A lab grown faint color diamond is a diamond grown in a lab under intense heat and pressure. Like a natural diamond that forms inside the Earth's surface, it has a slightly yellowish or brownish tint and falls in the K-M range of the diamond color grading scale.

The diamond color grade scale was created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA); faint color diamonds receive grades based on that color grading scale. The color scale ranges from D to Z, with D being colorless or white diamonds and Z being light brown or yellow diamonds.

To determine the color grade of a faint colored diamond, it is compared to a set of "master stones." There is a master stone that corresponds to each color on the color grade scale.

Trace elements give a faint color diamond its color. Trace elements in a diamond's crystal structure can make a diamond appear slightly yellow or brown. Nitrogen is the most common trace element found to cause faint color in a diamond.

In general, yes. Faint color diamonds do cost less than colorless diamonds. But you should remember all 4Cs, not just color, when comparing diamonds and prices. Cut, carat weight, and clarity can significantly affect a diamond's price.

Yes. Lab grown faint color diamonds look beautiful in an engagement ring, and they're an excellent way to save money if you're on a budget.

A faint color diamond with a color grade of K can even be brightened up a bit with a platinum or white gold setting. But if you prefer a diamond with a bit of warmth, a faint color diamond in a yellow gold or rose gold setting is perfect for emphasizing its color.

Sometimes faint color diamonds are treated with high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT), an annealing method. Annealing involves heating glass or metal to high temperatures and cooling it slowly. The result is a fainter brown or yellowish color.

Keep in mind that HPHT-treated diamonds are not as valuable as untreated diamonds.

Diamonds with a faint color rating are more common than colorless diamonds. Most diamonds come with a tinge of color (some not visible to the naked eye), so colorless diamonds are the least common and more valuable ones.

It is sometimes hard to differentiate between the various diamond color grades with the naked eye, mainly because the differences can be subtle. For this reason, gemologists use special equipment to grade a diamond's color.

To get the best diamond possible, you should buy your diamonds from trusted jewelers who can provide you with a diamond grading report. The report should come from a trusted gemological laboratory such as the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Gem Certification and Assurance Lab (GCAL).

At Clean Origin, we partner with the IGI and GCAL for diamond certification. This way, you know exactly what you're getting and can be confident that we offer only the best quality diamonds.

Fluorescence measures the reaction of a diamond's crystals to UV light. According to the IGI, approximately 35% of diamonds emit fluorescence under UV lighting. Faint or medium fluorescence is noticeable; even faint fluorescence affects the price.

Diamond fluorescence can positively affect faint color diamonds. A diamond with a yellow tint can appear brighter or whiter under moderate or strong blue fluorescence.

This works because the blue fluorescence can cancel out some yellowish tints; the diamond's color can look brighter than its grade indicates. Keep in mind that very strong fluorescence affects the price as well.

At Clean Origin, we offer faint color diamonds but only those with a K grade. A diamond with a K grade can be close in color to a diamond with a J grade, which falls into the near colorless category. A K color diamond is beautiful and can save you a lot of money whether you're shopping for an engagement ring, diamond pendant, or diamond studs.

Consider G color diamonds if you'd like a diamond with a higher color grade (but don't want a costly D color diamond). G color diamonds fall in the "near colorless" range. And while a G color rating is perfect for all diamond shapes, it's ideal for fancy step cut shapes like emerald or Asscher diamonds. But no matter what you decide, we have something you will love.

Need help finding the perfect diamond? Schedule a virtual appointment with one of our diamond experts today!