White diamonds have long been the symbol of timeless elegance, but lately, yellow diamonds have been stealing the spotlight. With their radiant golden glow and eye-catching sparkle, it’s no wonder they’re quickly becoming the new favourite. Their vibrant, sunny hues bring a fresh twist to the traditional sparkle we all know and love.
Now, you might wonder: Are yellow diamonds expensive? Don’t worry, we’ll tell you all about it. Let’s dive and learn everything you need to know about yellow diamonds for your next buy!
What Are Yellow Diamonds?
Yellow diamonds, popularly known as ‘canary diamonds,’ are part of a special category called fancy colour diamonds. Unlike white diamonds, prized for their lack of colour, yellow diamonds are coveted for their warm, radiant glow. Their captivating shade comes from the nitrogen atoms trapped inside the diamond’s crystal structure, which absorb blue light and leave behind that stunning yellow glow. Simply put, the higher the nitrogen content, the richer the colour!
They come in a range of shades, from soft buttery tones to rich golden hues. Still wondering how expensive are yellow diamonds? Their price depends on the intensity of their colour—lighter yellow diamonds are more affordable, while fancy vivid yellow diamonds can command much higher prices due to their rarity and brilliance. Since they form naturally under intense conditions, no two yellow diamonds are ever quite the same, adding to their uniqueness and allure!
5 Factors That Influence the Cost of Yellow Diamonds
When it comes to fancy-coloured diamonds, their pricing is evaluated by several factors. Yellow diamonds are no exception! Here’s a breakdown of what affects their value:
1. Colour Intensity
The Gemological Institute of America grades yellow diamonds based on a scale of the intensity of their colour. These categories range from Fancy Light, Fancy Yellow, Fancy Intense and Fancy Vivid. The deeper, more saturated tones such as Fancy Vivid and Fancy Intense are rare and fetch a premium price. So, a yellow diamond’s cost per carat can be more than a white diamond of similar size and clarity, all because of its bright, canary colour.
2. Cut
Unlike white diamonds, yellow diamonds are cut specifically to enhance their colour. Cuts such as the radiant or cushion are designed to intensify the diamond’s yellow hues by maximising light reflection. A skillfully executed cut can significantly increase a low-intensity yellow diamond’s cost by making its colour appear more vibrant.
3. Carat Weight
As with all diamonds, large yellow diamonds are pretty rare. Their value increases substantially with size, especially for diamonds that maintain a rich, uniform colour as they increase in carat weight.
4. Clarity
While clarity is generally less critical for coloured diamonds compared to white ones, inclusions can still affect the value, especially if they impact the yellow diamond’s durability or its face-up colour.
5. Treatment
Treatments can enhance a yellow diamond’s colour or clarity, making it more vibrant and appealing. An untreated natural yellow diamond would be far more expensive than one enhanced through treatments.
Are Yellow Diamonds More Expensive than White Diamonds?
So, do yellow diamonds cost more? The answer depends on the shade. Yellow diamonds can be more expensive than white diamonds, but this depends on the intensity of their colour and other factors such as size, cut and clarity. Light yellow diamonds are usually less expensive than high-quality white diamonds because their colour is less intense and they are more common. Fancy yellow diamonds are diamonds with rich, vibrant yellow hues (fancy vivid yellow, or “canary diamonds”) that are rarer and more valuable, often surpassing the price of white diamonds of comparable quality.
In general, the stronger and more vibrant the yellow colour, the higher the price of the diamond compared to white diamonds. However, for lighter yellow shades, white diamonds typically remain more expensive.
Price Difference Between Natural Yellow Diamonds and Lab-Created Yellow Diamonds
Dreaming of owning a yellow diamond but finding the price a little daunting? Lab-created yellow diamonds offer the perfect solution, delivering the same stunning brilliance at a fraction of the cost. Just like their natural counterparts, lab-grown yellow diamonds are optically, chemically and physically identical. The key difference lies in their origin—crafted in a lab under controlled conditions instead of mined from the earth, lab-grown yellow diamonds are typically 60-75% more affordable. So if you’re looking for a more affordable option, cheque out our selection of lab-created yellow diamond jewellery.
5 Stunning Yellow Diamond Jewellery Picks to Elevate Your Style
If you want to invest in a stunning piece of yellow diamond jewellery, here’s the perfect starting point. Dive in and explore our top picks.
1. Pear-Shaped Yellow Diamond Drop Earrings
These earrings feature pear-shaped yellow diamonds that radiate a glow that’s nothing less than enchanting. Crafted in an elegant drop style with sparkling white diamonds at the top, they offer the perfect blend of luxury and sophistication to glam up any look.
2. Classic Round Yellow Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Wrap your wrist in a captivating colour with this classic tennis bracelet featuring a row of fancy intense yellow diamonds. Each yellow diamond sparkles brilliantly, creating a stunning visual impact — perfect to take your look from AM to PM.
3. Vintage Style Yellow Diamond Pendant With Halo
This pendant beautifully captures old-world charm with its vintage-inspired design. At its heart is a fancy intense yellow diamond framed by a sparkling diamond halo, giving it an elegant look. The criss-cross bale detail adds a unique touch, making it a perfect gift or a treat-yourself piece.
4. Oval Yellow Diamond Side Stone Cocktail Ring
Designed for those who love to stand out, this cocktail ring features an oval-cut fancy intense yellow diamond with diamond side stones for some extra sparkle. It’s a bold, statement piece, perfect for special occasions or when you want to feel extra fabulous.
5. Yellow Diamond Solitaire Engraved Engagement Ring
Mark your journey together with this exquisite solitaire engagement ring. Featuring a vibrant fancy intense yellow diamond symbolising joy, abundance and positivity, it’s a truly standout choice for celebrating your love story.
FAQs
1. Do yellow diamonds offer the same durability as white diamonds?
Yes, yellow diamonds have the same durability as white diamonds. Both are graded a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them ideal for everyday wear.
2. Are yellow diamonds rarer than white diamonds?
Yes, yellow diamonds are rarer than white diamonds, especially those with intense, vibrant hues such as fancy vivid yellow. However, lighter yellow diamonds, such as cape diamonds, are more commonly found.
3. Are yellow diamonds a good investment?
Absolutely! High-quality yellow diamonds such as Fancy Intense or Fancy Vivid, generally retain their value over time.
4. How do I know if a yellow diamond is good quality?
To ensure you’re getting a high-quality yellow diamond, always buy from a trusted retailer such as Angara. You’ll always get a Certificate of Authenticity, which includes details such as cut, colour, clarity and carat weight of the gemstone. So you can be confident in the value and authenticity of your purchase.
