Yellow Diamond
Few gemstones capture the imagination quite like yellow diamonds. Their warm, yellow color evokes the brilliance of sunlight, while their exceptional rarity makes them a prized possession among collectors, jewelry connoisseurs, and style icons. As one of the most sought-after fancy color diamonds, yellow diamonds account for only a tiny fraction of the world’s natural diamond supply, making them a true treasure of the Earth. From their extraordinary formation to their celebrated presence on red carpets, yellow diamonds have a captivating story to tell.
What is a Yellow Diamond?
A yellow diamond is a natural diamond that gets its vibrant color from the presence of nitrogen during its formation. The intensity of the yellow hue can range from faint to deep, with the most vivid shades often referred to as “canary yellow” or “canary diamonds.” The term “canary diamond” is an informal descriptor used in the jewelry industry to refer to yellow diamonds with a particularly vibrant and intense yellow color. While not an official classification, it is commonly used to describe diamonds that exhibit a strong, pure yellow hue without brown or green modifiers. If a diamond is too light or has brown or green undertones it does not qualify as a canary yellow diamond.
These diamonds are highly valued for their rarity and unique beauty, making them a popular choice for those seeking a distinctive and rare gemstone. The primary difference between how colorless diamonds (sometimes inaccurately referred to as white diamonds) and yellow diamonds are graded lies in the emphasis on color versus lack of color and the grading scales used. Colorless diamonds are graded for how clear and color-free they are, while yellow diamonds (and other fancy-colored diamonds) are graded for how rich and intense their color appears.
Rarity of Yellow Diamonds
While diamonds are found in an array of colors, only about one in 10,000 diamonds naturally exhibits a fancy color—and yellow diamonds are among the rarest. These luminous gems belong to the exclusive family of fancy color diamonds, meaning their hues are vivid enough to be valued beyond the traditional colorless diamond grading scale.
However, not all yellow diamonds are created equal. The rarest and most valuable shades—Fancy Intense Yellow and Fancy Vivid Yellow—possess a deep, saturated golden color that commands global attention. These exceptional diamonds, sometimes referred to as Canary Yellow diamonds, represent a small percentage of all fancy yellow diamonds, making them even more desirable.
Though yellow diamonds can be found in various regions, the highest-quality stones originate from a few select mines in locations like South Africa and Australia. South African mines, in particular, have produced some of the most historically significant yellow diamonds, including the world-renowned Tiffany Diamond.
How Yellow Diamonds Are Formed
Unlike colorless diamonds, which are valued for their pure, colorless appearance, yellow diamonds owe their signature hue to nitrogen. Deep within the Earth’s mantle, nitrogen atoms replace some of the carbon atoms in the diamond’s crystal structure. This unique composition absorbs blue light and reflects a warm, golden hue, resulting in the radiant yellow tones that define these exquisite gemstones.
The intensity of a yellow diamond’s color depends on the concentration of nitrogen present. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) classifies yellow diamonds into six categories based on color strength:
- Fancy Light Yellow
- Fancy Yellow
- Fancy Intense Yellow
- Fancy Deep Yellow
- Fancy Dark Yellow
- Fancy Vivid Yellow (the rarest and most valuable)
While Fancy Light and Fancy Yellow diamonds offer a softer, golden hue, the deeper saturation of Fancy Intense and Fancy Vivid Yellow diamonds makes them particularly rare and highly sought after by collectors and investors.
What to Consider When Buying a Yellow Diamond
If you’re searching for a loose yellow diamond, yellow diamond engagement ring, or yellow diamond jewelry, understanding how these rare gems are graded and valued is essential.
1. Color Intensity: The Most Important Factor
Unlike colorless diamonds, where color grade is based on their lack of color, yellow diamonds are prized for their richness and saturation. The deeper and more vivid the hue, the higher the value.
For those looking for the most radiant golden hue, Fancy Intense Yellow and Fancy Vivid Yellow diamonds are the ultimate choices, as they display the strongest and purest yellow tones.
2. Cut: Maximizing Color Over Brilliance
While colorless diamonds are cut to maximize sparkle, yellow diamonds are cut to enhance their natural color. The right cut ensures that the diamond’s golden hue remains rich and evenly distributed throughout the stone.
Some of the best cuts for yellow diamonds include:
- Cushion cut – A classic choice that enhances color saturation.
- Radiant cut – Designed to intensify both color and brilliance.
- Oval and Pear cuts – These shapes create an elongated, elegant look while enriching the diamond’s vibrancy.
3. Clarity: A Consideration, But Not the Priority
Because yellow diamonds are naturally colored, they hide inclusions better than colorless diamonds. While clarity is still important, a VS2 clarity grade or higher is generally considered ideal. However, even slightly lower clarity grades may appear flawless to the naked eye.
4. Carat Weight & Rarity
While Fancy Light and Fancy Yellow diamonds are more accessible and often more affordable per carat than colorless diamonds, the rarest Fancy Vivid Yellow diamonds are highly sought after and can command premium prices.
Large Fancy Vivid Yellow diamonds are especially scarce—finding a five-carat or larger stone in this color category is incredibly difficult, making them a prized possession among high-end collectors.
The World’s Most Famous Yellow Diamonds
Throughout history, yellow diamonds have been admired for their unmatched brilliance and prestige. Some of the most legendary diamonds in existence are yellow, reinforcing their status as symbols of luxury and exclusivity.
The Tiffany Diamond
Arguably the most famous yellow diamond in the world, the Tiffany Diamond is a 128.54-carat, cushion-cut Fancy Yellow diamond known for its extraordinary brilliance. Discovered in South Africa in 1877, the gem was acquired by Tiffany & Co., and rather than sell it, founder Charles Lewis Tiffany chose to keep it as a permanent part of the brand’s legacy. For nearly 150 years, the Tiffany Diamond has remained priceless, never being offered for sale. This iconic masterpiece has been worn by only four women in history: Mary Whitehouse at the 1957 Tiffany Ball, Audrey Hepburn in promotional photos for Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Lady Gaga at the 2019 Academy Awards, and Beyoncé in a 2021 Tiffany campaign.
The Incomparable Diamond
Weighing an astonishing 407.48 carats, the Incomparable Diamond is one of the largest Fancy Deep Brownish Yellow diamonds ever discovered. Originally found as an 890-carat rough diamond, it was later transformed into the iconic L’Incomparable Necklace, featuring nearly 230 carats of colorless diamonds alongside the historic yellow gemstone.
The Cora Sun-Drop Diamond
At 110.3 carats, the Cora Sun-Drop Diamond holds the title of one of the largest Fancy Vivid Yellow diamonds in existence. Sold at auction for over $10 million in 2011, this rare gem remains one of the most valuable yellow diamonds ever purchased.
A yellow diamond is a testament to elegance, rarity, and timeless beauty. As demand for these golden-hued diamonds continues to rise, their status as some of the world’s most coveted gemstones remains undisputed. For those seeking a truly unique and luminous piece, yellow diamonds offer a rare opportunity to own a natural wonder unlike any other.
