F-Color Diamonds: Are They Worth It?
The cool bright white sparkle of colorless diamonds never goes out of style. On the D to Z diamond color scale, F-colored diamonds have one of the highest grades for colorlessness, a valued quality in a diamond. In this concise guide, we'll share these essentials on the F-color diamond and if it's a worthwhile buy.
What is an F-color diamond?
An F-color diamond is a type of colorless diamond. The letter “F” refers to its rating on the Gemological Institute of America's color-grading scale for diamonds.
This industry-standard scale rates diamonds according to the amount of color present. Color is a key determinant of diamond value and the most expensive diamonds are colorless. On a scale running from D to Z, F color diamonds are in the colorless category.
What color is an F diamond?
The answer's easy - colorless! F color diamonds are the lowest grade of colorless diamond on the color scale after D and E colored diamonds. They sit on the border of the colorless and near-colorless diamond categories. This means that they have a very slight tint which is usually yellow or brown in natural diamonds.
The good news is that this tint is imperceptible to an untrained eye. Distinguishing D, E, and F colored diamonds requires a specialist comparison of the stone to master stones of known color. Though the difference is subtle, it matters because it makes all the difference to the price you'll pay for your diamond!
What causes the color in an F color diamond?
Each diamond possesses a unique composition of chemical elements that determine its color. The subtle tint in F color diamonds comes from trace elements that are present in the stone as it forms.
Nitrogen is the main element responsible for color in diamonds. As the concentration of nitrogen in diamond increases, its color deepens. Colorless D, E and F color diamonds have very low levels of nitrogen. Diamonds that are further down the scale contain larger amounts of nitrogen.
So, what's the difference between D, E and F color?
To the naked eye, not a lot. All three diamonds are colorless. Only specialist lab equipment like a colorimeter and expert comparisons with master stones can measure a difference between the three top grades.
Grading colorless diamonds can be subjective, but everyone agrees that the D diamond is truly colorless. This is extremely rare and makes D diamonds expensive. E and F diamonds have a very slight tint but the differences between the color grades aren't proportional. You are most likely to see a color difference by viewing D and F diamonds together than by comparing E and F colored stones.
Are F-color diamonds good?
F color diamonds are exceptional gems. All diamonds in the colorless group are rare, so these stones are a great choice if you want the exclusivity of a colorless gem. Colorless stones display everything beautiful about diamond. If you opt for low-sparkle shapes like the Emerald or Asscher, F-color stone will up the wattage of you ring. F diamonds have exquisite clarity and radiance when set in white gold.
Colorless diamonds are going to be expensive, but a correctly graded F diamond is a shrewd choice if you want to own a colorless stone. You will save on the cost of a D or E diamond without having a noticeably tinted stone. In the real world, it will look strikingly bright and clear - just as pretty and perfect as a D!
Key considerations for selecting an F colored stone
The colorlessness of F color diamonds makes it easy to create a gorgeous ring. remember, the tining is not visible to the naked eye! When choosing your ideal ring, these five points will help you achieve an amazing effect with an F-color stone:
1. Show off the sparkle with a brilliant cut
Though F-color diamonds and colorless, the tiny amount of tint may affect their sparkle. Leave nothing to chance by opting for a brilliant or radiant cut that lets the cool clarity of your F color stone shine through.
Also, pay attention to the quality of the cut. A well-cut F diamond looks gorgeous in classic diamond shapes that are known to show up tinting, like the cushion cut. Paying attention to excellent symmetry and proportion can mean that you select an F diamond that looks better than a fair or poor diamond of a higher color grade.
2. You can be flexible with shape
F colorless diamonds give you lots of room to maneuver with the shape of your diamond. The color is imperceptible so you can go ahead and select a shape irrespective of whether it highlights or conceals tinting. Shapes with pointed edges can show up tinting along their edges. This is unlikely to be a problem for an F-grade diamond.
3. Upgrade carat size by selecting an F diamond
With no discernable color, an ice-white F-grade diamond will look great at any size! If you want a colorless diamond, your money will go further by purchasing an F diamond rather than a D or E diamond. For diamond sizes above one carat, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by opting for an F diamond instead of a D.
4. Setting can affect an F-color diamonds appearance
White metals can show up the tint in lower-grade diamonds, but with a colorless F diamond, that's not going to be a problem! A white gold or platinum setting is a stunning match for the crisp, clear sparkle of an F color gem. Conversely, yellow or rose gold can impart their color to a colorless diamond and produce an unintended tint.
Pros and cons of F color diamonds
If you're wondering if F color diamonds are worth it, here are the key pros and cons of buying an F color diamond:
Pros of F color diamonds
They're colorless
F-color diamonds have no discernable color in their body. This makes them one of the most elusive and exclusive grades of diamonds you can own. The absence of color makes them versatile so selecting a size, shape, and setting you love will be easy.
They're cheaper than D and E-grade diamonds.
In reality, you walk away with a beautiful colorless stone for less money than buying a 'perfect' D diamond. Use the money saved to bag a bigger gem. No one will know the color grade of your great-looking rock!
Best color choice for rings with side stones
A mismatch in the color of accent stones in a three-stone ring can deteriorate its appearance. An F-color diamond can work well with both colorless and the highest grade near-colorless diamonds in this design.
Cons of F color diamonds
F-color diamonds are still expensive
The colorless grade is the most expensive color grade of diamonds you can buy. An F-color diamond is pricey but not very expensive when compared to D and E stones.
Colorless diamonds can have unexpected fluorescence
Fluorescence is a phenomenon that can affect colorless diamonds. When exposed to UV light, the diamond can emit a blue glow of varying intensity. Blue fluorescence is not a desirable feature of a colorless diamond as it can have a slight effect on its appearance.
Near-colorless diamonds may deliver even better value
G, H. and I color diamonds do cay a slightly visible tint but are still bright, clear, and of good quality. With the right setting, near-colorless gems can have a stunning icy finish that flatters your hand for less than an F diamond.
Moissanite and synthetic colorless diamonds
Moissanite and lab diamonds have a synthetic process that replicates the formation of a natural diamond. This means that these stones also have the potential for tinting.
Moissanite is graded in the same way as a natural diamond with colorless, near-colorless, and faint classes of these stones. Colorless Moissanite carries the most value. A high-grade (D or E) of Moissanite will be significantly cheaper than an F diamond.
Conclusion
In practical terms, the F-diamond is colorless and visually indistinguishable from D and E-color diamonds but the lower price provides a better opportunity to get more diamonds for your money. If a cool, colorless diamond is a must, this is the best value stone for you.
Shape, clarity, and cut quality are key to bringing the best out of the diamond irrespective of color. If budget is important, GHI diamonds appear colorless and can be cut and be set to disguise color. Alternatively, Moissanite can provide you with the beautifully large and icy colorless stone you desire!
