The April diamond birthstone is typically colorless or various shades of white, although it can also occur in yellow, brown, orange, blue, green, pink, purple and black shades. Diamonds get their color from impurities in their chemical structure. The less impurities, the more colorless and valuable the diamond. That’s why colorless or near colorless diamonds are the most prized April birthstones.
Colorless Diamonds
The most coveted April diamond is completely colorless, with a grading of D on the diamond color scale. This indicates the diamond has no detectable impurities that impact its color. Colorless diamonds allow light to pass through them unobstructed, resulting in exceptional brilliance and fire. They showcase the quintessential radiance diamonds are prized for.
Near colorless diamonds, with color grades of E and F, also make stunning April birthstones. To the naked eye, E and F colored diamonds appear just as colorless as D colored diamonds. It takes a skilled professional under optimal lighting conditions to detect the very faint hints of color in these diamonds. Near colorless diamonds provide exceptional sparkle at lower prices than colorless D colored diamonds.
White Diamonds
Lightly tinted white diamonds retain incredible shine and luminosity. Grades G through J on the diamond color scale indicate white diamonds with just a very subtle warm or brownish undertone. The faint hints of color are barely detectable and do not detract from the diamond’s beauty.
Slightly tinted white diamonds cost less than colorless diamonds, making beautiful April birthstone jewelry more affordable and accessible. Their lower price point does not diminish their ability to captivate. Well-cut white diamonds project sensational light shows and stand out in vintage inspired jewelry designs.
Fancy Colored Diamonds
Natural fancy colored diamonds extend far beyond white diamonds to encompass every color of the rainbow. While less common than white diamonds, fancy colors hold remarkable allure and significance:
- Yellow – The presence of nitrogen impurities produces yellow diamonds, ranging from very light shades to intense golden hues.
- Brown – Brown diamonds form through structural irregularities in the stone’s crystal lattice.
- Orange – Orange diamonds arise from nitrogen impurities and lattice anomalies. They combine yellow and brown undertones in one stone.
- Blue – Trace amounts of boron create blue diamonds. Intense blue is exceptionally rare and valuable.
- Green – Radiation exposure produces green diamonds. They are treasured for their mesmerizing emerald shades.
- Pink – Pink diamonds originate from irregularities as the diamond crystal grew. Vibrant pink is one of the most prized colors.
- Purple – The combination of nitrogen impurities and lattice anomalies creates enchanting purple diamonds.
- Black – Black diamonds form through significant nitrogen impurities. Their exotic darkness has modern appeal.
April babies have an extensive palette of diamond colors to choose from. Fancy color diamonds make unique, meaningful birthstones. The rarity and natural wonder of diamonds in vibrant hues adds to their distinction.
Evaluating Diamond Color
Professional gemologists grade diamond color on an alphabetical scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow, brown or gray). Each letter grade indicates subtle differences in shade:
| Color Grade | Color Description |
|---|---|
| D | Colorless |
| E-F | Near colorless |
| G-J | Faint white tint |
| K-M | Very light yellow/brown tint |
| N-R | Light yellow/brown tint |
| S-Z | Medium to heavy yellow/brown tint |
Diamonds with less noticeable color command higher prices because they are rare and exceptionally brilliant. While bare eye observation provides a general gauge of diamond color, professional devices and controlled lighting offer the most accurate analysis.
A diamond certificate from a respected independent lab like GIA or AGS provides an objective color grade for the stone. Diamond certificates safeguard buyers when selecting April birthstone or other diamond jewelry.
How Color Affects Diamond Value
Diamond value relies heavily on four Cs of quality: Cut, Clarity, Carat and Color. Of the four Cs, color has the greatest influence on a diamond’s price per carat. As a rule of thumb:
- Colorless diamonds (D-F) are the most valuable and expensive.
- Near colorless diamonds (G-J) are priced lower than colorless stones.
- Faint white diamonds (K-M) cost less than near colorless diamonds.
- Tinted white or yellow diamonds (N-Z) decrease more significantly in price as color becomes more noticeable.
- Vibrant fancy color diamonds are prized for their beauty and rarity.
While colorless diamonds command the highest prices, choosing an April birthstone is ultimately about personal preference. Some prefer the captivating hues of yellow, pink or blue diamonds. Others find white diamonds remain the most versatile and timeless option.
Matching Diamond Color to Skin Tone
When selecting an April diamond, skin undertone provides useful guidance for choosing the most flattering color. Here are some recommendations on matching diamond color to different skin tones:
| Skin Tone | Most Flattering Diamond Colors |
|---|---|
| Fair, Porcelain | D-F colorless to near colorless |
| Fair, Ivory | G-J faint white tint |
| Light, Beige | K-M very light yellow/brown tint |
| Medium, Golden | N-R light yellow/brown tint |
| Tan, Olive | S-Z medium to heavy yellow/brown tint |
| Dark, Ebony | Intense fancy yellow, brown or black |
Cool, pink undertones look best with colorless diamonds that complement their rosy hue. Warm peachy undertones are enhanced by light tints of yellow or brown. Deep complexions wear vibrant fancy colors beautifully. An April diamond that matches skin tone flatters and illuminates the wearer’s natural beauty.
Choosing a Complementary Center Stone
For three-stone diamond rings or pendants, selecting April birthstones for the side stones that complement the center diamond creates appealing harmony. Here are some examples of complementary color pairings:
- Colorless (D-F) center diamond with faint white (G-J) side diamonds
- Near colorless (E-F) center diamond with very light yellow/brown (K-M) side diamonds
- Faint white (G-J) center diamond with light yellow/brown (N-R) side diamonds
- Light yellow/brown (N-R) center diamond with yellow or brown side fancy color diamonds
Graduating diamond colors from colorless in the center to fancy yellow or brown on the sides produces an appealing ombre effect. Mixing different shades of the same fancy color like pink and purple can also create lovely contrast within a cohesive palette.
Matching Metals to Diamond Color
Choosing a metal that pairs well with the April diamond color will maximize its beauty. Here are some popular combinations:
- Colorless or white diamonds – Platinum, white gold, sterling silver
- Light yellow diamonds – Yellow gold, rose gold
- Intense yellow diamonds – Yellow gold
- Light brown diamonds – Rose gold, yellow gold
- Vibrant fancy colors – Yellow gold, rose gold, platinum
Matching metals and diamond colors creates a cohesive overall look. For multi-diamond pieces, mixing metals can differentiate between center and side stones. A warm gold setting can make colorless diamonds pop and vice versa.
Choosing an April Birthstone Cut
The cut of an April diamond has a big impact on its brilliance and color. Well-cut diamonds project light through the crown to produce dazzling flashes of color and shine known as fire and brilliance. Here are some tips for choosing cut based on diamond color:
- Colorless stones – Focus on cuts like round brilliant and princess that maximize light return through the crown for unmatched brilliance.
- Tinted diamonds – Prioritize cuts like oval, pear and marquise that concentrate color in the larger lower half of the stone.
- Fancy colors – Pick cuts that best display the diamond’s unique color like radiant and cushion.
Expert diamond cutters carefully consider how to cut rough diamonds to optimize the intersection of color and maximum light performance. Understanding these principles helps guide April birthstone selections.
Conclusion
April babies have an abundance of diamond colors to choose from. Colorless and white diamonds possess timeless allure. Fancy yellow, brown, pink, blue and black diamonds offer rarer, captivating hues. Evaluating color value, skin tone match, complementary colors, ideal metal pairings and optimal cuts leads to astute April diamond birthstone choices.
