Did you know that yellow diamonds are the second most popular color diamond? We can understand that because the yellow diamonds color brings a feeling of warmth and happiness. These diamonds come in different hues of yellow, which allows for there to be a yellow color that compliments every skin tone.
McCaskill & Company Signature Collection - fancy yellow radiant cut diamonds
Describing and Color Grading a Fancy Yellow Diamond
When it comes to fancy yellow diamonds they are described using the hue, which is the initial impression of the yellow color. The hue is modified by the tone, which represents the lightness or darkness of the stones color and the saturation, which is the intensity of the color.
GIA sets the universal standard for colored diamond grading scale and uses 6 color grades: Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, Fancy Deep, Fancy Vivid, and Fancy Dark. When a colored diamond is submitted for grading it is studied by Gemologists who do a color comparison and grading.
Distinguishing a Yellow Diamond from a Fancy Yellow Diamond
Both colorless diamonds and fancy yellow diamonds are formed below the earth's surface. The difference between a colorless diamond with a yellow hue and a fancy yellow diamond is the presence of nitrogen in the diamond as it is formed. The intensity of the yellow depends on how much nitrogen is in the diamond. So while the greater the yellow in a colorless diamond can decrease the value (moving closer to Z color range) the opposite is true for a fancy yellow diamond. The more saturate the appearance of yellow in a fancy yellow diamond the more the diamond is valued.
There are also fancy yellow diamonds that have a secondary hue like: orangey-yellow (warmer), greenish yellow (cooler), and brownish yellow.
Whether a fancy yellow diamond be loose or set in jewelry it will be sure to sparkle. It will provide a brilliance that other yellow gemstones will not be able to achieve. For example, yellow sapphire is a beautiful gemstone and rich in hue but it will lack fire and flashes of light with movement.
Best Shapes for Fancy Yellow Diamonds
Shapes of diamonds and the way they are faceted can greatly affect the appearance and intensity of the color of the diamond. Fancy colored diamonds are often cut in a fancy shape (any other shape than round).
Of the 4 C's (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat) the most important for a fancy yellow diamond is color and fancy diamonds are cut to capture the most saturation of color. Popular shapes for fancy yellow diamonds are often radiant, oval, pear, and cushion. When the diamond is cut with "very good" to "excellent" for the symmetry grade the stone will have more depth on the bottom and a larger surface area.
Things to Considered When Setting a Fancy Yellow Diamond in Jewelry
Brilliant cut faceting coupled with a fancy shaped diamond makes for an unbeatable combination. Whether square or rectangular, the radiant cut diamond shape looks stunning on the hand.
Metal color impacts the appearance of the fancy yellow diamond. If you have a deeper and more intense hue an 18K yellow gold setting under the girdle or bezel setting around the center stone.
The use of small yellow sapphire or fancy intense yellow diamonds as a halo usually strengthens the yellow hue. If you are looking for an icy white effect set the stone in platinum or 18K white gold, which will give a contrast and emphasize the yellow color.
So no matter if your preference is a fiery yellow hue or a more subtle hue there is a fancy yellow diamond color that will suit your taste and style. Stop in to our Bridal Design Gallery and we would love to help you find the perfect diamond.
