All About Yellow Diamonds

Like color gemstones, diamonds come in all sorts of fancy colors–most popular being yellow. While colorless diamonds are the traditional choice, the second most popular option for diamond center stones is a yellow diamond.

How Do Diamonds Get Their Color?

Technically speaking, there is a distinction between yellow-hued diamonds and fancy yellow diamonds.

Diamonds are graded on a color scale that ranges from D-Z, D being absolutely colorless while  the grades of ‘U’ through ‘Z’ give off a faint/light appearance. After it passes the ‘Z’ color grade it moves into the fancy color grading system which goes in this order based on the level of saturation; fancy light, fancy, fancy intense, fancy vivid.

So how do these diamonds get their color? During the diamond’s formation process, either in the Earth or in a lab, trace elements of nitrogen are introduced to the diamond’s crystalline structure which absorbs the blue light and gives the gemstone its new hue. Depending on how the nitrogen attaches to the crystalline lattice will determine the saturation of the diamond.

Yellow diamonds are in fact more rare than colorless diamonds however that does not mean they are all going to be more expensive.  As a rule of thumb, fancy light and fancy color diamonds will be priced below a colorless diamond of similar quality/shape/size while a fancy intense or fancy vivid diamond will be above.  The rarity increases exponentially as you reach the intense/vivid color range which makes them sell at a high premium. 

Origin + History

1 in every 10,000 mined diamonds has some variation of color, making up only 0.01% of all diamonds. Some countries are richer than others in color diamonds, however yellow diamonds don't have a particular place they call home; they can be discovered in various locations around the globe. However, the very first yellow diamonds were unearthed in Cape Province, nestled within the beautiful landscapes of South Africa. 

You can also find these specific color diamonds in South Africa, Russia, India, and Canada. They can also be found in places like Australia, Central Africa, Angola, Borneo, Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sierra Leone as well.

Different Types of Yellow Diamonds 

Yellow diamonds come in a range of captivating hues, each offering its own unique appeal. Let's explore the different types:

Fancy Light Yellow Diamonds: These diamonds boast a gentle, subtle yellow tint, reminiscent of the soft glow of candlelight.

3.02 carat Round Brilliant Diamond Three-Stone Ring

Fancy Yellow Diamonds: Moving up the scale, Fancy diamonds exhibit a more pronounced yellow hue, akin to the warm glow of a summer sunrise.

3.50 carat Asscher Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring

Fancy Intense Yellow Diamonds: With a deeper, richer yellow color, Fancy Intense diamonds radiate with an undeniable presence.

3.01 carat Fancy Intense Oval Diamond Three-Stone Ring

Fancy Deep Yellow Diamonds: Going even deeper in color, Fancy Deep diamonds showcase a saturated and profound hue, reminiscent of ripe tropical fruits. They captivate with their intense saturation, symbolizing luxury and sophistication.

2.03 Carat Fancy Deep Pear Shape Diamond Halo Ring

Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamonds: At the top of the spectrum, Fancy Vivid diamonds dazzle with an electrifying hue.

2.56 carat Fancy Vivid Marquise Lab Diamond Ring

Fancy Dark Yellow Diamonds: These diamonds boast a bold and intense color, akin to the richness of a sun-kissed sunset. 

Is Your Color Diamond Real? 

At Lauren B, we use two grading laboratories to grade our color diamonds: the Gemological Institute of America , or GIA, and the International Gemological Institute, or IGI. All of our color diamonds come with certification and a grading report.

Lauren B Yellow Diamond Rings

Check out some of our favorite yellow diamond engagement rings and wedding bands from our inventory!

3.32 carat Cushion Diamond Seven-Stone Ring

5 carat Fancy Elongated Radiant Diamond Seven-Stone Ring

4.41 carat Cushion Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring

Oval Shape Alternating Diamond Eternity Band

4.78 carat Radiant Cut Diamond Eternity Band

6.48 Carat Asscher Cut Diamond Bezel Eternity Band

Wrapping Up

At Lauren B, we're proud to offer a stunning array of yellow diamonds in our showroom. Our team of design consultants is here to guide you through every step of the process, from selecting the perfect stone to designing a custom engagement ring that reflects your unique style and personality. You can also check out some of our favorite color diamond ring inspo on our Pinterest.