Diamonds are loved for their durability and brilliance, making them a popular choice for everyday jewellery. Picking the right diamond can be tricky. However, knowing about the diamond’s 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight) can be helpful when purchasing diamond jewellery for women and men.
Cut is the most crucial aspect that determines a diamond’s value. You can read about the different types of diamond cuts here. After cut comes colour – the second most crucial aspect to consider when buying diamonds. Diamonds are generally graded on a scale ranging from D to Z. D colour diamonds are top-tier and completely colourless but come with a hefty price tag. The next best thing? E quality diamonds. Read on to learn more about them.
Understanding GIA Colour Grading
To understand what diamond colour E means, you need to know the universal colour grading system for diamonds.
The GIA (Gemological Institute of America), the world’s leading geological research institute, plays a crucial role in diamond grading. It tests and grades diamonds based on the diamond 4Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. The GIA colour grading scale, with its 23 grades divided into five categories, is the industry standard. Here’s what they represent:
1. Colourless – D, E, F
The diamond grading scale begins with the letter D, which resembles a colourless diamond. While E and F grade diamonds appear colourless to the naked eye, they might have some tint of yellow when viewed under specialized gemological equipment.
2. Near Colourless – G, H, I, J
The colour in G and H diamonds can only be noticed when compared to colourless diamonds. I and J colour diamonds have warm undertones.
3. Faint – K, L, M
This category is for diamonds with a faint yellow hue that increases from K to M.
4. Very Light – N, O, P, Q, R
Diamonds in this category have a light yellow hue that is more noticeable than faint colour diamonds.
5. Light – S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z
This range features diamonds with a brown or light yellow hue.
Any colours beyond Z are considered fancy diamonds.
Read: Diamond Clarity and Colour Chart
What is E Colour Diamond?
According to the GIA, a chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue, like a drop of pure water, and, therefore, a higher value. Almost 98% of mined diamonds have a yellow tint. The E-colour diamond, however, is part of the premium D-F range which signifies a colourless diamond.
E-colour diamonds offer a unique balance of quality and affordability. They are less expensive than D-colour diamonds and more transparent than F-colour diamonds, making them a smart choice for those seeking value for their money.
While E colour diamonds are not completely colourless like D, they appear that way to the naked eye when viewed under bright light or 10x magnification. The difference between a D and E colour diamond is so subtle that only an expert gemologist with advanced equipment can distinguish them.
Read: Why Are Diamonds So Hard?
E Colour Diamonds Price
E colour diamonds, being part of the premium D-F range, are top quality and represent less than 1% of the world’s diamonds. This rarity and quality contribute to their higher price, making them a valuable investment.
The colour of a diamond affects its brilliance (white light reflected from within the diamond), which is why many people choose diamonds that show little to no colour. The more colour or hue a diamond has, the less sparkly and expensive it gets. This is why the value of E colour diamond is pretty high.
The price of a one-carat E-colour diamond can range between $6,500 and $11,000. However, the cut and clarity can also affect this price.
If you’re looking for more sparkle for your spend, you can opt for lab-grown diamonds. They are optically, chemically and physically the same as their mined counterpart and cost significantly less.
Read: Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds: What’s the Difference?
Tips for Buying E Colour Diamonds
Here are some tips that’ll help you pick the right E diamond jewellery of your choice:
- Metal: White metals, such as platinum or white gold, have a beautiful silvery shine that complements the brightness of E-colour diamonds. However, if you prefer yellow or rose gold, remember that the warm reflection of these metals can affect the appearance of your E colour diamond, making it appear less colourless.
- Setting: Solitaire settings are ideal for showcasing a colourless E diamond quality. This ensures the focus is solely on the stone without introducing colour variation with side or accent stones.
- Cut: A diamond’s cut and shape can affect its brilliance. Round cuts can mask slight colour variations, while emerald or Asscher shapes reveal them.
FAQs
1. How much do E colour diamonds cost?
A one-carat E colour diamond can range from $6,500 to $11,000. However, this price can vary due to factors like the cut and clarity of the diamond.
2. Should I buy an E colour diamond?
E-colour diamond is a premium quality gem that will add more value to any piece of jewellery. So, if your budget allows for an E colour diamond, go for it.
3. Does a diamond with E colour grade exhibit sparkle?
Colourless diamonds, like D, E and F colour diamonds, exhibit more sparkle because they best reflect white light. Diamonds with more colour tend to have less brilliance and sparkle less.
4. Is an E colour diamond good?
An E colour diamond is a top-quality gem that offers a near-identical appearance to the highest-tier D diamond, which is absolutely colourless. Your friends, neighbors, or even jewellers won’t be able to tell the difference between a D and an E diamond unless viewed under specialized gemological equipment.
5. How rare are E diamonds?
Of all the diamonds mined worldwide, less than 1% fall under the D or E range. Thus, they are extremely rare and quite expensive.
