The Fancy Yellow Color Scale

The color scale of a natural colorless diamond is graded from D - Z. However, close to where the colorless scale ends, the fancy color diamond scale begins. In fact, "Cape diamonds", which are stones that fall within the X- Y– Z range of the colorless scale, contain quite noticeable traces of yellow or brown color tones. This marks the beginning of what is a yellow diamond, represented by the Fancy Yellow and Fancy Brown diamond color scale, which highlights the transition from colorless to colored diamonds.

Fancy Yellow (otherwise known as Canary diamonds) and Fancy Brown diamonds (otherwise known as Cognac or Champagne colored Diamonds) are the only color diamonds that start from within the colorless grading scale.

Yellow Colored Diamonds starting from Cape colors (4 stones on the left are from the U-V through X-Y-Z range) continuing to Fancy Light Yellow , Fancy Yellow, Fancy Intense Yellow, Fancy Vivid Yellow and Fancy Deep Yellow

Read More About Color in Diamonds

What is a yellow diamond ? Fancy yellow diamonds are graded according to the hue of yellow color within the stones.

In general, diamonds at the top of the scale contain the weakest tone of yellow and are known as Light Yellow. These stones are dominantly yellow but with almost equal traces of white throughout the stones.

At the other end of the scale, stones that contain the strongest tones of yellow are known as Fancy Vivid Yellow. These stones have no white traces and, depending on the color saturation and distribution, contain an extremely yellow color throughout.

 

Fancy Yellow Color Intensity

The fancy yellow colored diamond scale is not as simple as a straight line with different shades of color. Pure Yellow diamonds with no overtones are found with six different color grades: Light (X-Y-Z range), Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, Fancy Vivid, and Fancy Deep - and all are 100% completely natural. Yellow diamonds with overtones, can also appear with a Fancy Dark intensity.

Sometimes, the cut of the diamond actually enables a better intensity of color to show from the finished product, hence the importance of purchasing a diamond from someone you trust.

While they are still extremely rare, as a result of how abundant they are in comparison to other fancy colors, their prices are competitively affordable. In fact, there are many that feel that going with a fancy yellow stone is a perfect introduction to the fancy colored diamond world since the appearance is magnificent while the cost is not as extravagant.

The most popular shades are Fancy Yellow and Fancy Intense Yellow stones and for those who can afford them, also Fancy Vivid Yellow.

 Read More About Diamond Color Intensity

Secondary Hues

A pure or straight fancy color stone with only one color present is preferred by most, but the majority of color diamonds actually contain one, two, or even up to three overtone colors. The secondary shades most common in fancy yellow diamonds are green and orange. The pure dark tones often contain brownish or greenish hues.

Although most buyers prefer a pure color stone, certain color combinations, such as an Orangy Yellow, can really be quite mesmerizing.

The image below showcases all the various hues and intensities of what is a yellow diamond, serving as the primary color.

Some Yellow diamonds are also Chameleon Diamonds, where the diamond temporarily changes its color when gently heated or when left in darkness for a period of time.