A buyer’s guide to yellow diamonds
We use many descriptive terms for Fancy Yellow diamond rings. The most prominent that come to mind include Saffron, Canary, Buttercup and Lemon – each one describes the intensity of citrus yellow exhibited by this exquisite colour.
Yellow diamond engagement rings make a unique alternative to white diamond engagement rings. However, many buyers struggle to understand the complex topic of fancy-coloured diamonds.
Furthermore, this vibrant, bright diamond colour is associated with warmth, sunlight, citrus, and warmth.
Double halo yellow diamond ring set with a fancy intense yellow diamond. Created via the Serendipity Diamonds bespoke design service.
How are diamonds with yellow colour graded?
The Gemological Institute of America classifies yellow diamonds with varying levels of intensity in the following grades :
- Fancy Vivid Yellow
- Fancy Intense Yellow
- Fancy Yellow
- Fancy Light Yellow
Other diamond grading laboratories use similar terms but with subtle differences; the HRD laboratory, for example, omits any reference to the word “vivid” within their classification.
| Color Range | Diamond Classification |
|---|---|
| L/M | Low Color |
| N | Faint Yellow |
| O/P | Very Light Yellow |
| Q/R | Light Yellow |
| S/T/U/V/W/X/Y/Z | Fancy Light Yellow |
| Fancy Yellow | Fancy Yellow |
| Fancy Intense Yellow | Fancy Intense Yellow |
| Fancy Vivid Yellow | Fancy Vivid Yellow |
| Fancy Deep Yellow | Fancy Deep Yellow |
It is worth adding additional information about the colour grading scale for diamonds typically ranges from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Natural fancy-coloured diamonds, including yellows, fall outside this traditional colour range and are graded separately on a scale that includes terms like “Faint,” “Very Light,” “Light,” “Fancy Light,” “Fancy,” “Fancy Intense,” “Fancy Vivid,” and “Fancy Deep.” The table above provides a general overview of these classifications.
Diamonds exhibiting a greater depth of colour than Z on the colour scale tend to be classified as fancy-coloured yellow. Canary yellow diamonds describe yellow diamonds with the greatest intensity of colour.
What causes the yellow colour to appear?
The presence of Nitrogen in the diamond usually results in Yellow colouration. Carbon atoms within the crystal structure, during the formation process, are replaced by Nitrogen atoms, changing the way the diamond interacts with light.
Nitrogen absorbs blue and violet light resulting in Yellow light reflected in the eye. Even a low concentration can result in significant colouration.
Since many Yellow diamonds originated from the Cape Province of South Africa, the term “Cape” relates to Yellow diamonds. Interestingly, we still use this term today.
Colour modifiers in natural fancy coloured diamonds
The infusion of colour modifiers in natural yellow diamonds plays a pivotal role in achieving diverse hues. For example, the diamond below is described on the IGI certificate as “Orangy Yellow”.
Throughout the formation process of these diamonds, trace elements interplay with the carbon structure, influencing the final colour. This, in the realm of natural diamonds, nitrogen, among other elements, contributes to the warm, orangish undertones observed in orangy yellow diamonds.
This meticulous control over elemental factors by skilled gemologists ensures a spectrum of captivating colours, underscoring the distinct and desirable appearance inherent in naturally occurring diamonds. The nuanced artistry involved in moderating colour in natural diamonds highlights the unique beauty that emerges from the forces of nature.
A note on certification and reputation
For anyone considering a natural fancy-coloured yellow diamond, GIA represents the most respected diamond laboratory. The additional benefit of a GIA certificate supports both the authenticity of the colour and the value of the coloured diamond. By way of example, the diamond below was supplied for the halo ring design above—accompanied by GIA certification with a micro-laser inscription on the girdle.
Old-school descriptions for non-fancy yellow tinted diamonds
Within the diamond Industry, we use other terms denoting lesser shades such as Light Cape (LC), Top Light Cape (TLC), Silver Cape (SC) and Top Silver Cape (TTSC), to name a few, although these are not fancy colour descriptions. Top-Top Silver Cape (TTSC) describes a very light shade of natural non-fancy yellow colour.
Yellow diamond facts
- It is possible to mimic fancy yellow by irradiating and annealing cape diamonds to intensify colour.
- Famous examples include the Tiffany Yellow Diamond (128.54cts) cut into a cushion cut diamond.
- Yellow diamond rings are especially complimentary for Olive and darker skin tones.
Best precious metals for yellow gemstones
We advise many of our clients to choose Platinum or 18ct Yellow gold settings for their yellow diamonds. Yellow gold helps to make an engagement ring yellow in terms of both metal and diamond. At the same time, this choice intensifies the colour of a yellow diamond. Our bespoke ring example shows a combination of Platinum and 18ct Yellow gold used in this way.
Conversely, many white diamond rings work best with platinum settings above a yellow gold band.
Find the perfect ring style
One of the most popular designs for yellow diamond engagement rings includes the halo setting. For example, Tiffany & Co. provide this combination and includes the following quote.
“Once reserved for queens and maharajahs, yellow diamonds burn with pure, high-energy colour.”
Some buyers choose a simple solitaire style, whereas other buyers combine white diamonds for contrast. For the perfect style, why not browse our collection of rings—all available with a natural or lab-grown diamond of any colour?
How much are yellow diamond engagement rings?
We price all yellow diamond rings based on the cost of the materials. Owing to the variation in colour intensity, and size, all rings vary in price.
Within reason, we often work around our client’s budgets. But, to begin with, we offer help and guidance with a realistic idea of the price.
The featured double halo yellow diamond ring shows a fancy intense yellow diamond at the heart of the ring. We crafted this ring with bespoke design through our design service. Please reach out to us for more help and information on any of our bespoke jewellery commissions.
Lab-grown yellow diamond rings
Today, buyers benefit from further choice provided by the introduction of lab-grown diamonds with engineered yellow colouration. Carefully controlled laboratory conditions and irradiation treatments allow a wide and varied choice of colour intensity and shades. Furthermore, the cost of fancy lab-grown diamonds falls considerably lower than a natural equivalent diamond. As part of our work, we source both natural and lab-grown diamonds. As a result, we tailor each jewellery commission according to our clients’ budgets.
About Mark Johnson
My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.
