E Color Diamonds: The Ultimate Buying Guide

​E-color diamonds are known for their crisp white color. If you've made it here, you are probably interested in buying an E-color diamond. Keep reading to learn more about this diamond color and how to buy the right E-color diamond.

Understanding The 4 Cs of Diamonds

Every diamond is one-of-a-kind. Each gem possesses unique traits and characteristics that make them special. For centuries, jewelers and diamond experts have tried to come up with a way of describing these features in an objective way. There have been many attempts throughout history to create a universal grading system. And although many enjoyed popularity and acceptance during certain periods, the standard today is known as the 4 Cs of Diamonds.
The 4 Cs of Diamonds describe the following attributes: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat weight. Each aspect receives a grade that indicates how high or low it sits on a scale. The 4 Cs are the most used framework around the world to analyze diamonds and determine their value.
Learn More About The 4Cs

How Is Diamond Color Graded?

When diamonds formed billions of years ago under the Earth’s crust, they came in contact with other elements such as Nitrogen. Traces of nitrogen and other elements cause diamonds to display lighter or deeper yellow tints. In fact, most diamonds have some degree of yellow presence. This is natural and is not considered a defect by itself.

In the Diamond Color Grading Scale, there are twenty-three different hues, divided into five groups that go from Colorless to Light Yellow. From D to Z, each individual hue is identified with a letter of the alphabet.

Typically, the first two groups are the more desirable: Colorless and Near Colorless. The Light Yellow group is conformed by the most yellow saturated hues, and therefore, becomes less desirable. 

Every group and individual color grade has its own pros and cons. The ones with less or no color at all, are better investments. The ones with more yellow undertones become less expensive which makes them attractive for people on a budget.

E Color Diamonds

The color grade E is the second highest in the Colorless group. This group is made of diamonds that present little or no color that is not visible to the naked eye or under 10x magnification.

E color diamonds are not completely transparent and do present an extremely light color saturation. This color presence is only detectable by specialized gemological equipment.

Why Buy An E Color Diamond?

1. There Is A Price Benefit

The idea of buying a perfectly transparent, purely colorless diamond sounds so tempting. However, D-graded diamonds come at a premium. An E Colorless diamond is still very rare, but it will be slightly less costly than the top of the group.

2. It Really Looks Colorless!

Despite not being transparent to the highest degree, E diamonds are still part of the Colorless group. Not you, your friends, or your jeweler will be able to identify your diamond as an E color without the use of special equipment.

3. They're Still Rare

Even though D-color diamonds are the rarest, an E-color diamond is still quite rare. If you want a truly special jewelry piece, a rarer diamond will complete it.

Why You Shouldn't Buy an E Color Diamond

1. They're still very expensive.

Even though they will be slightly cheaper than a D-color diamond, they will still cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than near-colorless stones.

2. Near-Colorless Diamonds Still Look White

Most cannot tell the difference between a colorless diamond and a near-colorless diamond because near-colorless diamonds will still face up as white. Many of our customers choose near-colorless diamonds for this reason - they are much more affordable, and still appear white. 

3. E-Color Diamonds Will Cost More to Insure

Since insurance premiums are based on the value of your jewelry, you'll be paying more per month on a piece with an E-color diamond. We recommend that you insure your valuable and sentimental pieces of jewelry like your engagement ring.

​RELATED: 11 Questions About Jewelry Insurance​

How To Buy An E Color Diamond

The Best Diamond Shapes for E color Diamonds

​Cut is also a huge factor in determining how much brilliance a diamond presents. There is even a category for diamond shapes that have been created specifically with the purpose of maximizing that breath-taking shimmery effect. You may be familiar with the Round Brilliant cut—the most popular shape in this category—but the Marquise, Pear, Cushion, and Oval cut also bear the Brilliant distinction.

Read Next: What Is A Brilliant Cut Diamond?

Not everybody loves lots of sparkles and flashes. If this sounds like you, and you prefer a more subdued, discreet but still luxurious luster, we have the perfect alternatives. Step cut diamonds feature long facets that are parallel to the girdle. Cuts like the Emerald, and Asscher present large top facets (also known as ‘windows’), which create a less dramatic sparkle while allowing for a clear view inside the diamond. Step-cut diamonds are known to show more color and inclusions than other diamond shapes, but an E-color diamond will look clear and bright in any of these cuts.

Read Next: What Is A Step Cut Diamond?​

Which Metal Looks Best With E Color Diamonds?

All diamonds with a Colorless grade look better when set in white metal, such as white gold or platinum. White metals have a silvery luster that pairs excellently with the clear brightness of E-color diamonds. You can also choose yellow or rose gold, but keep in mind metals also shine. The warm reflection of yellow or rose gold can sparkle through your E-graded diamond and make its appear less colorless. This is a minimum effect and most people won’t be able to notice. However, it is always recommended to opt for white metals to amplify your Colorless diamond’s transparency.

​E Color Diamond Engagement Rings​

Solitaire settings look fantastic with E and other Colorless graded diamonds. This focuses all the attention on the stone and avoids introducing any color variance with side or accent stones that might not match the E grade. If your heart is set on a sidestone engagement ring but are worried about your center stone not matching, contact us today to get started on a custom setting.

Alternatively, if you love halo settings and want extra sparkle, you can still opt for a hidden halo setting like our Solitaire Diamond Gallery Engagement Ring above. This delicate halo creates flashes of light in a new direction that will complement the brilliance of your E-color diamond.​

E Color Earth-Grown Diamonds

Even when E grades are not the most expensive of the Colorless group, they can still be very pricey when compared to Near Colorless diamonds. If this is the color you want, we recommend using our filters to explore different Clarity and Cut options. Lower grades in these categories will drive the cost down. Also, remember the round brilliant cut is the most expensive diamond shape. Explore other cuts and find the best option for your budget.

Shop E Colorless Earth-Grown Diamonds

E Color Lab-Grown Diamonds

Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carats; it’s perfectly fine to want a high grade in all of these aspects. If the exact combination of characteristics you are looking for doesn’t match your possibilities, don’t worry. You might still find an option that adjusts to your taste in our Lab-Grown E Color Diamond inventory.

Explore Our E Colorless Lab-Grown Diamond Catalog

​FAQs​

How Much Are E Color Diamonds?

A diamond’s value is dictated by how high or low its 4Cs grades are. This means it’s very hard to provide a clear price range since this can vary enormously. Larger Carat weights, less inclusions (Clarity), and excellent Cuts, will drive prices up.

For reference, 0.50 ct, E, Round diamonds are currently retailing at Ritani.com starting at $856 and going as high as $3,400. 

Is It Worth It To Buy An E Color Diamond?

It depends. When you buy a diamond with a Colorless grade, you can rest assured it will always have demand. E color diamonds are one of the rarest colors available. Rarity and scarcity will protect your investment. However, many don't see it as worth it since they can purchase a near-colorless diamond that is less expensive and still faces up as white.

E Colorless vs Other Color Grades

If you want a Colorless diamond, an E grade is an excellent option. E Colorless diamonds aren’t as expensive as D’s and are still more transparent than F’s. However, as discussed earlier, you can still get a near-colorless diamond that faces up as white at much lower pricepoints.

Why Buy An E Color Diamond From Ritani?

Ritani is one of the top online shopping destinations for Earth-Grown and Lab-Grown diamonds. We want to offer you the best shopping experience.

The Ritani Experience

• All of our Earth-Grown E Colorless diamonds come with a GIA or AGS laboratory report which is also available for you to preview through our website.
  
  
• Our stunning Lab-Grown E Colorless diamonds come with a laboratory report which you can also check online.
  
  
• We believe in fair pricing. We present a clear Diamond Cost Breakdown for all of our diamonds.

Learn More About Ritani’s Diamond Price Transparency