A yellow diamond is a natural diamond coloured by nitrogen. GIA grades yellow diamonds by intensity, from Fancy Light to Fancy Vivid, and "canary" is a trade name, not a grade, for the most intense yellows. Fancy yellow diamonds often cost less per carat than colourless diamonds of the same size, while the rarest Fancy Vivid stones can cost more.
What makes a diamond yellow
During formation, nitrogen atoms replace some of the carbon in the crystal and absorb blue light, so the stone looks yellow. A small amount of nitrogen gives the faint tint seen in lower colourless grades. Larger amounts produce a "fancy" yellow, valued for its colour rather than in spite of it.
GIA fancy colour grades
For coloured diamonds, GIA describes the strength of colour on a scale. For yellow diamonds the main grades are:
| Grade | What you see |
|---|---|
| Fancy Light | A clear but soft yellow |
| Fancy | An obvious, even yellow |
| Fancy Intense | Rich, saturated yellow |
| Fancy Vivid | The strongest, brightest yellow, and the rarest |
| Fancy Deep / Fancy Dark | Strong colour that is darker in tone |
See our yellow diamond grading page for the full colour scale.
Canary vs fancy yellow
"Canary" is used by jewellers for bright, saturated yellow diamonds, usually Fancy Intense or Fancy Vivid. It does not appear on GIA reports. When buying, rely on the grade written on the report, not the word "canary".
Are yellow diamonds more expensive?
It depends on the intensity. Fancy Light and Fancy yellows are generally more affordable per carat than high colourless grades of the same size and quality. Fancy Intense costs more, and Fancy Vivid commands a clear premium. Size, cut and clarity matter as they do for any diamond.
Cut and colour
Cushion and radiant cuts are popular for yellow diamonds because their facets concentrate colour and can lift a stone's apparent grade. Setting a yellow diamond in yellow gold, or with a yellow gold base under the stone, also intensifies the colour.
Natural, treated or lab grown
Yellow colour can be created in a laboratory or added by treatment. A GIA report states whether the colour is natural and whether the stone is laboratory grown. For a significant purchase, ask for the report and check its number on GIA's website.
Browse fancy yellow diamonds and fine jewellery at GEMLUX, or contact us to source a specific stone.
FAQ
Is a yellow diamond a real diamond?
Yes. Natural yellow diamonds are real diamonds coloured by nitrogen. Lab-grown yellow diamonds are also diamond, but must be disclosed as lab grown.
What is the most valuable yellow diamond grade?
Fancy Vivid, the most saturated yellow.
Is canary a GIA grade?
No. It is a trade name for intense, bright yellows.
What setting suits a yellow diamond?
Yellow gold or a yellow gold under-setting makes the colour look stronger. Platinum and white gold give a cooler contrast.