Diamonds are one of the most sought-after gems on the planet — and for good reason. Many of the most popular jewelry pieces on the market, including engagement rings and necklaces, are frequently adorned with brilliant diamonds. However, most pieces of diamond jewelry feature colorless diamonds, which may not suit your particular tastes.

So what is so special about yellow diamond jewelry? Do yellow diamonds occur naturally? What makes diamonds yellow? Are they real? What are some of the most famous yellow diamonds in the world? Finally, where can you find high-quality yellow diamond jewelry at affordable prices?

In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s look at what it actually means to designate a stone as a “yellow diamond.”

What Is A Yellow Diamond?

As you might have expected, any diamond that has at least some yellow coloration can be called a yellow diamond. These can range from soft, off-white diamonds with hints of yellow all the way to bright, canary yellow diamonds. Natural diamond color is graded on a scale that ranges from D (colorless) to Z (yellow or brown). Diamonds can also be given a yellow color artificially, though these gems are not as valuable as natural yellow diamonds.

So why are some diamonds yellow while others are not? Yellow diamonds occur in nature when nitrogen is part of the structure of the stone. Nitrogen impurities create yellow coloration by changing the way the stone absorbs different parts of the visible light spectrum.

Are Yellow Diamonds Rare?

The short answer is “yes” — yellow diamonds are rare. However, the size, clarity, and shade of yellow can all affect the value and rarity of a yellow diamond. Additionally, yellow is certainly not the rarest color of all fancy-colored diamonds in existence. In fact, a fancy yellow diamond is the most common type of colored diamond that can be found in nature, though still far rarer than colorless or near-colorless diamonds. This is because many diamonds mined from the ground have a slight tint of yellow. For this reason, the rarity of a yellow diamond is directly linked to the vibrancy of its color.

Most of the rarest yellow diamonds in the world have a bright yellow color. Generally, the brighter and more vibrant the yellow hue, the more sought-after the diamond will be. Consequently, some of the most famous yellow diamonds in existence are known for their bright coloration (more on that later).

Are Yellow Diamonds More Expensive Or Cheaper Than White?

Comparing the value of yellow and white diamonds is difficult, as many people use different definitions when referring to white diamonds. More specifically, “white” and “colorless” are often used interchangeably to refer to diamonds that are devoid of fancy colors. However, the truth is that true white diamonds are incredibly rare, with as few as 2,000 natural white diamonds in existence.

Therefore, true white diamonds are far more expensive than most yellow diamonds. However, since many jewelers and diamond enthusiasts also use “white” and “colorless” to refer to uncolored diamonds, it is important to note that yellow diamonds are typically more expensive than colorless white diamonds. On average, you can expect a yellow diamond to cost roughly 5x more than a colorless white diamond of the same size and cut.

For example, a 2-carat yellow diamond ring might cost anywhere between $4,000 and $6,000. Alternatively, a similar 2-carat white diamond ring might cost as little as $1,000 to $2,000. But again, the actual prices you find will vary widely based on various factors, including the clarity and how the diamond was created. A lab-grown yellow diamond will be far less expensive than a natural one. Moreover, if there’s a significant difference in the clarity of the diamonds, this will also greatly affect their respective purchase prices.

Yellow Diamonds Vs Citrine

Yellow diamonds are often confused with citrine diamonds. To be fair, there is a great deal of crossover between the two shades. While a canary diamond is generally considered to have an unquestionably yellow color, a citrine diamond can range anywhere from dark yellow to light brown. This often results in a color that resembles a deep, natural orange.

Both yellow diamonds and citrine diamonds are rare and fall under the category of “fancy colors.” However, yellow diamonds are typically more expensive, as they are more popular for engagement rings, pendants, and other pieces of jewelry. Citrine, on the other hand, is a very niche color that is not quite as popular in the larger diamond market.

Yellow Diamonds Vs Sapphires

While most people associate sapphires with the color blue, they can actually have a wide variety of natural colors — including yellow. When a sapphire has a higher amount of iron than usual, it takes on a yellow appearance. For this reason, yellow diamonds can be confused with certain types of sapphires.

However, yellow diamonds and sapphires are completely different stones. Diamonds are almost completely made of pressurized carbon, while sapphires are composed of corundum. As a result, diamonds are nearly 3x harder than sapphires.

Famous Yellow Diamonds

There are dozens of famous yellow diamonds in existence, but perhaps none of them are more famous than the Eureka Diamond. It was the first diamond discovered in South Africa, leading to the establishment of very profitable diamond mines throughout the country. When it was first mined in 1867, the Eureka Diamond weighed more than 21 carats, but it has since been cut down to about 10 carats.

The Eureka Diamond is not the only heavy-weight yellow diamond in the world, either. Some other famous yellow diamonds include the Kimberley Octahedral or 616 Diamond, the Sun of Africa Yellow Diamond, and the Cora Sun Drop. While most of the world’s famous diamonds reside in museums, the Cora Sun Drop was sold at auction for a whopping $10.9 million.

Yellow Diamond Engagement Rings

Yellow diamond engagement rings are particularly popular, as they offer a fresh alternative to colorless diamond engagement rings. Since natural yellow diamonds are rarer than most colorless diamonds, yellow diamond rings are typically more expensive. However, the price largely depends on the weight of the diamond and the design of the ring.

When shopping for yellow diamond engagement rings, always make sure that you’re dealing with a reputable jeweler. Since diamonds can be artificially yellow, you’ll want to find certified natural yellow diamonds to get the most out of your purchase. If you’re currently in the market for an elegant and affordable canary diamond ring, be sure to check out our collection at Liori Diamonds.

Yellow Diamond Earrings

In addition to engagement rings, many yellow diamond enthusiasts like to display their precious stones on earrings. Yellow diamond earrings generally combine the beauty of a yellow diamond with the simplicity of white gold. This way, the two colors can complement one another while also allowing the yellow of the diamond to stand out even more. Additionally, many yellow diamond earrings feature a yellow stone at the center and several colorless melee diamonds to make each earring even more brilliant.

We hope you found this guide on yellow diamonds both useful and informative! Are you in the market for an engagement ring? Do you want beautiful, certified diamond engagement rings at competitive prices? If so, be sure to check out the luxurious products available at Liori Diamonds today!