(Last Updated On: March 24, 2024)

Although many of the fundamentals of diamond purchasing are valid for all varieties of diamonds, there are some differences between the various shades. And because yellow diamonds are the one of most well-known colors among naturally colored diamonds, we decided to share some details about yellow diamonds so that you can learn the cost of yellow diamonds and how to purchase them wisely.

Introduction

The first diamond found in South Africa was also the first yellow diamond ever found. When the youngster found the jagged stone in the meadow, his mother handed it to their neighbor without appreciating its value. The diamond was transported across Europe before De Beers purchased it in 1967. The Eureka diamond, as it was then called, was given to the South African people and is currently on exhibit at the Kimberley Mine Museum.

Yellow diamonds are defined as diamonds having a pronounced yellow body tint when viewed in the “face-up” position. Usually, tiny quantities of nitrogen found in the diamond’s crystal structure are what give it its yellow color. In diamonds, brown is the most prevalent fancy hue, with yellow coming in second.

Due to its stunning sheen and reasonably priced pricing, yellow diamonds are getting quite popular. They are regarded as the most widely used color diamond by most people.

These are extremely uncommon and sought-after colored diamonds. They are ranked according to the intensity and quality of their yellow color on a unique scale. It is stated that the color of these diamonds is “Fancy” yellow. Depending on the tone and intensity of their yellow color, they are rated as Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, Fancy Dark, Fancy Deep, or Fancy Vivid on a GIA-developed scale.

Prices

Like all-natural colored diamonds, yellow diamonds are extremely unique. Furthermore, high-clarity grade yellow diamonds are frequently spotted. Their prices are impacted by such facts. Considering the specialty of naturally colored diamonds, the wonderful thing about natural Yellow Diamonds is that they are said to be reasonably priced.

The approximate cost of a 2 carat yellow diamond (radiant fancy yellow)  with VS2 clarity is $3,500, although a comparable 1-carat diamond with SI1 clarity might be as little as $3,000. The cost of these diamonds would increase by 30% to 50% if you pick an intense yellow hue, and it may even rise by 100% to 150% if you choose a bright yellow hue instead of “regular” fancy yellow.

Other Names

Yellow diamonds are also referred to as “canaries” and “capes” frequently.

Cape

 The term “Cape” first appeared in the late 1800s, when mines in South Africa’s Cape Province extracted large amounts of diamonds that were yellow in color. Diamond experts soon recognized them on the market and started referring to them as “Capes” due to their provenance from the Cape Province.

Canary

 A diamond that is yellow in the gem or jewelry trade (usually of Fancy-grade) is referred to as a “canary.” Because yellow diamonds can range in hue from D to Z or even higher from Fancy colors to Fancy Vivid yellow, the term is ambiguous. Furthermore, the name implies no particular provenance.

Artificial Yellow Diamonds

The majority of the initial attempts to create diamonds in a lab produced yellow diamonds. It is noteworthy that a diamond can have a noticeable yellow hue when there is one nitrogen atom for every thousands of carbon atoms. Then keep in mind that the gas that is most prevalent in the laboratory air is nitrogen. In the early days of lab-created diamonds, it was exceedingly difficult to keep nitrogen out of the diamond-growing process.

Presently, manufacturers of lab-grown diamonds possess enhanced control over the diamond-growing procedure, enabling them to either eliminate nitrogen or introduce it precisely at the proper dosage to provide a consistent yellow hue. There are yellow lab-grown diamonds available, and they are far less expensive than yellow diamonds that are mined.

Conclusion

Yellow diamonds are valued for their rarity and beauty and may be identified by their characteristic yellow hue. Lab-grown yellow diamond substitutes are a more cost-effective choice with better control over color consistency than real yellow diamonds, which are rated according to the strength and purity of their hue. In the world of diamonds, these gems—referred to as “canaries,” “capes,” or by their technical grading—have a unique appeal. Customers are more equipped to make judgments when adding these superb jewels to their collections when they are aware of the subtleties surrounding yellow diamonds, from their origins to price and available alternatives.