Yellow Diamond Rings: Everything You Need To Know About These Vibrant Gemstones

 
 

Pear shaped yellow diamond yellow gold halo engagement ring

Yellow diamonds, often referred to as canary diamonds or fancy yellow diamonds, are a captivating and covetable gemstone known for their vibrant and sunny hue, making yellow diamond rings highly sought-after. Whether you prefer a pale yellow or a vivid canary yellow, these diamonds are sure to make a statement.

Formation and Origin

Yellow diamonds, like all diamonds, are formed from carbon. What sets them apart is the presence of nitrogen atoms within the carbon structure, giving them a yellow hue. The more nitrogen, the more intense the yellow. Born in diamond mines worldwide, including South Africa, Australia, Brazil, and Russia, their shades are shaped by the geological tales of each location, adding to the allure of these golden gems.

Symbolism and Meaning

Yellow diamonds are associated with energy, happiness, and a positive outlook on life. The vibrant yellow colour is often linked to the sun, warmth, and joy, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewellery that symbolise love and happiness. It's also considered a symbol of creativity and clarity of thought.

Are Yellow Diamonds Rare?

Quite simply, yes! Yellow diamonds are much rarer than white diamonds, although not as rare as their pink, blue and red counterparts. Whilst yellow diamonds are generally rare, fancy vivid grade the most uncommon, making them highly sought after, with the value reflecting their scarcity.

Yellow diamond drop pendant

Types of Yellow Diamonds

These variations are due to different factors during their formation and the presence of various elements and defects within the diamond's carbon structure, most commonly by nitrogen impurities trapped during their formation. Here's a glimpse into the fascinating types of yellow diamonds:

Radiant cut yellow diamond halo engagement ring with diamond band

1. Light Yellow Diamonds:

These diamonds exhibit a gentle and delicate yellow hue, often reminiscent of a soft, sunny glow. Light yellow diamonds are enchanting in their understated elegance, perfect for those who appreciate a touch of warmth in their jewellery.

2. Fancy Yellow Diamonds:

Natural fancy yellow diamond halo engagement ring

Stepping up in intensity, fancy yellow diamonds showcase a stronger and more pronounced yellow colouration. They catch the eye with their vibrancy, making a bold statement.

3. Intense Yellow Diamonds:

As the name suggests, intense yellow diamonds take the colour up another notch, presenting a deeper and more captivating yellow. The saturation of colour in these diamonds is notably higher, creating a gemstone that exudes luxury and allure.

4. Canary Diamonds:

The term "canary diamond" is often used to describe yellow diamonds with an intense and vivid yellow colour reminiscent of a canary bird's vibrant plumage. These diamonds are celebrated for their stunning and vivacious yellow shades, making them a popular choice for exclusive and exquisite jewellery pieces.

5. Champagne Diamonds:

Champagne diamonds are a unique subset of yellow diamonds with a softer, warm, and champagne-like hue. The colour can range from light champagne to deep champagne, and these diamonds add a touch of elegance and sophistication to jewellery designs.

Popular Cuts and Settings

Yellow diamonds are cut in various shapes to enhance their beauty and brilliance, just like other diamonds. The cut chosen depends on the specific characteristics of the diamond. When it comes to enhancing the beauty of yellow diamonds, certain cuts and settings stand out. 

The radiant cut, blending elegance with brilliance, is often favoured for its ability to intensify the yellow by maximising colour reflection. Similarly, the cushion cut, known for its vintage charm with rounded corners, complements yellow diamonds, offering a soft and elegant look that accentuates their colour. The elongated shape of an oval cut not only creates an illusion of a larger diamond but also spreads the colour evenly, enhancing the diamond's overall appearance. 

In terms of settings, yellow gold settings seamlessly complement the yellow hue, adding to the overall warmth and vibrancy, while halo settings, which encircle the yellow diamond with a halo of smaller white diamonds, create a stunning contrast and emphasise the diamond's colour.

Ultimately, the best cut and setting for a yellow diamond depends on individual preferences and the desired aesthetic, ensuring the diamond's natural beauty shines through in the chosen jewellery piece.

Care and Maintenance

To maintain the brilliance and beauty of your yellow diamond, regular cleaning and proper care are essential. Use a mild detergent and a soft brush to clean the diamond gently, avoiding any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. Store your yellow diamond separately to prevent scratching and damage. It's also advisable to have your yellow diamond professionally cleaned and inspected periodically to ensure its longevity and sparkle.

Yellow diamonds are a unique and beautiful choice for those seeking a distinctive and radiant gemstone. Whether for an engagement ring, pendant, or earrings, their exquisite colour and sparkle are sure to captivate and delight anyone fortunate enough to own or admire them.

Design Your Bespoke Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring with Simon Wright

If the allure of yellow diamond engagement rings has captured your heart and you're seeking that perfect symbol of love and commitment, we invite you to get in touch with us here at Simon Wright. We’ll be delighted to design your bespoke engagement ring with you.

Our expertly crafted designs, featuring a variety of cuts and settings that complement the beauty of yellow diamonds, are meticulously created to ensure your engagement ring is a true reflection of your style and love.

Contact us to schedule an appointment. Start your bespoke engagement ring journey today.

Be sure to follow our Instagram page for some of our latest creations, including coloured stone rings, as well as vintage-inspired rings and bespoke cufflinks.


Simon Wright is a highly respected jeweller whose precision, artistry, and dedication to craftsmanship have defined his career for over three decades. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to create meaningful, exquisitely made pieces, he has earned recognition not only from clients but also within the wider industry. Simon has contributed to the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship & Design Awards as a judge, supporting innovation in design, and has trained apprentices who have gone on to build successful careers, cementing his reputation as both a master craftsman and a mentor within the luxury jewellery world.


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