H colour diamonds fall in the near-colourless range, containing noticeable colours only when compared to the higher grades.
I and J colour diamonds have a slightly detectable and faint colour.
3. Faint (K-M)
K, L and M have a faint yellow hue.
4. Very Light (N-R)
N to R colour diamonds have a light yellow hue that is more apparent than faint colour diamonds.
5. Light (S-Z)
S to Z colour diamonds have a brown or light yellow hue.
Fancy colour diamonds are outside the colour range of the diamond grading scale and showcase colours other than light yellow or brown. These diamonds come in various colours like pink, blue, yellow, orange, green, etc. and are considered ever rarer, with only one 1 out of 10,000 diamonds having a natural colour.
Read: Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamond
D Colour Diamonds Price
As mentioned earlier, D colour diamonds are not just rare, they are exceptionally rare. They account for less than 1% of all mined diamonds, making them a truly exclusive and coveted choice for those seeking something truly unique and special.
The price of a one-carat D colour diamond can range between $13,500 and $19,700. However, the price can vary depending on the clarity and cut of the diamond.
Read: Different Types of Diamond Cuts
Factors to Consider When Buying D Colour Diamonds
Irrespective of the diamond’s colour grading, there are other factors that can impact the colour of the diamond and should be considered when buying diamond jewellery. Let’s take a look at them:
- Shape: A diamond’s shape can impact how it reflects colour. For instance, oval and radiant cuts reflect more colour (H-J range) than emerald cuts and round diamonds, which appear white even when they are in the K-L colour range.
- Cut: The number of facets can affect a diamond’s brilliance. The higher the number of facets, the more it is able to reflect light and sparkle.
- Clarity: The cut of a diamond plays a role in the clarity. The higher the number of facets, the less likely you will notice inclusions and impurities.
Buying a diamond that looks good is about finding a balance in the 4c’s based on your budget and personal preference because, after all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
FAQs
1. How much do D colour diamonds cost?
D colour diamonds are colourless which makes them rare and valuable. So, a one-carat d colour diamond can range from $13,500 to $19,700. However, keep in mind that this price can vary due to other factors like the cut and clarity of the diamond.
2. Should I buy a D colour diamond?
You absolutely can if that’s what you want. But we recommend that you consider and try to balance out the diamond 4Cs. A colourless diamond is absolutely brilliant but also expensive. So, if you can afford a colourless diamond without compromising on other important factors like the cut or clarity, then go for it.
3. Does a diamond with an d colour grade exhibit sparkle?
It does! In fact, it exhibits the best sparkle of all diamonds. The reason is simple-it’s colourless. Since diamonds reflect white light, a D colour diamond will offer the most captivating sparkle. The more colour a diamond has, the less likely it is to reflect white light and sparkle.
4. Is a D colour diamond good?
Yes, it is. If you’re looking for a diamond of the highest quality, a D colour diamond ranks number one. However, the price point is what sways people to go for other colour grades. Either way, the unique brilliance and sparkle of a D-colour diamond, coupled with its rarity, make it a truly special choice.
5. How rare are D diamonds?
Less than 1% of all mined diamonds are D or E, which alone is a testament to their rarity. However, it’s worth noting that fancy colour diamonds, while even rarer, are also significantly more expensive than their colourless counterparts.
