Thinking of an engagement ring automatically evokes an image of a colorless diamond solitaire. However, this isn’t always the case. Engagement rings are highly personal items of jewelry and can be set with colored stones as well as colored diamonds rather than colorless ones. The 2017 trends saw a marked increase of interest in non-solitaire rings. Similarly, yellow diamonds have grown in popularity over the past few decades. These gorgeous gemstones can be set in antique style settings as well as modern ones. If making the decision between a yellow diamond versus a white diamond is a tough one for you, we’re here to help.
Fancy diamonds are not graded on the D – Z scale. For instance, yellow diamonds are graded on a special scale: fancy light yellow – fancy yellow – fancy intense yellow – fancy deep yellow – fancy vivid yellow.
Why are yellow diamonds yellow?
Diamonds are generally 99.95% carbon. The remaining percentage is usually trace elements that can sometimes affect a diamond’s color. One of the most commonly occurring trace element in diamonds is nitrogen, which is the source of yellow diamonds’ color. Here’s what’s interesting: Colorless diamonds are graded for their color on a scale D – Z, with D being the most transparent, like a drop of water. A vast majority of diamonds are somewhere between D and Z, which is to say that most diamonds have varying degrees of trace nitrogen. Diamonds which have no nitrogen at all – the D color diamonds – are extremely rare. However, intensely colored or “fancy” yellow diamonds are even more rare than colorless diamonds.
Fancy diamonds are not graded on the D – Z scale. For instance, yellow diamonds are graded on a special scale: fancy light yellow – fancy yellow – fancy intense yellow – fancy deep yellow – fancy vivid yellow.
The most famous yellow diamond
Jewelry connoisseurs associate Tiffany & Co. with yellow diamonds nearly as much as their trademark blue color. In fact, for quite some time Tiffany had exclusive access to yellow diamonds mined in Ellendale, Australia – the largest yellow diamond mine until it closed in 2015. The world-famous Tiffany Diamond was mined in 1877 in South Africa. Once cut and faceted, this impressive fancy yellow diamond weighed a whopping 128.54 carats. It was once set in an enchanting necklace by Jean Schlumberger for Audrey Hepburn to wear while promoting the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Surprisingly, this famous yellow diamond never sold and remains on display in Tiffany’s flagship Fifth Avenue store.Celebrities and yellow diamond rings
Today, yellow diamond rings are rising in popularity. Many celebrities flaunt their sparklers of the rising sun wearing yellow diamond engagement rings, yellow diamond wedding bands, and yellow diamond right-hand rings. Some of them include Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Underwood, Hillary Clinton, Heidi Klum, and Rebecca Romijn.What does a yellow diamond ring symbolize?
Our culture already attaches certain symbolism to diamond rings. The color of yellow diamonds only adds to the meanings of strength and eternity. Yellow diamond engagement rings evoke joy, happiness and prosperity. Therefore, yellow diamonds make a fantastic choice for an engagement ring.
An antique yellow diamond ring, a modern yellow diamond ring or a custom yellow diamond ring – you’ll find them at Leo Hamel’s
Leo Hamel Fine Jewelry & Engagement Ring Store is the largest independent jewelry store in San Diego. Visit our vast and luxurious jewelry store on San Diego Avenue to find the best yellow diamond ring for you. We carry an extensive collection of yellow diamonds of all shapes, sizes and ages. If we don’t have what you’re looking for, we can find it for you. Just drop by – we’d love to welcome you!
