One of the 4Cs of diamonds focuses on color. It determines the primary value of the diamond. But, when you’re thinking diamond engagement rings, does color really matter? ‘Near-colorless sound like no difference, anyway’, Is that what you’re thinking? In the next minute, I will prove you wrong. Read on!
The Debate of Colorless Vs Near Colorless diamonds
- Cut determines how well you can catch the different colors of a diamond!
- The shape of a diamond also highlights the color of a diamond, if any.
- With a specific setting, you can put the spotlight on the color of your diamond.
Let’s check the facts before ruling the verdict on colorless vs near colorless diamonds.
What are Colorless Diamonds?
While many diamond lovers stand stern that color is the second priority that concludes the value of a diamond, is it really clear to the naked eye?
- GIA allots three bands of colors, namely, D, E and F for colorless diamonds.
- Clarity of a diamond looks better for a colorless diamond.
- Typically, colorless diamonds are the priciest against near colorless.
The best colorless diamond is also the rarest ‘D’, preceded by ‘E’ and ‘F’, which are common and slightly more affordable than ‘D’.
What are Near Colorless Diamonds?
As you have guessed, near colorless diamonds are not entirely colored, but if you look close enough, you can see spots and patches of color inside the rock.
- The three grades of near colorless diamonds are G, H, I and J.
- Better value as they are cheaper than a colorless variety of diamonds.
- Yellow, brown and grey are the three shades of near colorless diamonds.
If you can see faint colors on your diamond kept against a whiteboard, it might be near-colorless. E and F color diamonds can be easy to spot and are not near-colorless diamonds.
Are colorless diamonds better?
They promise excellent clarity to show the sparkle and play of light inside the diamond, but to the naked eye, there is very little difference.
Why are near colorless diamonds cheaper?
As colorless diamonds are rated high, near colorless is more affordable. The traces of color in the stone brings down the clarity and play of fire too.
Do colored diamonds sell for less?
To GIA, D to Z degree of diamonds are all prominently white. Hence, naturally colored yellow, pink and black diamond do sell for more. As white shows the maximum play of fire, it is just a preference.
If you’re in love with a blue diamond or yellow one, we wouldn’t be the ones to say no. It’s a great choice!
What’s the price difference of colorless and near colorless diamonds?
Depends on your diamond carat. That being said, colorless diamonds are expensive than colorless varieties. In fact, the price jumps with every lower grade of color on the report. However, the fact is that you can’t spot the color difference of a G and I stone with the naked eye. To pinpoint the differences, you need a loupe.
So, if your budget is constricted, go for a near-colorless one and it will look just as beautiful, dear!
Does color of a diamond affects its design?
Rather than fighting the color differences and paying thousands of dollars, you can always ask the jeweler to work around the colors of your diamond. While it might affect an already- designed piece, near colorless diamonds with yellow tint can pair with gold accents while blue goes well with platinum. Do you get me?
You might end up getting a great diamond engagement ring from your colored diamond, no questions asked!
VERDICT
See, shape to clarity, cut and carat also affects the shine and shimmer of a diamond significantly. The truth is that the more you think of perfection, natural diamonds will fail.
Rather than emptying your wallet and sacrificing the financial independence of the future, go for a near-colorless one if budget is your hurdle. Else, colorless all the way is the best choice any day.
Before you go …
Want to see how different color grade diamonds of colorless and near-colorless rocks look? Click here for an amazing GIA interactive wheel of colors!
If you still have doubts, watch this video on colorless and near-colorless stones.
What is going to be your pick? Colorless or Near colorless diamonds for your engagement ring? Please share your choice with the rest of the world in the comments below, it might help another engagement ring hunter!
Wanna read more about Diamonds? Click on one of the blog posts below!