Yellow Diamonds
Yellow diamonds, also known as canary diamonds or fancy yellow diamonds, are a rare and highly prized type of diamond that boasts a vibrant yellow color. Unlike traditional colorless diamonds, yellow diamonds owe their color to the presence of nitrogen atoms in their crystal structure. The more nitrogen atoms present, the more intense and vivid the yellow color.
History and Origin
Yellow diamonds were first discovered in the early 19th century in South Africa, which remains the primary source of these gemstones today. In 1867, the famous Eureka Diamond, a 21.25-carat yellow diamond, was discovered in South Africa, which helped fuel the demand and popularity of these gemstones.
In the 20th century, yellow diamonds gained further attention when they became a popular choice for engagement rings among celebrities and the elite. Notable yellow diamond jewelry pieces include the Taylor-Burton Diamond, a 69.42-carat pear-shaped yellow diamond that was famously owned by Elizabeth Taylor.
Color and Characteristics
Yellow diamonds are graded based on their color intensity, ranging from light yellow to fancy vivid yellow. The most valuable yellow diamonds are those with a deep and intense yellow hue, with no traces of brown or gray. Yellow diamonds with a secondary color, such as green or orange, are also highly sought after and can command high prices. The most prized fancy yellow diamonds are Fancy Vivid Yellow.
In addition to their color, yellow diamonds are graded based on their clarity, cut, and carat weight. The cut of a yellow diamond is particularly important, as it affects the gemstone's ability to reflect light and showcase its color and brilliance.
Value and Rarity
Yellow diamonds are rarer than traditional colorless diamonds, with only a small percentage of diamonds exhibiting a natural yellow color. As a result, yellow diamonds can command premium prices in the gemstone market, with the value determined by the intensity of the yellow color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
Fancy vivid yellow diamonds are the most valuable and rarest of all yellow diamonds. In 2014, a 100-carat fancy vivid yellow diamond sold for $16.3 million at auction, setting a new world record for the highest price ever paid for a yellow diamond.
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