The cost of a diamond is calculated using a variety of standards, usually referred to as the 4 Cs – cut, clarity, color and carat. When you buy a diamond, it’s best to look for one that has been rated by the Gemological Institute of America or the American Gemological Society, which are the most reputable.
The biggest question people have when it comes to diamonds is whether the rating they have makes them worth the money they cost. Use this guide to help you get what you pay for.
What is a D Color Diamond?
The GIA grades the color of a diamond on a scale of D – Z. As a diamond forms deep within the earth, other gases and materials can become trapped within the diamond. These can cause the presence of color in a diamond. Whilst this can be a desirable trait (like rare, pink diamonds for example) it is typically undesirable in white/colorless diamonds.
The most common color presence is a yellow tinge, caused by nitrogen. A D color diamond represents the top end of the diamond color scale – at this grade, no hints of brown, grey or yellow can be detected, giving a clean, icy white sparkle.
Should I Buy D Color Diamonds?
Whether it’s internally flawless, a super-ideal cut or a D color, the top ends of the diamond quality grades command the highest prices. Diamonds that hit the top grades are sometimes referred to as ‘collectors’ quality’ or ‘safe gems’ – meaning, to be kept in a safe for investment rather than worn as jewelry.
When it comes to diamond color, personal preference is key. Some people are naturally more sensitive to diamond color, meaning they can more readily detect the presence of color in the body of a diamond. When this is the case, diamond within the ‘colorless category’ D-F might be preferable.
However, the majority of people cannot detect color in the ‘near colorless’ category G-I and these grades tend to offer the best tradeoff between budget and beauty.
Are D Color Diamonds Worth the Money?
In some cases, a higher color grade is necessary for a brilliant white sparkle. An example of this would be step cut diamonds, such as emerald cut, which have deep, linear facets that are less adept at concealing color. Step cuts are designed to show off clarity and color rather than sparkle, so some customers will opt for a D grade to truly unleash the beauty of a step cut diamond.
For brilliant cuts, a D color does not offer the best beauty/budget trade off. You can find diamonds will a lower grade that will appear colorless but can cost thousands less.
However, the importance of personal preference should not be underestimated. Whether its for investment, beauty or simply the glory of owning a D color diamond, justifying the cost is entirely up to you!
