What is a Near Colourless Diamond: Are they The Next Best Thing

In the world of diamonds colour is an important quality factor. Is a key constituent of the 4Cs that consists of the diamond’s carat, clarity, cut and colour. When it comes to diamonds, the term, unless stated otherwise, is generally directed towards colourless diamonds. And in this regard, the principle is the less colour that is present in the gemstone the greater its value. However, that is not always the case.

In this Education page, we will engage the subject of near colourless diamonds. Diamonds that fall just outside the top diamonds make up the range of colourless diamonds.

What are Near Colourless Diamonds?

First, let’s start by looking at diamond classification under the ‘C’ colour. Colour as noted in the world of diamonds is a key indicator of value with respect to the lack or absence of any particular hues. The most noted gemstones that demand the highest prices and carry the greatest perceived value are those which the least colour. The value of diamonds in the colourless range lose their value progressively as they fall further and further away from the top gemstones that feature, technically no colour.

To understand what near colourless diamonds we need to understand how they match up with the rest on the diamond colour scale. The diamond colour scale is a measure that determines the value of diamonds measured in relation to the presence or absence of colour. The diamond colour scale is measured in the D – Z scale which breaks down into various subgroups. Each with its own name and notable characteristics. Which break down in the following manner:

• D – F: Colourless Diamonds

• G – J: Near Colourless Diamonds

• K – M: Faint

• N – R: Very Light

• S – Z: Light

Note the above classification diamond colour is based on the GIA standard. Which is one of the foremost authorities in the world of diamonds and diamond quality measures. And it is a solid base from which to analyse the differences between diamonds with respect to colour.

As you can see, near colourless diamonds are just behind the leaders of the pack: the colourless diamonds. And in terms of price and market value, they rank among the best. However, in the world of diamonds, even minute difference in the 4Cs translates into significant differences. The question is to what extent?

Before we answer this question, we need to learn about the nature of colour in diamonds, their origins and particularly how they differ from the distinct category of coloured diamonds.

What is ‘Colour’ in Near Colourless Diamonds

Diamonds as the reader may know are carbon-based gemstones that in their natural form are mined from nature. In nature, diamonds form over the course of tens of millions of years deep within the Earth’s surface and result from the high pressure and heat that leads to the carbon atoms forming distinct covalent bonds.

However, diamonds, which are understood to be pure carbon crystals that are immensely durable are not always perfect in terms of their chemical character. Diamonds in their formation are often subjected to a variety of chemical changes that vary in extent and type. With respect to colourless diamonds, the lack of uniformity in terms of the colour of the diamonds is due to the complex formation process where diamonds during their development are mixed with nitrogen atoms, which enter the mix.

The presence of nitrogen in various amounts alters the way the diamond crystal interacts with light. Since colour is a function of light waves and their interaction with various they hit and bounce off or pass through; the presence of nitrogen leads to the absorption of certain light waves that correspond to colours, in turn giving off the yellow hue.

However, this hue, which is a function of the nitrogen element present in the stone, varies depending on the diamond, and the level of colour falls on the spectrum. From the greater level of yellow to even a shade of brown that is found in diamonds near the N – Z range of hues. And these stones at the lower end of the colour grade are the start of the fancy coloured range. Though the gemstones in this range feature a distinct colour.

With near colourless diamonds (G – J), the yellow shade is extremely light, and often they are extremely difficult to discern without the aid of electronic equipment. However, one noticeable feature is the shade of yellow warmth in the near colourless range of diamonds. So the next question is what sets the near colourless diamonds apart from the rest?

What Sets Near Colourless Diamonds Apart from the Rest?

The first point to consider is that near colourless diamonds are a premium choice in the world of colourless diamonds. Whilst colourless diamonds hold the top spot and command the highest price point, near colourless diamonds are a solid choice and they are actively promoted by top fine jewellery companies that rank them among the best diamond stones in line with other gemstone quality factors like diamond carat, cut and clarity.

The next key factor is the price point. Near colourless diamonds are significantly cheaper than their colourless counterparts. With the price point ranging considerably with greater distance from the top D range of colourless diamonds. For example, if you take a 1.00-carat diamond, featuring a round cut stone, that score very well in term of proportions, with VS1 clarity level measured according to the GIA scale, you get the following for D (Top Colourless) and J (Lowest Near Colourless): D = $ 12, 000 plus. J = $ 6,000. So you are basically paying over double for the same kind of stone with the only difference being the colour.

However, when it comes to picking a diamond in the near colourless range buyers are generally advised to go for stones in the I or J range. As they are generally price competitive and are generally indistinguishable from the colourless range of diamonds without the aid of microscopic equipment, allowing owners of this diamond grade to maintain that premium look.

Factors to Consider when Buying Near Colourless Diamonds 

When opting for near colourless diamonds, the main advantage is the cost to value ratio. Near colourless diamonds are often featured as the top choice diamond and diamond jewellery buyers. Such as those who looking for diamond engagement rings, the near colourless grade of diamonds provides great choices in terms of options and price points. And given their near colourless level, diamonds in this range are generally more abundant than the colourless counterparts, particularly the top-ranking D colour diamonds.

Next, buyers need to pay attention to the fact that a slight shade of yellow that is present in near colourless diamonds can affect the gemstone’s sparkle. A diamond’s sparkle refers to the diamond’s ability to reflect white light. Whilst this feature is greatly dependent on the quality of the cut and clarity grade of the stone, the colour also plays a part. With gemstones that fall too close to the ‘light’ colour range produce a weaker sparkle. Once again, it is best to stay close to the G colour as much as possible.

However, when it comes to picking near-colourless diamonds, buyers are advised to pay more attention to the gemstone’s clarity and cut. Since you are already purchasing a diamond that is closer to the top stone, opting for a stone with a lot of inclusions will severely affect the gemstone's quality. So the cost savings in colour could be invested in higher clarity diamonds such as those in the VVS2 or VS1 range.