FANCY COLOURED YELLOW DIAMONDS

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.