The Truth About The Colour Of White Diamonds

The vast majority of untrained observers (and many gemologists) cannot distinguish a colour grade from the one just above or below unless the diamonds are compared side by side in a controlled environment. Even when side-by-side, changes in colour are difficult to detect in I colour and higher diamonds.

Colour becomes much harder to detect once a diamond is set in a ring and placed in an environment that contains colour (as opposed to the all white background used in colour grading). For instance, a H colour diamond may look as colourless as a D when set in a ring under normal lighting conditions, especially if the two are not compared side by side.

For the best value in what would appear to the naked eye as a colourless diamond, look for G-J diamonds. Because colour is easier to detect in larger diamonds (just as a large carafe of white wine shows more colour than a small glass), opt for G-H in diamonds over 1 carat, and I-J for those under 1 carat. Once set in a ring, these diamonds will look just like higher colour grade diamonds. Instead of investing in higher color, invest in higher cut, the most important factor in a diamond’s brilliance. Read more of this post