So you're thinking of buying a diamond, but you're not sure where to start? Don't worry, I've got you covered!
When it comes to diamonds, you've probably already heard of the 4 Cs: cut, clarity, carat weight, and colour. Each of these factors plays a role in determining a diamond's quality and value, but which one is most important?
Well, the truth is, it depends on your personal preferences and what you're looking for in a diamond. That being said, most experts agree that cut is the most important factor to consider. A diamond's cut determines how well it reflects light and how much it sparkles. A well-cut diamond will have maximum brilliance and fire, while a poorly cut diamond will look dull and lifeless.
What is the best Diamond colour to choose?
What is the best diamond colour? Well that depends on your personal preferences. The whitest diamond colour is D, however that doesn't necessarily mean it’s the best choice for you. It's important to note that a diamond's colour grade refers to how much colour it has, with D being the most colourless and Z being the most yellow or brown on the scale of white diamonds.
While a colourless diamond may seem like the obvious choice, keep in mind that a slightly lower colour grade can save you a lot of money without sacrificing too much in terms of appearance. For example, a diamond with a G or H colour grade will still look colourless to the naked eye, but may be significantly less expensive than a D or E grade diamond.
Choosing the right diamond colour for your engagement ring is a big decision. You want to make sure you pick a diamond that looks stunning and is the perfect fit for your ring. One important factor to consider is the diamond's colour, which can be affected by the metal choice for your setting.
Now, if you're considering a coloured diamond for your engagement ring, such as a fancy pink or yellow diamond, these guidelines may not apply. When choosing a coloured diamond, you can be more subjective and choose the shade that appeals to you the most. The scale of coloured diamonds works differently to white diamonds, and tend to be more expensive as the stones show more colour. With some of the more rare natural colours such as Pink Diamonds being much more expensive than Yellow or Brown Diamonds.
Choosing a diamond colour for a yellow gold Engagement Ring
If you're going with a yellow gold engagement ring, you can choose a diamond that has a little more colour in it, such as an H or I colour without it being noticable. The yellow hue of the metal will help to disguise any warmth in the diamond, and the diamond will look whiter than it is. Plus, yellow gold is a classic choice that never goes out of style!
What is the best Diamond colour for a Platinum Engagement Ring?
On the other hand, if you're choosing a platinum engagement ring, you'll want to go with a diamond that looks as white as possible. The silver colour of the metal will show any yellow colour up in the diamond, so you'll want to choose a diamond with a higher colour grade, from D to F. This will give you a crisp, clean look that's perfect for a modern, sophisticated engagement ring.
Does diamond shape change the look of the diamond colour?
One factor to consider when making your decision is the shape of the diamond you want. If you're looking for a round brilliant cut diamond, which is renowned for its sparkling facets, it's best to choose a diamond that falls between D and G on the colour grading scale. This is because the sparkles from the stone will amplify any yellow colour that the diamond gives off. So choosing a whiter diamond will ensure that you get a bright white diamond that really sparkles.
However, if you're after an emerald cut diamond, you can go for an H colour diamond and still get that beautiful white colour. The reason behind this is because an emerald cut diamond has large facets, which creates an elegant sparkle. With this cut, it's important to choose a higher clarity because inclusions in the diamond are more easily visible. So, you can compromise on the colour and still get a stunning diamond that looks white.
What is a Certificated Diamond?
When choosing a diamond for a special piece which uses a large diamond, I would always recommend having a diamond that has had its colour, clarity and verification of being a natural diamond certificated by an independent laboratory for peace of mind. There are many different types of certificates that you'll find offered with diamonds, however there are only a few that I would trust. GIA are the largest and most trusted laboratory in the world, the others that I would use if the right diamond became available are IGI and HRD. Other certificates are known for being overly generous on their gradings, and so you might think you are getting a bargain, however the stone may not be what the certificate is telling you.
All white diamonds over 0.25ct that I use in my jewellery are independently certificated by GIA, this gives you peace of mind that what you are buying is a quality diamond that is the colour and clarity you expect.
You can read more detailed information about diamond colour here in this GIA 4Cs Colour D-to Z guide, from GIA who are the most reputable Diamond Laboratory in the world.
What is the best colour to choose for a diamond?
In an ideal world when looking for a white diamond you would choose a D colour diamond that is flawless, however being realistic with budgets and making the most of the diamond you can buy this isn't usually the case. Choose which element is the most important to you & work from there.
I would usually advise to choose no lower than G colour & VS clarity for a brilliant cut diamond, and if you’re looking for a step cut diamond like an emerald cut try to choose a higher clarity like VVS so any inclusions aren’t visible.
Remember, there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing a diamond colour – it all depends on your personal preferences and the style of your engagement ring. Just make sure you choose a diamond that looks beautiful to you and fits your budget, and you're sure to have a ring that you'll cherish for a lifetime!
