I color diamonds refer to diamonds that have a slight tint of color, specifically a pale yellow or brown tint. I color is one of the lower color grades for white diamonds, with diamonds graded D-F considered colorless. While an I color diamond may not be as coveted as a top colorless diamond, they can still make beautiful and valuable diamond jewelry. There are several factors to consider when determining if an I color diamond is a good option.
Color Visibility
The visibility of color in a diamond depends largely on the diamond’s cut and size. In a well-cut round brilliant diamond of 1 carat or less, an I color grade will be difficult to detect. The facets and angles of a well-proportioned diamond help camouflage slight hints of color. Larger diamonds and different cuts like emerald or Asscher make the color more obvious to the eye. With an I color stone over 1 carat, the subtle yellowish tone is more likely to be detectable, especially when comparing side by side to a colorless D-F diamond.
Setting Options
Selecting the optimal setting can help minimize the appearance of color in an I grade diamond. Prong or bezel settings in white metal like platinum or white gold will complement the diamond and reflect more light, masking imperfections. Pairing an I color diamond with side stones of the same grade makes the color less noticeable. Avoid heavy gold settings, which may draw out warm undertones more. The style of the setting can also help – an open design shows more of the diamond, so a simple solitaire or halo setting best flatters I color.
Fluorescence
Many I diamonds have blue fluorescence, which can actually make them appear whiter. With the right combination of factors like cut, carat size and setting, fluorescence can help compensate for the hint of color and improve the overall appearance. Medium to strong blue fluorescence is considered ideal for masking yellowish hues in diamonds like I colors. Be aware that in some cases, fluorescence may cause a hazy or oily look when exposed to direct sunlight. Ensure fluorescence is even and eye-clean.
Clarity
Opting for a higher clarity grade can help take focus away from minor color issues in an I diamond. Aim for an eye-clean SI1 clarity or higher. The fewer and smaller the inclusions, the less they will be noticeable and the more sparkle and brilliance the diamond will exhibit. An I VS2 diamond could offer better overall value than a G SI2 for example. Keep in mind, fluorescence is more common in higher clarity diamonds, which can be advantageous for improving apparent color.
Cut Quality
Cut is essential for maximizing the beauty of any diamond. With an I color stone, choosing an ideal or excellent cut grade will help optimize light performance. Proper proportions, symmetry and polish enhance brightness and dispersion to showcase pure white light. Make sure an I diamond has a very good to ideal cut, even if that means sacrificing carat size. The right cut can literally increase the perceived color a grade or more.
Budget
From a budget perspective, I color diamonds offer significant savings over colorless stones. On average, an I grade diamond will cost 20-30% less than a comparable D-F diamond. This allows you to potentially go up in other factors like cut or clarity while staying within your budget. If your priority is size over color, an I diamond gives you the option to maximize carat weight. Review where you can compromise – an exceptional cut I color may be more desirable than a mediocre cut D for instance.
Value
I color diamonds can represent great value, particularly if fluorescence and clarity are able to compensate for the subtle yellow tones. Well-cut eye-clean I color diamonds often face-up clean to the eye and allow you to get more for your money. From an investment perspective, D-F colorless grades will have better resale value, but I grades still hold value well and are easier to resell than diamonds with visible color.
Matching Diamonds
When purchasing an I color diamond, especially for an engagement ring, make sure to match the color grading if buying a pair. Slight differences in color are more obvious when diamonds are set side by side. If adding side stones, coordinate the color as closely as possible, and consider side stones one grade higher to offset the center I diamond. A set of uniformly graded I color diamonds is ideal.
Jewelry Style
The style of jewelry you choose can influence whether an I color grade will be your best option. For solitaire diamond necklaces and earrings, a near colorless grade allows the diamond to shine with minimal distraction. For statement rings and bracelets, the diamond is more of an accent, so a lower color may not be as noticeable. Vintage style and antique-inspired jewelry settings nicely complement the warm tones of I grade diamonds.
| Color Grade | Description | Visibility of Color |
|---|---|---|
| D-F | Colorless | None |
| G-H | Near Colorless | Very faint yellow, difficult to detect |
| I-J | Near Colorless | Subtle light yellow, may be detectable in larger stones |
| K-L | Faint Yellow | Noticeable yellow hue |
| M-N | Very Light Yellow | More obvious yellowish tone |
| O-R | Light Yellow | Strong yellow color visible |
| S-Z | Fancy Light & Fancy | Intense yellow and brown tones |
Professional Assessment
Having a professional diamond grader assess the color in person can give you additional assurance. What looks near colorless to one person may show more yellow to another. An independent appraisal can confirm that the I grade is accurate. In some cases, a diamond may face up whiter than the grading report indicates. Getting an expert opinion can help you determine if an I is right for your needs.
Eye Clean Clarity
Make sure the diamond is certified eye clean if choosing an I grade. Even faint inclusions alongside a tint of color can lower brilliance. Scrutinize the clarity plot on the certificate to see the nature, number, relief, and position of identifying characteristics. Request an expanded certificates with additional clarity information if needed. Getting an eye clean I color VS2 is preferable over a G color SI2 with noticeable inclusions.
Saturation
Not all I diamonds have the same intensity of coloration. Some show just the slightest shift towards yellow or brown. Others exhibit more saturated medium tones that impact brightness. Assess the saturation of color – a lightly saturated I may not require as much compensation from cut, clarity and fluorescence. If color is darker and more saturated however, extra measures are needed to achieve that bright white appearance.
White Fluorescence
While medium to strong blue fluorescence is generally best for I-J diamonds, a diamond graded I color white fluorescence can also minimize yellowish hues nicely. The overlapping effect of blue and yellow cancel each other out to boost perceived color. White fluorescence is a less common phenomenon that similarly whitens yellowish stones. Ensure fluorescence is even, attractive and not causing any cloudiness.
Cuts to Avoid
Certain diamond cuts suffer more from color visibility issues. Shallow or poorly proportioned cuts allow color to show through more. Stay away from rectangle, marquise and pear shaped diamonds if going with an I color, along with any cut graded poor to fair. These shapes and cuts display more color variation compared to an ideal round brilliant. Cushion and oval diamonds also tend to show more warmth in I-J grades.
Carat Size
In evaluating I diamonds, pay close attention to carat size. As mentioned, in diamonds under 1 carat, I color is usually not detectable to the naked eye. Once you go over 1 carat however, the subtle yellow tint becomes more pronounced and obvious. To keep the color inconspicuous, try to stay in the .75 carat to 1 carat range if possible. If going over 1 carat, compensate with higher clarity and fluorescence.
Crown Angle
The crown angle, or angle between the bezel facets and table, can influence how color displays in the diamond. Too steep or shallow of a crown angle results in more light leakage, which emphasizes color. Ideally, look for crown angles between 34-35 degrees to get the best light return and color masking. Council scope images showing light spread can help assess crown angles.
Pavilion Angle
Complementing the crown angle, the pavilion angle between the pavilion main facets and girdle should be carefully evaluated. Keep pavilion angles between 40.6-40.9 degrees for optimal light refraction and less color visibility. Too low or high of a pavilion angle creates darker areas and washes out brilliance, making the yellowish tint more obvious.
Table Size
The table percentage or size of the diamond’s table facet also impacts color visibility. Too large of a table over 60% tends to make I colors look more dull and yellow. For I color, target table percentages between 54-58% for the best balance of light return and internal reflection. An ideal table optimizes brightness to counteract warmth.
Depth Percentage
Diamond depth percentages between 61-62.5% generally provide an ideal window for light to pass through and reflect back. An I color diamond with a depth over 63% or under 60% will start to show more color and darkened areas. Use depth to gauge if the pavilion angle and crown height allow for optimal light performance.
Girdle Thickness
Girdle thickness affects how much light leaks out from the sides of the diamond. Thin or thick girdles decrease brilliance which can make an I color more noticeable. Look for girdle thicknesses between medium to slightly thick for ideal light reflection. Too thin girdles also increase chipping risk during setting.
Culet Size
A diamond’s culet or bottom point should be small to none for best light diffusion. Medium, large or extremely open culets act like a window showing color through the bottom. Insist on a graded none to small culet to prevent excessive light leakage. Polish and symmetry of the culet is also important for preventing dark spots.
Fluorescence Patterns
If an I diamond has strong fluorescence, assessing the pattern and distribution is key. Make sure the fluorescence effect is evenly spread throughout the stone. Unbalanced fluorescence concentrated in one area can create an uneven whitening effect. Distinct whitish blotches or spots are undesirable. Even medium fluorescence is preferable over strong fluorescence that is concentrated or patchy.
Ring Styles
Double halos, intricate accents and micropavé details on a setting help minimize the prominence of color in the center diamond. Solitaire or plain band style settings put all the focus on the diamond, so color is more obvious. Vintage designs like filigree patterns and engraving naturally draw the eye as well. More embellished, ornate styles downplay color better.
Pricing Discount
On average, an I color diamond will be priced 20-25% lower than a comparable D-F colorless diamond, and about 10-15% lower than a G-H near colorless. The actual discount varies depending on the other 4Cs and market conditions. Make sure you are getting a fair discount relative to higher color grades based on the I diamond’s specific grading report. Discounts should increase for J-K diamonds.
Color Consistency
Some rare I diamonds may show an obvious band of color concentrated along an edge, or have regions that appear darker and more saturated. This uneven color distribution can make the diamond less attractive. Ensure color is consistent across the entire stone, with no noticeable patches or blotches of excess color. Even saturation throughout optimizes the I grade.
Certificate Reputability
Only purchase I color diamonds that have been graded by a reputable gemological lab like GIA or AGS with consistent, strict standards. Labs with more leniency in grading may potentially exaggerate the color rating. Request to see the actual lab report showing the grade and color distribution to verify. Relying solely on a dealer’s representation of the color can be risky.
Return Policy
Buying from a retailer that offers flexible return policies and a color trade-up program provides peace of mind. You can have time to inspect the diamond hands-on with proper lighting tools and determine if the subtle warmth bothers you. If the color seems higher than the report indicates, leverage the returns policy and upgrade to a better color grade.
Lighting Conditions
The lighting an I diamond is viewed under impacts perceived color. Whiter light illuminates yellow tones, while warmer dims them. Compare stones in controlled consistent lighting like natural daylight equivalent lamps. Avoid judging color exclusively in jewelry store lighting which is designed to enhance all diamonds. What appears near colorless under their lighting may show more warmth in normal conditions.
Jewelry Wardrobe
Those who frequently wear yellow gold jewelry may find an I grade diamond complements their existing pieces nicely. The yellowish cast blends well with other warm metal pieces, creating a cohesive collection. If you prefer mostly white metals like platinum and silver, a G-H may fit your overall look better. Consider your entire jewelry collection when evaluating if I color works.
Conclusion
While an I color diamond may exhibit a faint yellowish tinge, a combination of clever setting choices, optimal cut and clarity grades, and other enhancing factors can render it nearly or effectively colorless to the naked eye in many cases. Well-cut I color diamonds offer an enticing opportunity to potentially save money over purchasing colorless grades. As long as the subtle warmth is acceptable and not visually displeasing, an I can be an excellent option for beautiful diamond jewelry. Make sure to thoroughly evaluate all variables that affect the visible color before deciding if an I is right for you.
