What is I Color Diamond?

I color diamonds are the best when it comes to quality with affordability. That’s the reason they are one of the most popular diamond color grades for engagement ring buyers.

But do these diamonds actually look totally white? What about the confusion regarding its yellow color appearance? What is the cost and are they really worthy of your investment?

Well, all these queries and doubts will be answered in this blog post to put a full stop once and for all. Read the complete article and by the end of it you’ll be fully informed about the nitty-gritty of I color diamonds, so let’s dive straight into it.

What is I color Diamond?

I color diamonds rank third on the grade of “near-colorless” diamonds. The grades are allotted according to the color quality of the diamonds and the whole process is performed by an institute called Gemological Institute of America – GIA. In simple words, GIA is a body founded in 1931 and its primary goal is to safeguard Diamonds seller and buyers of gemstones by setting and maintaining the standards used to assess the quality of gemstones.

The diamond color scale starts from D and ends at Z. So, scale D signifies no visible color to scale Z which symbolizes light yellow, different grades are allotted to various types and categories of diamonds. D, E, and F grades are called colorless, in contrast, grades G, H, I, and J are considered near colorless. This type of diamond differs from colored diamonds, like fancy yellows and canaries.

I color diamonds fall somewhere in between, meaning they do have a slight hint of yellow (or brown) but shine like colorless diamonds (although they are less sparkly). Having said that, one important thing to be noted here is that in terms of color, even GIA doesn’t call its color faint unless it is a K, L, or M category of diamond.

In most cases, it is difficult to spot a difference between E, F, and G diamonds and I-colored diamonds. However, in terms of Diamonds cost, certainly there is a significant difference. I color diamonds are less expensive, nearly 10 to 15 percent, compared to E, F, and G color diamonds.

When is an I color diamond a good choice?

Picking out a diamond has long been intimidating with elements like cut, clarity, carat weight, and color. If you want to balance cost and appearance, an I color diamond fits the gap perfectly with its near-colorless beauty. While Slightly Tinted White Diamonds have a minuscule hue that can be seen only under magnification. Additionally, they provide a really good option if you are on a tight budget.

An I color diamond is less expensive than other grades like D, E, or F, and this cost difference could enable you to purchase a larger or brighter-cut precious stone within your budget. A faint tinge is usually hidden in yellow or rose gold mounts as it makes the diamond almost colorless. An I color diamond does still fall within that high-performance cut, however, it can still show exceptional brilliance and fire with a stunning narrow cut.

At the same time, comparing the different categories, we have D, E, and, F grades that are colorless and the costliest. Grades from G to H are near-colorless with slight warmth which provides cost-saving that offers a nice versatility between price, radiance as well as brightness (perfect blend). In contrast, we have K to Z grades that have a detectable tint in addition to their least expensive rates alongside some individuals deciding on them for his or her hot distinct tones. I-J color diamonds are a great value between coloring and price.

To contrast the tinge, you can get a yellow or rose gold setting for an I color diamond and you should also look at an excellent or very good cut if brilliance is what matters. The savings you make by selecting an I color diamond can be spent on going for a bigger carat weight, or more complex design that would contribute to the piece’s presence.

Also Read :- What are Melee Diamonds?

Shoppers who want to purchase a beautiful, near-colorless diamond in exchange for a reasonable amount can certainly go for I color diamond without a doubt. I color diamonds strike an ideal balance between beauty and affordability when carefully cut and set in the right setting.

How much do I color diamonds cost?

Several factors such as diamond cut, carat weight, clarity, and market dynamics affect the overall cost of I color diamonds. I color diamonds lie in the middle of the diamond color scale which runs from D (colorless) to Z (a tint of yellow or brown) due to their near-colorless property. In contrast to D, E, and F, the price of I color diamonds is cheaper, yet they are still beautiful and eye-catching regardless of their color scale.

For example, the range of a one-carat I color diamond with a good cut and clarity can start from $3000 and go up to $5000. A D color diamond on the other hand of equivalent carat and quality will cost $10,000 or more. E and F color diamonds also come at higher prices, often ranging between $7000 and $9000 for a similar one-carat stone. Factors such as desirability and exclusivity make this category highly valued in the market and are indicators of significant price differences.

J, K, and L belong to the lesser-grade category of diamonds. These less expensive diamonds show noticeable color that ultimately makes them less popular. For instance, a 1-carat weight J color diamond can cost from $2,500 to $4,000, which is less costly compared to I color diamond. The more the scale goes down the more the prices decrease. K and L color diamonds can be quite inexpensive, often costing less than $3000 for a one-carat weight stone, depending on other quality benchmarks.

As such, I color diamonds are a good mid-range option for those who want the beauty of near-colorless diamonds without paying too much. They provide value beyond expectation, especially when paired with a high-quality cut, maximizing its brilliance and masking any subtle color tint. For those who prioritize both beauty and budget, I color diamonds can be an ideal selection, offering a perfect blend of pure colorlessness and cost-effectiveness.

Do I color Diamonds look Yellow?

Due to the small particles of minerals present in the I color diamonds, it leads to a slight change in their color giving a tint of yellow or brown. But hold on, don’t draw any estimates as this slight color is mostly visible under specific lighting conditions.

For example, the lighting used by the organization GIA – Gemological Institute of America helps in spotting the slight color that grades diamonds.

When viewed from the top, some I colored diamonds look totally white. As mentioned earlier, the color of these gemstones is so negligible that the Gemological Institute of America doesn’t even regard the hue as “faint” yet.

Conclusion

In the end, let us all agree that I color diamonds are absolutely worth buying. Firstly, they save you a significant chunk of your money and secondly, you cannot spot the difference easily when compared to an E or F color diamond.

So why not buy a cheaper option that offers almost the same value, it’s definitely a win-win situation. After all, if you can use optical illusions to make a stone that appears yellow colorless without spending any extra bucks, then why not go for it?

So, if you are seeking a diamond for your special occasion and need assistance to choose the right one, we are here to help you out. Contact to our diamond experts and find the perfect diamond tailored to your preference and budget.

FAQs

1. Which is better, the G or I color diamond?

G is the premium grade category diamond in the near-colorless range. They are more valuable in terms of positioning along the diamond color scale compared to I-color diamonds. In general, both are highly priced making them a perfect choice for center stones.

What is the lowest color diamond you should buy?

Diamonds from N to Z grades are regarded as low-grade color diamonds. These light color diamonds exhibit a yellow, grey, or brown tint, quite noticeable to the untrained eye. This specific category is highly affordable but least desired.

How clear is an I diamond?

I-grade diamonds are considered almost colorless and belong to the third-grade category of diamonds. This category is mostly used in engagement ring jewelry due to the balance it provides in terms of affordability and beauty.