Did you know that diamonds come in a variety of colours? Yes, it’s true. They range from completely colourless to having a strong yellow tint and even include extremely rare fancy diamonds, such as red diamonds. Among these, the diamond colour H is a notable colour grade.
Before we delve into what H colour diamond means, it’s important to understand the diamond colour grading scale. Developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), this scale starts with the letter D for colourless diamonds. It ends with the letter Z, which represents diamonds with a light brown or yellow hue.
The colour of a diamond affects both its quality and price. That’s why knowing about different diamond colours is important when buying men’s or women’s diamond jewellery.
Read: Diamond Grading Scale
What is a H Colour Diamond?
H colour diamonds rank fifth on the GIA’s scale and fall within the G-J range, categorized as near colourless. It has a faint yellow tint when viewed against a white background or in bright light but is generally unnoticeable to the naked eye. However, this tint might become noticeable when compared to diamonds in the D-F colour range, which are colourless.
The G-J colour range is often considered the best option, offering the perfect balance between price and quality. Diamonds within this range appear nearly colourless but are considerably more affordable than those in the colourless category.
Read: Why Are Diamonds So Hard?
Do H Colour Diamonds Look Yellow?
H colour diamonds appear colourless when viewed from the top. The slight yellow tint they possess is usually unnoticeable unless viewed under certain lighting or when compared to higher-grade, colourless diamonds.
Even diamonds up to the J grade can appear colourless under various lighting conditions. While the difference in colour between consecutive grades is subtle, the difference in price can be significant.
Also Read: Diamond Clarity and Colour Chart
How to Make H Colour Diamonds Look Whiter
Although the slight yellow tint in an H colour diamond is barely noticeable, the choice of metal in which the diamond is set can either highlight or downplay this tint. For example, setting an H colour diamond in white gold or platinum might emphasize the tint due to the contrast with the lighter metal colour. However, setting it in yellow gold can make the diamond appear more colourless.
How To Choose H Colour Diamonds
When selecting a diamond, you have to consider the 4c’s of diamond – cut, colour, clarity and carat. For H colour diamonds, the cut is particularly important as it can influence the visibility of the yellow tint. Here are some tips to consider when choosing a H Colour diamond:
Best Cuts For A H Colour Diamond
As mentioned earlier, picking the right cut for your H colour diamond can help you mask or accentuate its tint. Round-cut diamonds are the best as they reflect more light and barely show any colour difference. Oval, pear and princess cuts are other good options to consider – basically any shapes with more facets as they reflect more light.
The cushion cut, on the other hand, will accentuate the colour of the diamond.
Read: Types of Diamond Cuts
Best Settings For A H Colour Diamond
Larger stones can make the colour more noticeable so the size and setting of the diamond are also important considerations. Consider H colour diamonds and pave settings – the smaller accent stones can enhance the appearance of the centre stone, making it look brighter and whiter. Other settings to consider are H colour diamonds and side stones or H colour diamonds and halo.
If you choose a solitaire ring, you don’t have to worry as the diamond will shine by itself. However, pick the right metal to conceal or emphasize the colour of the diamond.
Best Accent Stones For a H Colour Diamond
If the jewellery you’re getting features accent stones or side stones opt for lower colour-grade diamonds. Lower-grade accents or side stones can enhance the centre stone’s appearance.
Value of a H Colour Diamond
H-colour diamonds are part of the near-colourless range, and are popular for their excellent balance between quality and cost. A one-carat H colour diamond price ranges anywhere around $5,500, which is up to 40% less than a D colour diamond. This price, however, can vary based on other H diamond qualities like cut and clarity.
For those on a tighter budget, lab-grown diamonds are a cost-effective alternative. These diamonds are chemically, optically and physically identical to natural diamonds. The only difference is that they’re created in a lab and not mined from the earth.
Read: Natural vs Lab Grown Diamonds
FAQs
1. How much do H colour diamonds cost?
A one-carat H colour diamond costs around $5,500, depending on cut and clarity.
2. Should I buy an H colour diamond?
If you’re seeking a balance between quality and price, H colour diamonds are an excellent choice, particularly for engagement rings.
3. Is H or J a better diamond colour?
The difference between H and J is minor as both are ‘near colourless’. Your choice may depend on other priorities like cut or clarity.
4. Does a diamond with an H colour grade exhibit sparkle?
Absolutely! H colour diamonds sparkle brilliantly because of their minimal colour tint.
5. Is an H colour diamond good?
H colour diamonds are popular and valued for their quality and affordability.
6. How rare are H diamonds?
H colour diamonds are not rare, but they are highly sought after for their value and appearance.
