Yellow diamonds can be natural or synthesized in a lab, with nitrogen impurities causing the color. Fancy diamonds, including yellow, are graded for color intensity and cut. Some companies treat diamonds to enhance color, but true natural yellow diamonds are rare and expensive.
Yellow diamonds are diamonds that have taken on a yellow hue, either through natural interruptions in their formation process or through chemical treatments. Diamonds that are naturally this color are extremely rare, and the color is usually caused by nitrogen impurities that appear during diamond formation. Most commonly, yellow diamonds are synthesized in a laboratory; lab-grown diamonds are chemically indistinct from natural diamonds and are used extensively in ornamental jewelry and some manufacturing processes.
Usually, clear diamonds are in high demand. A flawless clear diamond that is flatteringly cut can fetch a great deal of money when set in jewelry, while a discolored diamond is not considered valuable. If, on the other hand, the color is strong and intense, it becomes what is called a fancy diamond: a natural colored diamond. Fancy diamonds such as yellow diamonds are handled and graded differently than clear diamonds, and some of the most famous diamonds in the world, such as the Hope Diamond, are fancy diamonds.
When yellow diamonds are graded, independent appraisers examine the stones to determine the basic hue and its intensity. Fancy diamonds come in red, purple, pink, brown, yellow, and sometimes green; the first thing to determine is what color the diamond is. Next, the diamond’s intensity is measured on a scale ranging from faintly patterned, meaning the color is barely noticeable, to vividly patterned, meaning the color is rich and intense. Next, the graders check the stones for inclusions, although minor inclusions aren’t as obvious as in clear ones. Finally, the stone must be well cut to bring out the gorgeous color.
A number of names are used to refer to yellow diamonds commercially including canaries, a reference to their color, and the Cape series, a reference to African mines where these diamonds are most commonly found. Because diamonds rarely appear naturally or often have a faint color, some companies treat their diamonds with irradiation and heat to impart or enhance color. The heat treatment to create colored diamonds appears to be permanent and the color should not fade or change over time unless the diamond is re-exposed to strong radiation.
Finding true natural yellow diamonds can be very difficult, due to chemical synthesis and lab diamonds. Not all jewelers can be certain where their stock comes from, especially in small jewels, so be prepared to pay a hefty sum for a certified true yellow diamond. Since most of these diamonds come from Africa, you may also want to ask the jeweler about the source, to avoid buying a blood or conflict diamond.
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