The Unique Qualities of Yellow Diamonds

In the world of gems and fine jewellery, the diamond stands apart as the leader. There is little dispute when it comes to the beauty, quality and value that the carbon-based gemstone manifests. When it comes to a number of factors that determine gemstone quality at a mineralogical level, diamonds again lead the way. However, when it comes to colour diamonds are not the natural choice.

Not so anymore. With the entry of fancy coloured diamonds, with the leading or at least the most popular variant being the yellow diamonds. In this Education page, we will look at the unique qualities of yellow diamonds. Learn about what makes them different, and whether should you consider going for them as diamonds or as a part of diamond jewellery.

An Overview of Yellow Coloured Diamonds

In the world of diamonds, carbon-based gemstones are divided into two main categories: colourless white diamonds and coloured or fancy diamonds. The latter is also known as fancy-coloured diamonds and it has become an interesting addition to the world of gemstones and fine jewellery.

Fancy coloured diamonds are technically real carbon-based diamonds that feature all of the core qualities of white or colourless diamonds. From tremendous durability from a solid 10.0 on the Mohs scale for hardness, great natural brilliance and sparkle, in addition to its ability to be shaped into an array of shapes to suit your style.

The key difference however is fancy coloured diamonds as their implies feature a distinct colour. In yellow diamonds that colour is, well yellow. This adds an interesting element to the measurement of value and use of diamonds, as coloured, owing to the presence of a particular affects how people perceive them.

When it comes to fancy coloured diamonds there are a number of top hues: blue, green, pink, red and yellow. This is the main group, followed by other lesser-known coloured diamonds. In this post, we will focus on yellow diamonds.

Yellow Diamonds Rarity and Countries of Origins

Fancy diamonds are relatively rarer than the colourless variety. However, the degree of rarity of the stone greatly depends on the type of fancy coloured diamond in question. Yellow diamonds are among the more widely available fancy diamonds in the market.

This is not to say that they are widely available-they are not, according to certain estimates only one out of every 10,000 diamonds mined in South Africa-but in comparison to the more popular (or rarer) fancy diamonds such as the pink and red and even blue diamonds, the yellow variants are relatively more accessible.

When it comes to the countries of origin for yellow diamonds the major diamond producers lead the way, with South Africa being a top destination. South Africa’s reputation for yellow diamonds has grown thanks to the discovery of some of the largest yellow diamonds on record: The gigantic Allnatt yellow diamond which comes in at 101 carats is one example. Along with the Tiffany yellow diamond. However, Australia, particularly the Western parts of the vast nation is also known for producing vast quantities of yellow diamonds.

One diamond mine that has established something of a reputation with its supply of rich yellow diamonds is the Zimmi diamond which is located in the West African nation of Sierra Leone. These yellow diamonds are among the brightest and the most vivid in terms of their hue. And our valued highly.

When it comes to the rarity of yellow diamonds, the value proposition really comes from the specific colour quality of the stone. That is how good the yellow colour that is present in the diamond is. In case that sounds confusing, as it most certainly might, if have not read our other Education pages on diamonds and gemstones, let us go deeper into the nature of colour in yellow diamonds.

What Gives Yellow Diamonds their Colour

The Colour of diamonds is not natural. In fact, one of the reasons why diamonds are so valued as gemstones is due to their pure colourless character, which corresponds to the absence of other minerals and materials. In fancy coloured diamonds, however, where colour is valued, these inconsistencies and trace minerals are actually viewed as a net positive. But there are standards.

In yellow diamonds, the cause of the specific hue is the presence of traces of nitrogen. The nitrogen atoms have grouped themselves in a specific way within the stone, a process that takes during the later stages of diamond formation: a process that takes tens to hundreds of millions of years. The presence of this nitrogen affects the way the stone interacts with light. The nitrogen atoms are able to absorb light in the blue region of the spectrum leaving the yellow out. Thus contributing to the yellow colour.

However, the presence of this particular hue (yellow) is not uniform in all diamonds in this range. For it might be interesting to note that diamonds that score lower in the colour scale D – Z. With diamonds in the S – Z range being classed as light yellow. However, these are of inferior quality to genuine fancy-coloured yellow diamonds. This takes to the types of yellow diamonds that are out there in the market.

Yellow Diamond Shades

In the world of gemstones and diamonds variation is the name of the game. No to gemstones are truly the same. As they all, even in the same category or type, will feature slight variations in tone, intensity, sparkle and other factors which can be measured according to the 4Cs.

When it comes to yellow diamonds the same story unfolds. Now certain companies have proceeded to classify various yellow diamonds according to their specific shade and tone. This is understandable, but the such classification is best done by the experts. In this case, we are talking about top diamond grading authorities like the GIA and IGS. Which adopt distinct diamond quality measures when it comes to fancy coloured diamonds. So it is best to have some type of consultation from them when determining how good the yellow diamond is in your possession.

When it comes to yellow diamond colour quality, the principle is that the darker the yellow, the higher value and hence the price. And when we say it refers to the intensity of the colour: which is a combination of deep yellow with its brightness. Such yellow diamonds are known as Canary diamonds and they are often the best choice for diamond engagement rings.

Yellow Diamond Jewellery and Lab Grown Alternatives

When it comes purchasing yellow diamonds, or any diamonds for that matter there are a number of factors to consider. The most notable is the quality of the stone and the price it commands. Natural diamonds which are mined from the Earth are more expensive than lab grown or artificial stones.

In addition, to being more costly, natural yellow diamonds are generally harder to come by, and when combined with other diamond quality factors measured by the carat, cut and clarity, good yellow diamonds could be hard to come by. Into this mix enters the lab-grown alternative. Besides being cheaper it is also valued as a more ethical option.

And when it comes to popular usage, in case the reader was wondering how yellow diamond how greatly they are adopted, you can rest assured knowing that top celebrities like singers Carrie Underwood, Lady Gaga, model Heidi Klum, and artists Kelly Clarkson own yellow diamond jewellery.