Diamonds are undoubtedly one of the most sought-after gems in the world, and they come in a wide variety of colours, from classic white to rare and exotic hues like yellow. One common belief among diamond buyers is that yellow diamonds are more expensive than white diamonds due to their scarcity and unique beauty.

But is this really true?

We’ll answer that in this post, so keep reading!

The Factors That Affect Diamond Prices

Sparkling, dazzling, and oh-so-precious - diamonds are the ultimate gemstone that everyone desires. However, diamonds aren't all cut from the same cloth, and their prices can vary as much as their unique characteristics.

So, what makes one diamond more expensive than the other?

Carat Weight

Carat weight is the measurement of a diamond's size, one of the most important factors affecting its price. As a rule of thumb, the larger the diamond, the higher its price. However, the price per carat of a diamond increases exponentially as its size increases. 

For example, a one-carat diamond can cost significantly less than a two-carat diamond of the same quality.

Cut

The cut of a diamond refers to its proportions and angles, and it significantly impacts its beauty and value. A well-cut diamond reflects light better, making it sparkle more, and it can appear larger than a poorly cut diamond of the same carat weight. A diamond's cut is graded from excellent to poor; the better the cut, the higher the price.

Clarity

Clarity refers to the presence or absence of blemishes or inclusions inside or on the surface of a diamond. These imperfections can affect the diamond's brilliance and overall appearance. The clarity of a diamond is graded on a scale from flawless to included, and the fewer imperfections, the higher the price.

However, it's important to note that some inclusions, such as those not visible to the naked eye, may not significantly affect the diamond's beauty or value.

Color

Diamond Color Chart

The color of a diamond can range from colorless to yellow or brown, and it's another factor that affects its price. Coloured diamonds are the rarest and most valuable, while colourless diamonds are less rare and therefore less valuable. The colour of a diamond is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown), and the closer it is to D, the higher the price.

Rarity

Finally, the rarity of a diamond can also affect its price. Some diamonds, such as pink, blue, or red diamonds, are extremely rare and valuable. The intensity of the colour can also affect the price, with more vivid and intense colours commanding higher prices.

Are Yellow Diamonds More Expensive Than White?

Now that we've explored the key factors that affect diamond prices, let's look at the price comparison between yellow and white diamonds. While yellow diamonds have been touted as more expensive than their white counterparts, the truth is that it's not always the case.

Yellow Diamonds

On average, yellow diamonds are more expensive than white diamonds. However, this doesn't mean all yellow diamonds cost more than white diamonds. Several factors, such as carat weight, cut, clarity, and color influence the price of a diamond.

For example, a 1-carat yellow diamond with a fancy cut and VS1 clarity can cost more than a 1-carat round white diamond with an excellent cut and VS2 clarity. In this case, the rarity of the yellow diamond and its unique cut can make it more valuable than a standard white diamond.

Similarly, a 1-carat white diamond with a D color, VS1 clarity, and excellent cut can cost significantly more than a 1-carat yellow diamond with an H color, VS2 clarity, and good cut. In this case, the white diamond's superior color, clarity, and cut make it more valuable.

Yellow diamonds are generally less expensive than white diamonds of similar quality. However, this doesn't mean that yellow diamonds are of lower quality. It's just that white diamonds are more popular and in higher demand than yellow diamonds.

To give you a better idea of the price differences between yellow and white diamonds, here are some examples of yellow and white diamonds with similar characteristics and their respective prices:

  1. A 1-carat round yellow diamond with a VS1 clarity and excellent cut can cost around $5,000. A 1-carat round white diamond with the same clarity and cut can cost around $7,000.
  2. A 2-carat cushion-cut yellow diamond with an SI1 clarity and good cut can cost around $12,000. A 2-carat cushion-cut white diamond with the same clarity and cut can cost around $18,000.
  3. A 3-carat princess-cut yellow diamond with a VS2 clarity and excellent cut can cost around $30,000. A 3-carat princess-cut white diamond with the same clarity and cut can cost around $45,000.

Conclusion

In conclusion, diamond prices are influenced by several factors, including carat weight, cut, clarity, color, and rarity. While yellow diamonds are often perceived as less valuable than their white counterparts, the truth is that it's not always the case. The rarity and uniqueness of a diamond can significantly impact its value, regardless of its color.

When purchasing a diamond, it's essential to consider all the factors that affect its value to ensure you're getting the best value for your money.

Don't be swayed by popular myths or assumptions about diamond prices. Instead, research, compare prices, and choose a diamond that fits your budget and personal preferences.

FAQs

Are yellow diamonds of lower quality than white diamonds?

No, yellow diamonds are not of lower quality than white diamonds. The color of a diamond does not affect its quality or durability. Yellow diamonds are simply a different color variation and can have the same characteristics and qualities as white diamonds.

What is the cheapest diamond color?

When it comes to natural fancy colored diamonds, brown diamonds are typically the most affordable. Unlike colourless diamonds, where factors such as clarity and cut can significantly impact their pricing, color is the most critical determinant of the price of fancy colored diamonds. Therefore, the color of a brown diamond is paramount in determining its value, while factors like clarity and cut have less impact.

What color of diamond is the most expensive?

Red diamonds are the most valuable coloured diamonds due to their rarity and deep, vivid crimson colour. On average, they can cost over $1 million per carat, making them the most expensive per carat among all colored diamonds. The largest red diamond ever sold was a 5.11-carat gem that fetched a staggering $8 million, translating to a per-carat cost of $1.6 million.