When buying a diamond, one main issue that will get considered is coloration. On this article, let’s talk about some of the misunderstood colours; the Okay coloration diamond. Drawing from our in depth expertise and analysis detailed in our ebook on diamonds, we are going to uncover and share important insights concerning the Okay-colored diamond.

What’s a Okay Coloured Diamond?

A Okay-colored diamond is a pure diamond with a yellowish tint that falls between J and L on the diamond coloration scale. A Okay coloration diamond will usually present a yellowish hue that shall be straightforward to identify as you carry the diamond near your eye.

For reference, the colour scale in opposition to which all diamonds are graded runs from D to Z. The explanation there are not any A-C grades is historic and pre-dates the official GIA scale used at this time. So, a Okay coloured diamond is definitely greater on the spectrum than you’ll anticipate for those who assume the colour scale begins from A.

How Does Diamond Shade Scale Work?

Previous to the Forties, a number of scales had been in use to grade diamonds on their coloration. There have been scales that used Roman numerals, phrases like “water” and “river”, and one which used A, B, and C. This made issues very complicated as sellers needed to understand how every scale labored primarily based on the place on this planet they had been. Much more complicated was how the alphabetical scale used A, AA, AAA and so forth for rising high quality.

To chop ties with the previous methods utterly, GIA began the size we all know at this time at D. Now, that is the de-facto scale used around the globe by all diamond sellers and jewelers. Click on right here to learn to learn a GIA certificates.

To most of us, a D coloration diamond is nearly unimaginable to distinguish from a J coloration diamond. This can be a key motive why an appraisal certificates from a acknowledged physique is crucial when shopping for a diamond. With out it, you’d haven’t any dependable means of figuring out what the colour truly was.

What Makes A Diamond White?

This can be a trick query. Diamonds are naturally white, and the query is what makes sure diamonds seem a coloration aside from pure white.

Traces of different components are what trigger in any other case white diamonds to be yellow, brown, and even purple or blue.

In the most typical non-white coloration of yellow, nitrogen is chargeable for the colour being current. Nitrogen, while being essentially the most considerable component within the environment, isn’t significantly widespread within the earth’s crust. This makes it just a little stunning that Nitrogen is the component mostly present in diamonds, after carbon.

By the point we get to Okay on the colour scale, the yellow tint is beginning to develop into extra pronounced. Based mostly on this, many would suppose that something beneath J could be discarded and regarded unsuitable for superb jewellery. However you’d be improper to put in writing off Okay coloration stones fairly so simply.

How Yellow is a Okay Shade Diamond?

As we’ve talked about above, it’s unlikely that you simply or I might be capable of see a lot yellow coloration in a Okay coloration diamond except, maybe, we had a colorless diamond sitting beside it for comparability.  

On the previous coloration scales, Okay was the equal of what was referred to as “Tinted White”, versus the following grade of “Tinted Shade”. This means that Okay belongs extra to the highest finish of the size than to the underside.

When set with platinum or white gold, the yellow tint in a Okay coloration diamond could begin to develop into noticeable. Nonetheless, this could nonetheless require shut examination. With the same old viewing distance that you simply’d anticipate for an engagement ring (about 15 inches or so), any observer could be hard-pressed to see something however a colorless diamond.

Conversely, in a yellow-gold setting, the slight heat of the Okay coloration could be exaggerated. This versatility makes a Okay-color stone some of the versatile there’s.

J Shade vs Okay Shade

Deciding between getting a J coloration or a Okay coloration is a way more widespread query than you’ll imagine. And it’s additionally a really arduous query to reply objectively.

Here’s a listing of issues to contemplate with the intention to reply the query by your self:

• The distinction in yellow-ish coloration from a J to a Okay diamond is mostly not so noticeable (particularly if the Okay coloration is an vintage diamond)
• The value distinction is sort of noticeable, particularly in diamonds bigger than 2 carats.
• J Shade diamonds are just a little simpler to promote and are extra fascinating (and rarer)
• Many really feel that after a diamond already has just a little little bit of coloration (j coloration), it doesn’t actually matter to have just a little extra in Okay coloration.
• J and Okay are in two totally different coloration brackets on the color-scale chart.

Necessary Word: Please be aware that some diamonds will get a certification of j/okay coloration (or jk coloration or j-k coloration). Which means that the certifier felt that the diamond fell someplace between each colours.

Understanding Vintage Okay Shade Diamonds

Vintage diamonds have gotten more durable to search out, however those who do survive, although, have a few distinct benefits over a contemporary minimize diamond. That is very true of these “formally classed as Okay coloration”.

Vintage diamonds have one thing that fashionable stones won’t ever have, which gives an enormous benefit when it comes to coloration.

Diamond grading is all the time completed at 10x magnification, which makes seeing inclusions, flaws, and coloration tints a lot simpler. With vintage cuts like previous mine and previous European, the minimize itself is a large assist to the obvious coloration.

Though classed as Okay coloration, most vintage diamonds will truly current themselves fairly in another way from a top-view angle. Many Okay coloration vintage diamonds examine favorably to a contemporary J and even I coloration stone.

The previous cuts by some means masks any tint at this degree, making them seem a lot whiter than a 10x loupe examination would set up.

How A lot Does a Okay Shade Value?

So, if a Okay coloration vintage diamond seems like a J-color, for instance, is it such an enormous deal? Nicely, we’ve already mentioned that the distinction between J and Okay colours could be very tough for the bare eye to see, however it’s nonetheless essential.

The explanation it is crucial could be very easy. Value.

Whereas a J coloration diamond shall be round half the worth of a D coloration with all different issues being equal, equally, a Okay diamond could also be as a lot as 20-30% decrease in worth than a J coloration.

Most jewelers will take into account the colour Okay to be the beginning of the tinted diamonds when actually it is also categorised as the top of the colorless. After we take into account the added advantages of the vintage cuts in hiding coloration, the monetary benefit turns into much more pronounced.

Are Okay Shade Diamonds Good?

The quick reply is that okay coloration diamonds shall be good for most individuals.

If you happen to use the knowledge above subsequent time you’re purchasing for a diamond or a completed ring, you’ll be able to seize your self an actual cut price by refusing to be seduced by letters. Assume “vintage” and “Okay” when purchasing, and also you’ll doubtless find yourself with a bigger and higher high quality stone than you might have initially imagined.

When you have doubts, ask to see each J and Okay colours aspect by aspect. We doubt you’ll be capable of inform the distinction, particularly if the Okay is an previous mine or an previous European minimize.

D coloration diamonds are really stunning issues, however there’s a motive why they’re out of attain for many people. Being a bit savvier about what colours down the size actually imply will make a distinction.

Click on right here to browse our assortment of Okay-color diamond rings and jewellery.

Greatest Cuts for a Okay Shade Diamond

As we famous earlier, sure cuts will emphasize the yellow tint in a Okay coloration diamond, whereas others will camouflage it. As a normal rule, the extra faceted the stone, the higher job it’ll do at masking the yellowed tint. These are our favourite cuts to get the whitest look out of your Okay-color diamond.

• Outdated European Reduce – We’ve already mentioned how vintage cuts could make a Okay coloration diamond seem whiter. The previous European minimize (and previous mine minimize diamond) is the predecessor to at this time’s fashionable good minimize diamond. It will make an amazing selection for a Okay coloration diamond as a result of it could possibly simply cross for a higher-grade diamond similar to a J coloration. You may view our assortment of previous European minimize diamond engagement rings right here.
• Spherical Good Reduce – Arguably the most well-liked diamond form of all time, the fashionable spherical good minimize is one other nice selection for those who’re going for a okay coloration diamond. The a number of sides assist to masks among the yellow tint, making the diamond seem whiter and brighter than it’s coloration grade.
• Cushion Reduce – One other multi-faceted minimize, cushion cuts can vary from sq. to rectangular formed and create a surprising “crushed ice” impact whenever you have a look at them within the mild. This minimize is certainly one of our all time favourite diamond shapes and also will work brilliantly with a okay coloration diamond. Discover our in depth number of classic cushion minimize diamond engagement rings right here.
• Princess Reduce – One of many extra distinctive types on our listing, the Princess minimize is nice if you’d like a multi-faceted diamond with a extra fashionable aptitude. It nonetheless offers an excellent impact that may also work effectively to reduce yellow tints and could be an amazing selection for a okay coloration stone.

The best way to Select a Okay Shade Diamond

If you happen to’re selecting a setting on your Okay coloration diamond, right here’s a couple of factor to contemplate.

1. Greatest Metals for a Okay Shade Diamond

First is a your selection of metals. As a result of Okay coloration diamonds can have a yellowish tint, we advocate sticking to white gold or platinum settings which is able to give an total brighter impact and make the diamond seem whiter. As well as, platinum all the time has an added benefit in that it permits for higher craftsmanship, and gives a extra sturdy setting than gold.

That doesn’t imply you could’t use a yellow gold setting with a Okay coloration diamond. There are those who keep {that a} yellow or rose gold can camouflage the yellowness of the stone. Consider although, that the general tone of your ring shall be a hotter, extra basic look, which is nice if that’s what you’re going for.

2. Greatest Setting for a Okay Shade Diamond

One other level to consider is the precise setting. As a normal rule, a bezel setting is a better option for a Okay coloration diamond than a pronged one. The reason being that the yellowness within the diamond will often be most seen from the perimeters of the stone. In a bezel setting, the aspect of the stone is hidden, versus a pronged setting the place you’ll be able to view the diamond from all sides.

That being mentioned, an vintage minimize Okay coloration diamond will often work even with a pronged setting, so for those who particularly just like the look of prongs, attempt to supply an vintage minimize diamond on your ring. Our jewelers could be joyful that will help you discover the proper vintage stone for you.

3. Greatest Accent Stones for a Okay Shade Diamond

A good way to make your Okay coloration diamond seem brighter and fewer yellow is by correctly using the accent or aspect stones. Utilizing decrease color-grade diamonds, similar to L coloration, to accent the middle stone, will assist it seem brighter and whiter against this.

Are Okay Shade Diamonds Good for an Engagement Ring

Briefly, sure. Okay coloration diamonds make a unbelievable selection for an engagement ring, and right here’s why.

Many individuals choose to get the most important stone they will inside their finances. A big middle diamond will often look extra spectacular and make an even bigger assertion, which is nice for a lifetime funding piece, like an engagement ring.

Until you will have a vast finances, often getting a bigger carat measurement means compromising on both readability or coloration. With a bigger diamond, it’s nearly all the time a better option to go for a lesser-grade coloration and higher-grade readability. The explanation for that is that the bigger the stone, the extra noticeable the inclusions develop into. That is very true if we’re speaking a few step-cut diamond like an emerald or Ascher minimize, the place there are much less sides to cover the inclusions.

This is the reason a Okay coloration diamond makes a wonderful selection for an engagement ring. Selecting a Okay coloration diamond will assist you to get a bigger stone with nice readability, whereas nonetheless sustaining a fairly vibrant coloration.

Professional Tip: Attempt to go for a VS2 readability grade or greater when buying a Okay coloration diamond.

Are Okay Coloured Diamonds Value Shopping for

In our opinion, completely. Okay-Shade diamonds supply nice worth and good high quality at a a lot cheaper price than higher-grade stones. Particularly as a result of Okay-color is true on the border of two coloration classes, the worth distinction is often higher than the precise distinction in high quality and look. It’s certainly one of our high suggestions and we expect Okay-color might be among the finest worth you may get in a diamond on account of its worth to high quality ratio.

Word: Bearing in mind what we mentioned above, in case your finances permits for it, a J-color diamond does have some benefits over a Okay-color. Learn extra about J-color diamonds in our knowledgeable information for those who’re attempting to find out which is the only option for you.

Store Okay Shade Diamonds

Be at liberty to browse our assortment of Okay-color diamond rings. If you wish to see our full assortment, contact us utilizing the shape beneath.

Have questions on buying a Okay coloration diamond ring? Or do you will have a selected imaginative and prescient in thoughts on your engagement ring that you simply’d like assist to create? Message certainly one of our knowledgeable jewelers, and we’ll provide help to alongside the method of discovering the proper piece!