Fancy Coloured Yellow Diamonds
Fancy Coloured Loose Yellow Diamonds are among the most popular gemstones after Colourless Diamonds. Within the category of Natural Fancy Coloured Diamonds, yellow diamonds are purchased more than any other shade thanks to their vivid brilliance and timeless charm.
In short: Yellow diamonds (canary diamonds at the top saturation tier) get their colour from nitrogen atoms in the crystal lattice — the most abundant fancy colour after brown. GIA grades them Faint, Very Light, Light, Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, Fancy Vivid, Fancy Deep. Fancy Vivid Yellow typically runs £4,000-25,000 per carat, roughly 3-5x Fancy Light pricing. Lab-grown yellow diamonds cost 70-85% less at identical 4Cs.
Around 60% of all Fancy Coloured Diamonds are yellow. Their radiant golden hue is often linked with sunlight, joy, and prosperity, making them a favourite for both jewellery lovers and collectors.
The rarest examples are fancy vivid yellow, sometimes called “Canary Diamonds.” These stones display a pure, saturated yellow colour without overtones, commanding exceptional value.
WHERE DO FANCY YELLOW DIAMONDS COME FROM?
Yellow diamonds are mined in South Africa, Angola, Borneo, Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sierra Leone. South Africa’s Cape Province gave rise to “Cape Stones,” lighter yellows that sit outside the fancy category. Brazil produces yellow diamonds with greenish fluorescence, while Angola yields both colourless and pure yellow stones.
The rarest of all are Zimmi Yellow Diamonds from Sierra Leone, renowned for their unmatched saturation and valued up to twice the price of standard vivid yellows.
WHAT MAKES THEM YELLOW?
On the GIA colour scale, diamonds graded D–Z range from colourless to light yellow. Beyond Z, the yellow becomes vivid enough to qualify as a Fancy Coloured Diamond. Nitrogen in the crystal structure absorbs blue light, giving the diamond its striking yellow tone.
SHADES OF YELLOW
Yellow diamonds appear in a range of intensities: fancy light, fancy yellow, fancy intense, fancy vivid, and fancy deep. Pure, vivid yellows without brown or green undertones are the most desirable.
CANARY YELLOW DIAMONDS
“Canary” is a popular term for vivid Fancy Yellow Diamonds. Although widely used, it is not an official GIA grading term.
SECONDARY COLOURS
Secondary hues (pink, orange, green, or brown) affect value. Desirable tones such as orange-yellow increase prices, while brownish-yellow stones are generally less valuable.
FLUORESCENCE AND VALUE
Fluorescence, a diamond’s glow under UV light, often reduces the value of yellow diamonds—especially with medium or strong blue fluorescence. Non-fluorescent stones are rarer and therefore more valuable.
PRICE GUIDE
Fancy light yellow diamonds are often priced like colourless stones. Fancy intense yellows cost 25–50% more, while vivid yellows can be two to three times as valuable. Rare Zimmi Yellows may reach $20,000–$30,000 per carat.
ARE YELLOW DIAMONDS A GOOD INVESTMENT?
Yes. Only 0.01% of diamonds are naturally coloured, making them extremely rare. Intense and vivid yellow diamonds are especially sought after by collectors and investors.
YELLOW DIAMONDS IN JEWELLERY
Their vibrant colour makes them a beautiful choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, earrings, and bracelets. Yellow diamonds suit all cuts—from round and cushion to radiant, pear, and oval.
ENGAGEMENT RINGS
If you want a distinctive and modern engagement ring, a Fancy Yellow Diamond is a perfect choice. Its rarity and bold colour set it apart from traditional colourless diamonds.
FAMOUS YELLOW DIAMONDS
The 287.42ct Tiffany Yellow Diamond and the 407.78ct Incomparable Diamond are two of the most famous examples. The Zimmi Yellow Diamonds of Sierra Leone are also world-renowned for their exceptional saturation.
CELEBRITIES WHO LOVE YELLOW DIAMONDS
Audrey Hepburn wore the Tiffany Yellow Diamond, while modern celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Kate Winslet, and Natalie Portman have all showcased yellow diamond jewellery on the red carpet.
CARING FOR YELLOW DIAMOND JEWELLERY
For best results, have your jewellery professionally cleaned. At home, use warm soapy water, a soft brush, and a polishing cloth.
WHERE TO BUY
Rêve Diamonds offers a wide selection of GIA-certified Fancy Yellow Diamonds in all shapes and carat weights. Our Hatton Garden showroom specialises in bespoke engagement rings, wedding rings, and fine jewellery.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are yellow diamonds natural?
Yes. Their colour comes from nitrogen present during formation.
Do they sparkle as much as white diamonds?
Yes, brilliance depends on cut, and yellow diamonds can be just as fiery as colourless stones.
Which metal suits yellow diamonds best?
They look stunning in platinum, white gold, or yellow gold depending on your preference for contrast or harmony.
Are lab-grown yellow diamonds available?
Yes, see our lab-grown diamonds collection for sustainable and affordable options.
