Yellow Diamond Engagement Rings: What You Need to Know

Introduction
Yellow diamonds have been getting a lot of attention - and for good reason. They stand out, they’re versatile in design, and they can actually be more affordable than some colourless diamonds depending on the grade. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a diamond yellow, how they’re graded, and whether one might be right for you, this guide covers the essentials.

Why Are Some Diamonds Yellow?

- The yellow colour comes from nitrogen in the diamond’s structure. The more nitrogen, the stronger the yellow.

- Unlike colourless diamonds that are graded D–Z, yellow diamonds fall into the “fancy colour” category once the yellow is strong enough.

Intensity Breakdowns:

• Fancy Light – soft hint of yellow
• Fancy – noticeable but not too strong
• Fancy Intense – richer, bolder yellow
• Fancy Vivid – deep, striking colour

Which Shapes Show Off Yellow Best?

Not every cut works equally well for yellow diamonds. Some shapes emphasise colour, while others make it look lighter. Radiant, cushion, oval, and pear cuts usually bring out the strongest colour, making them popular choices. On the other hand, emerald and round cuts can sometimes dilute or wash out the yellow, so they’re less common for fancy coloured stones.

Settings and Metal Choices

The right setting can make a big difference in how your yellow diamond looks. Yellow or rose gold settings tend to enhance the warmth of the stone, creating a cohesive glow. White metals like platinum or white gold provide contrast, which can make the yellow stand out more sharply (depending on the intensity).

What to Focus On When Buying

When shopping for a yellow diamond, colour should be your first priority. Intense or vivid intensities carry a higher price tag, but they also have the strongest impact. Clarity is less critical than with colourless diamonds, since the yellow tone naturally hides some types of inclusions. Cut still matters greatly, though, because a well-proportioned stone balances both colour and brilliance. Finally, think about carat weight in relation to colour - a smaller vivid stone often makes a bigger impression than a larger, paler one.

Are Yellow Diamonds Rare?

In general, yellow diamonds are not rarer than white (colourless) diamonds. In fact, faint to light yellow tones are quite common in natural diamonds, which is why colourless stones graded D–F are so valuable.

What is rare are the deeper, saturated yellow diamonds (graded Fancy Intense or Fancy Vivid, often called “canary” diamonds). Those make up only a tiny fraction of mined diamonds, and their rarity pushes up their value - sometimes even beyond colourless stones of the same size and quality.

Bottom line:
If you want something different from a traditional colourless diamond, yellow diamonds are a great choice. They bring colour, personality, and flexibility in design. By prioritising colour, choosing the right cut, and setting it thoughtfully, you can find a stone that feels truly unique.

Want to search for your own fancy yellow? Reach out!