Diamonds are the most popular gemstones, but did you know that yellow diamonds are one of the rarest and most sought-after colours in the diamond family?

Yellow diamonds are coveted for their unique and striking colour, ranging from a pale lemon hue to a deep, vivid shade of yellow.

Real Yellow Diamonds

But have you ever wondered where these beautiful gems come from or what gives them their distinct colour?

In this blog post, we'll explore the origins and characteristics of real yellow diamonds. We'll delve into the science behind their beautiful hue, the rarity of these gems, and the unique features that make them so special.

The Science Behind Real Yellow Diamonds

Yellow diamonds are among the most beautiful and captivating gemstones in the world. The vibrant yellow hue of these diamonds results from several factors, including the presence of nitrogen atoms in their crystal structure.

Let’s explore the science behind yellow diamonds and how they differ from other coloured diamonds.

What Causes the Yellow Color in Diamonds?

The yellow colour in diamonds is caused by trace elements or structural defects in their crystal lattice. In the case of yellow diamonds, nitrogen is the primary element responsible for their colour. When nitrogen atoms are present in a diamond, they can absorb blue light, resulting in the stone's yellow colouration.

Interestingly, the intensity of the yellow colour in a diamond can vary depending on the amount of nitrogen present in the crystal. 

For example, diamonds with a high concentration of nitrogen atoms will have a more intense yellow colour than those with lower concentrations.

The Role of Nitrogen in Yellow Diamonds

Nitrogen is the most common impurity found in diamonds and is crucial in determining their colour. When nitrogen atoms are present in the diamond's crystal lattice, they can distort the structure of the crystal, causing the absorption of specific wavelengths of light. This, in turn, leads to the yellow colour of the diamond.

It's worth noting that nitrogen can also contribute to the formation of other coloured diamonds, such as pink and blue diamonds. In these cases, nitrogen combines with other factors, such as structural defects, to create unique colourations in the diamond.

The Rarity of Yellow Diamonds

Yellow diamonds are not only beautiful and unique, but they're also incredibly rare. In this section, we'll explore the fascinating rarity of yellow diamonds, from their statistics and historical significance to the famous diamonds that have captured the world's attention.

Statistics on the Rarity of Yellow Diamonds

Yellow diamonds are relatively rare, with only around 1 out of every 10,000 diamonds found possessing a natural yellow colour. However, the intensity of the yellow hue can vary greatly, with more vivid yellow diamonds being even rarer.

In terms of size, most yellow diamonds are small, with the majority weighing less than one carat. Larger yellow diamonds are exceptionally rare, with only a handful of stones weighing over 100 carats ever found.

Historical Significance of Yellow Diamonds

Yellow diamonds have a long and fascinating history, dating back centuries. One of the most famous yellow diamonds is the 128.54-carat Tiffany Yellow Diamond, which was discovered in the Kimberley Mines of South Africa in 1877.

Charles Lewis Tiffany purchased the diamond and later cut it into a cushion shape with 90 facets, making it one of the most stunning yellow diamonds in the world.

Famous Yellow Diamonds and Their Stories

Aside from the Tiffany Yellow Diamond, many other famous yellow diamonds have unique and fascinating stories. One such diamond is the 110-carat Sun-Drop Diamond, found in South Africa in 2010. The diamond was sold for a record-breaking $12.4 million at auction and is known for its intense, vivid yellow colour.

Another famous yellow diamond is the Incomparable Diamond, a 407.48-carat diamond with a yellowish-brown hue. The diamond was discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 1980s and was initially mistaken for a large piece of quartz. The diamond was later cut into a shield shape and is now one of the world's largest and most valuable diamonds.

The Unique Features of Yellow Diamonds

Yellow diamonds are not only rare and valuable, but they also possess unique features that set them apart from other diamonds. Here, we will explore the cut and clarity of yellow diamonds, how they are used in jewellery design, and what to look for when buying a yellow diamond.

Cut and Clarity of Yellow Diamonds

The cut and clarity of a yellow diamond are essential factors that affect its value and overall appearance. Yellow diamonds are often cut in fancy shapes, such as cushion, pear, and radiant, to enhance their colour and brilliance. The clarity of yellow diamonds can vary, with some stones having inclusions that are visible to the naked eye, while others are completely flawless.

The intensity of the yellow colour can also affect the cut of the diamond. More vivid yellow diamonds are often cut with larger facets to allow more light to enter and reflect off the diamond, creating a more vibrant appearance.

Yellow Diamonds in Jewelry Design

Yellow diamonds are popular choices in jewellery design, particularly in engagement rings and other high-end pieces. The unique colour of yellow diamonds can add a warm and vibrant touch to any piece of jewellery, and their rarity makes them highly coveted by collectors and connoisseurs.

Yellow diamonds are often paired with other diamonds or gemstones to create stunning colour combinations. To complement their unique colour, they can also be set in various metals, including platinum, gold, and rose gold.

The Value of Yellow Diamonds and What to Look for When Buying

Several factors, including the colour, cut, and carat weight determine the value of a yellow diamond. Vivid yellow diamonds are the most valuable, while lighter yellow diamonds are less valuable. The cut and carat weight of the diamond also affects its value, with larger and more intricately cut diamonds being more valuable.

When buying a yellow diamond, it's important to consider the 4Cs - colour, cut, clarity, and carat weight. A high-quality yellow diamond should have a vivid, consistent colour, an excellent cut, clarity, and significant carat weight. It's also important to purchase from a reputable dealer who can provide certification and ensure the authenticity of the diamond.

Conclusion

In conclusion, real yellow diamonds are fascinating and rare and have captivated people for centuries. From their origins deep within the earth to their unique colour and features, yellow diamonds hold a special place in the world of gemstones.

As explored in this article, the science behind their yellow colour, rarity, and unique features make them highly valued and sought after by collectors and connoisseurs.

FAQs

How much are real yellow diamonds worth?

On average, a yellow diamond with decent clarity and colour typically costs between $3,000 and $5,000 per carat. However, for a fancy vivid yellow diamond, which exhibits the most intense and desirable colour, the price can skyrocket to between $8,000 and $16,000 per carat.

Are yellow diamonds real diamonds?

Yellow diamonds are undeniably stunning and completely natural. Unlike some artificially treated diamonds, yellow diamonds are 100% authentic and formed through the same natural processes as colourless diamonds.

Which country is best for yellow diamonds?

South Africa is the source of the world's most vivid yellow diamonds, which are exceedingly rare. As a result of their scarcity, yellow diamonds are typically more expensive than their white counterparts, particularly for larger stones, which can command astronomical prices.