What Classifies A Yellow Diamond As a Fancy Colored Diamond?

 

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Fancy yellow diamonds, commonly known as canary diamonds, are part of a special group of vibrant gemstones. Their golden hue arises from nitrogen atoms within the diamond’s structure. The higher the nitrogen concentration, the deeper and more intense the yellow shade.

While standard colorless diamonds may show a slight yellow tint based on their grading, when yellow becomes the dominant hue, the diamond is classified as “fancy color,” which raises its value.

Fancy yellow diamonds vary from light yellow to intense, rich yellow. Some even exhibit secondary hues, like orange or brown. Diamonds with a bright, pure yellow color are often referred to as Canary Diamonds or Yellow Canary Diamonds.

How Do Fancy Yellow Diamonds Form?

Yellow diamonds get their sunny color from nitrogen atoms embedded in their structure. These nitrogen atoms absorb blue light, making the gem’s yellow color appear stronger. The higher the nitrogen content, the more vivid the yellow shade.

A small amount of nitrogen can put a colorless diamond lower on the grading scale, such as H or L, which is less appealing for buyers seeking pure white diamonds. But with increased nitrogen, the yellow intensifies, turning the diamond into a rare, highly sought-after gemstone.

Defining the Allure of Canary Diamonds.

Canary yellow diamonds stand out as the most valuable and sought-after of all yellow diamonds. Like the bright canary bird, these diamonds have a deep, intense yellow color that’s a step above lighter or less vibrant yellows, which can detract from the look of colorless diamonds.

Officially, these dazzling gems are classified as fancy yellow diamonds, with grading that spans from fancy intense to fancy vivid yellow on the GIA color scale. “Canary Yellow” is a casual term to describe yellow diamonds that display a pure and vivid yellow color.

Due to their exceptional beauty and rarity, canary yellow diamonds often have a higher market value and fetch strong resale prices compared to other types of yellow diamonds.

Understanding Yellow Diamond Color Grades.

For white diamonds, color is assessed on a scale from D to Z. A D-graded diamond is completely colorless, while Z indicates a noticeable yellow or brown tint. Extending this scale beyond Z would lead to a fully saturated yellow diamond, otherwise known as a Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond. These diamonds display vibrant yellow hues without any whiteness.

The GIA color grading scale for yellow diamonds classifies them in several distinct categories, from: 

faint, 

very light, 

light, 

fancy light, 

fancy, 

fancy intense, 

and the deepest hues of fancy vivid, fancy deep, or fancy dark.

How Much Do Fancy Yellow Diamonds Really Cost?

The cost of fancy yellow diamonds varies widely, from about $2,500 to over $20,000 per carat, depending on several factors. For a quality 1-carat yellow diamond, you can expect to spend at least $3,000 to $3,500.

A range of elements influences the price of yellow diamonds:

The Yellow Color Grade: Diamonds with lighter hues, like “Faint” or “Very Light” yellow, are generally more affordable. In contrast, stones graded as Fancy Intense or Fancy Vivid yellow are more expensive.

Secondary Hues: The most prized yellow diamonds, such as Canary Diamonds, feature a pure yellow color or have orange or green overtones. In comparison, diamonds with a brownish-yellow tint often, though not always, come at a lower price point.

Cut and Clarity: As with colorless diamonds, the 4Cs – including cut and clarity – play a critical role in determining the value of yellow diamonds.

Carat Weight: Larger yellow diamonds are significantly rarer, which means they command a higher price per carat than smaller ones.

Are Yellow Diamonds Genuine?

Absolutely! Yellow diamonds are totally real and undeniably captivating. These diamonds undergo the same natural formation process as colorless diamonds and hold considerable value in the gemstone market.

Additionally, lab-created fancy yellow diamonds are as authentic as their mined counterparts. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and visually identical to earth-formed diamonds. Some may even argue that lab-grown diamonds are more environmentally conscious, producing equally beautiful diamonds at a fraction of the cost.

Which Cut Works Best for Yellow Diamonds?

While round cuts are popular for colorless diamonds, they can dilute the color intensity in yellow diamonds. Instead, cuts like radiant and cushion are recommended, as they enhance the depth of color.

Radiant and cushion cuts have faceting systems that emphasize the vibrant yellow hue while providing optimal sparkle. These cuts maximize color saturation and maintain exceptional brilliance, creating a dazzling display of fiery sparkle.

Choosing the Right Metal Color for Yellow Diamonds.

When selecting a metal for a yellow diamond, you can create a unique look by playing with contrasting or complementary shades. The yellow color of the diamond can either stand out or blend in beautifully, depending on the metal you choose.

Popular Metal Choices for Engagement Rings

Common metals for engagement ring settings include platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold. Each metal type brings its own character to yellow diamonds, so the decision depends on the style you want to achieve.

Platinum and White Gold for Bold Contrast

For fancy deep or vivid canary yellow diamonds, platinum and white gold are excellent choices. These lighter metals create a strong contrast, making the diamond’s vibrant yellow hue pop. Such a setting draws attention to the diamond, ensuring your yellow diamond ring makes a memorable impression.

Enhancing Color with Side Stones and Halo Settings

Pairing a yellow center diamond with colorless side stones or setting it in a halo further emphasizes the vibrant color. This setting style enhances the center stone, drawing the eye and creating a captivating focal point.

Yellow and Rose Gold for a Richer, Darker Look

Darker metal choices like yellow or rose gold can make a yellow diamond appear deeper and more intense. This effect can help you save by choosing a faint or light yellow diamond, as the setting’s color naturally enriches the diamond’s appearance, giving it a warmer, more vivid look.

Top Ring Settings for Yellow Diamonds.

When it comes to showcasing yellow diamonds, our top choices for ring settings include halo and side stone designs. These settings not only enhance the diamond’s natural beauty but also bring out its distinctive color.

Halo Settings for Amplifying Sparkle and Size.

Halo settings beautifully complement yellow diamonds, especially with radiant or cushion cuts. This setting surrounds the center stone with a circle of smaller diamonds, maximizing sparkle and creating an illusion of a larger diamond. Halo designs are perfect for adding a layer of brilliance to yellow diamonds.

Side Stone Settings to Highlight Your Yellow Diamond.

Side stone settings are ideal for highlighting a yellow diamond and adding a unique touch to your ring. This style frames the center diamond with additional stones, enhancing its color and making the ring stand out. Side stone settings come in a variety of chic and bold designs, offering numerous diamond accents in various cuts to suit personal preferences.

Are Yellow Diamonds Also Created in Labs?

Yes, lab-created yellow diamonds come in a full spectrum of yellow shades, sizes, and cuts. These lab-grown diamonds are popular among online jewelry retailers, offering a range of choices at much lower prices than their natural counterparts. Since they’re easier to produce, lab-created diamonds are widely accessible and affordable.

Affordability and Accessibility of Lab-Grown Diamonds.

One of the main benefits of lab-created yellow diamonds is their affordability. While they’re chemically and visually identical to natural diamonds, lab diamonds are more economical, allowing buyers to enjoy the beauty of a yellow diamond without the higher cost.

Lower Resale Value Compared to Natural Diamonds.

A downside to lab-grown diamonds is their lower rarity, which translates to minimal resale value. Unlike natural diamonds, which are prized for their uniqueness and scarcity, lab-created diamonds are more common. However, if your main goal is to own a stunning yellow diamond at an affordable price, a lab-created option is worth considering.