What are Faint Diamonds: What is Their Value

Those who are new to the debate on diamonds and diamond colour might be confused by the term ‘faint’. The first thing to know is that it is not some trick name referring to the condition of fainting. What it does refers to a certain grade of diamonds that fall into a specific colour scale.

Diamonds are the top gemstones in the world that are valued according to the 4Cs of quality. The 4Cs are key determinants that measure diamond quality with respect to diamond colour, clarity, carat and cut. The subject of faints diamonds comes under the category of colour.

In this Education page, we will break down the main features of faint diamonds, what makes them different and what is their value proposition for those who are considering buying them. Such as a faint diamond stone for their engagement ring.

The Diamond Colour Scale

Any discussions that involve diamond colour grades must begin with an overview of how diamonds are classified according to their respective colour. Diamonds according to the GIA, which is the global authority when it comes to diamond certification and diamond, diamonds are classified according to the D – Z scale. With D being the top of the range with every other diamond that follows featuring less or lower colour. However, the decline in colour quality is not a straightforward one, with various subgroups making up the diamond colour clarity scale.

Starting with the Colourless diamonds: D – F; Near Colourless Diamond: G – J; Faint Diamonds: K – M; Very Light Diamonds N – R; Light Diamonds: S – Z. As the reader can see the various diamond colours are combined into distinct groups. With each group command a certain position of importance in the colour scale.

As a general principle when it comes to diamond colour quality, the less colour there is in a stone the higher its value. A principle that only applies to colourless or ordinary diamonds. The type that people generally associate with the idea of real diamonds.

In the diamond colour scales, as the reader can above, the colourless diamond is the top stone, followed by the nearly colourless diamonds and then we get to our focus today, Faint diamonds. But what are they, and what is their value proposition?

What are Faint Diamonds (K – M)?

Faint diamonds occupy the position just after nearly colourless diamonds. The third tier in the diamond quality measure with respect to colour, they are a top choice for diamond buyers and gemstone jewellery seekers. Whilst, not the best in class they are solid options that feature a pleasant tone of warmth that whilst not as overt as in those diamond grades that follow after it, are a solid option which great sparkle.

Faint diamonds can be considered something like a middle child in the diamond colour grades, with the nearly colourless and colourless ahead of them, with the very light and light gemstone following them. The presence of this light tone, which is not discernable as a separate hue as in gemstones with lower colour grades, does add its distinct touch and is often viewed as a positive feature by top diamond and jewellery companies that trade in these stones.

Generally, the faint shade or light tone is not even visible to the naked eye. Particularly if you are considering the K and M variants in the faint diamonds scale. And to discern the light tone one may have to resort to 10x magnification tools to see them. However, when going for these gemstones it is important to pay attention to other diamond quality factors which will have an effect on the final purchase. This takes us to the next point.

Why Opt for Faint Diamonds?

Faint diamonds are the top choice for those who are somewhat budget conscious but still looking for a top-class gemstone. There is little in terms of compromise when it comes to the gemstone’s colour when contrasted with the main players besides the warm tone that is most difficult to determine in the K and L range of gemstones in this range.

In addition to that nice warm tone that some buyers actually prefer when it comes to their choice of diamond for an engagement ring, Faint diamonds are very price competitive for their colour range and cost considerably less than the diamonds that fall into a colourless and nearly colourless range. For example, a 1.00-carat diamond in the D colour range whilst controlling for other factors on average will cost upward of $ 2500 more than K colour in the faint diamonds group.

This is a considerable price saving that can then be invested in a higher-clarity diamond with a solid cut. Diamond clarity is arguably more important when looking at diamonds at the faint grade and higher. Thus a higher clarity grade such as a nearly flawless diamond can be a possibility if the cost savings are transferred to it. Further, buyers of faint diamonds can go a clarity grade lower, such as very very slightly included stone and invest in a larger carat stone.

Faint Diamond: Who is it For?

Faint diamonds are a middle-of-the-road choice and a solid option at that. They feature a number of strengths that sets them apart from other top gemstones, such as a fine light tint that is distinct and adds a fine tone, a more affordable price point and greater availability in the marketplace. This is an important point since top jewellery companies tend to not include diamond colours below the faint scale in their inventories and generally top quality diamond engagement rings often feature diamonds that are Faint colour scale or higher.

Those who colour conscious of a slightly warm tone, whilst its presence is minimal, might wish to consider opting for a yellow gold band option. Yellow gold is a top choice to match with faint diamonds as the gold colour combines well with the warmth of the stone and also helps mask any contrasts visually that might otherwise arise.