Yellow is one of the most common colours found in diamonds, with white diamonds of a colour grade of J and lower exhibiting yellow tones. However, vivid yellow diamonds, known as Fancy Yellow or Canary Yellow Diamonds, are diamonds with a strong yellow colour that ranges in intensity.
Yellow diamonds are mined in South America, Africa and Australia. Western Australia is home to the famous Argyle and Ellendale mines. Both Argyle certified and Ellendale certified yellow diamonds are among the most sought after coloured diamonds in the world.
The “Cape” series of yellow toned diamonds derives its name from Cape Town in South Africa.
Some of the world’s most famous diamonds are yellow diamonds, including the Tiffany Yellow Diamond, which was mined in South Africa’s Kimberley Mine. Originally weighing 287.00 carats, it was cut to a polished cushion cut diamond of 128.54 carats by commission of Charles Tiffany in 1877.
How are yellow diamonds graded?
Fancy yellow diamonds are graded on a different colour scale to white diamonds, which is based on the intensity of colour visible in each diamond. This colour scale has five distinct colours, from the palest — yellow (Y), fancy light yellow (FVY), fancy yellow (FY), fancy intense yellow (FIY) and fancy vivid yellow (FVY).
Are yellow diamonds expensive?
Natural fancy yellow diamonds are quite rare and quite expensive due to their relative rarity. However, it is possible to purchase yellow coloured diamonds that have been treated to appear yellow, through treatments such as irradiation and High Pressure High Temperature treatment, at a much more affordable price.
Keep in mind that jewellers are ethically bound to declare whether a diamond has undergone any treatments to enhance colour or clarity, and if a natural yellow diamond does not come with a certificate from a reputable diamond certification laboratory declaring that it is a natural yellow diamond it may not be what it appears.
