Yellow Diamond Engagement Rings

Fancy Colored Diamonds

The majority of diamonds are colorless stones, but they often have a very faint shading of color – typically yellow or brown – that lowers their quality. When that shading is intense and vibrant, however, the stones become sought after and valuable, and the diamond industry grades them as “fancy” diamonds. Red and pink shades are the most rare, though any vivid color is unusual – less than two percent of diamonds can be classified as colored.

Yellow diamonds are created by trace amounts of nitrogen in the crystal structure. Shades of color vary from a bright canary yellow to a deeper, darker marmalade hue, though the key qualities of diamond color relate to the intensity and evenness of the coloration. Marbled shades or those that appear washed-out are less valuable.

Natural yellow diamonds have been mined in Africa, South America, and Australia. Fancy colored stones tend to be small, and they make elegant accents to colorless diamonds for unique engagement rings and other pieces of jewelry.

Because of the popularity of colored diamonds, treated stones are an alternative to natural gems. High pressure, high temperature treatments can enhance the existing yellow tones of low quality diamonds, creating vivid shades and more desirable, intense colors suitable for yellow diamond engagement rings. Diamonds may also be irradiated to create an artificial coloration. If a diamond has received any such enhancements, the details of the treatment should be disclosed either on the gem’s certificate or by the jeweler.

Designs for Yellow Diamond Engagement Rings

There are limitless possibilities to create stunning engagement rings with yellow diamonds. Because of the stone’s coloration, however, not every style will be as complimentary, and couples should consider the stone’s individual characteristics and precise color when choosing a setting and design.

Stones

Heart-shaped yellow diamond solitaire.

To preserve the intense coloration of a brilliant yellow diamond, the stone’s cut and shape must be appropriate. A poor cut can reduce the sparkle and brilliance of the gem, making it appear more opaque than it truly is. Furthermore, because fancy colored diamonds vary widely in hue and intensity, it is best to use only a single colored gem rather than attempting to match shades. This will allow the solitary colored gem to be the focal point of the ring, though it may be accented with smaller gems or other design details.

Metals

Depending on the richness of the color, yellow diamond engagement rings are often most attractive when set in yellow gold. This can subtly enhance their unusual color, though take care that the gold’s tone does not overpower a light yellow diamond. If the shade is very light, using white gold or platinum may inadvertently diffuse the stone’s color and make it appear to be more of a low-quality colorless diamond rather than a rare fancy colored stone.

Settings

The best settings for yellow diamond rings are ones that ultimately enhance the stone. Prong or other elevated designs subtly separate the colored gem from integrated accents, drawing the eye toward the unique gem rather than blending it in with other stones. An unusual setting will also help draw the eye toward the yellow diamond.

Famous Yellow Diamond Engagement Rings

In recent years, more and more interest has been paid to celebrity styles, and the scrutiny of engagement rings is no different. Paris Hilton’s engagement ring (reported to be a total of 24 carats and costing $5 million) is perhaps one of the most famous using fancy yellow gems, though musician Seal and supermodel Heidi Klum supposedly sealed their intentions with a yellow gem, and yellow diamond engagement rings have been seen in the possession of actor Dennis Quaid, model Veronica Varekova, and producer Rodney Jenkins.

Affordable Alternatives

Because yellow diamonds are so rare and expensive, many couples seek more affordable alternatives. Yellow sapphires, topaz, and other naturally yellow stones such as citrine and shades of garnet are cheaper gems that can provide gorgeous yellow rings without the same hefty price tags carried by authentic yellow diamonds.

Fancy colored diamonds are increasingly popular with both celebrities and anyone interested in a distinctive, unusual engagement ring. Yellow diamond engagement rings, in particular, are rapidly becoming sought-after, coveted baubles to adorn the fingers of brides-to-be, and even couples who cannot afford a true fancy diamond are seeking alternatives with the same exotic flair as the unique gems. From bright canary yellow to darker, more mysterious hues, yellow diamonds are the perfect choice for any discriminating couple.