Yellow Diamond Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide

White diamonds will always have our hearts, but when it comes to rarer stones, yellow diamonds have them beat. Not only are they exceptional, but they certainly stand out in a sea of colorless diamonds.

When it comes to yellow diamonds, you have various hues to choose from, something you, of course, can't find in colorless diamonds. "A fancy colored yellow diamond are those that fall outside the traditional D-Z color grade scale. GIA grades colored diamonds one of six color grades: Fancy Light, Fancy Yellow, Fancy Dark, Fancy Deep, Fancy Intense, and Fancy Vivid. These grades indicate how intense the yellow color is. The deeper the yellow, the more valuable the stone," says Hannah Florman, fine jewelry consultant and owner of Hannah Florman. 

Pros and Cons of Yellow Diamond Engagement Rings

If you are looking for a truly unique engagement ring, yellow diamonds could be your answer. Consider that diamonds have more brilliance than gemstones, so if you’re a fanatic for yellow, think about how much shinier your ring will be if you spring for the yellow diamond? So sparkly! Whether set in yellow, white, or rose gold, or platinum, yellow diamonds are stunning in an array of stone shapes and settings. "The pro of a yellow diamond is definitely that they are more rare and unique - your ring will definitely stand out," Florman adds.

On the other hand, the rare nature of yellow diamonds can make for a more difficult time finding your perfect stone (although you can also buy them lab-grown). "I would say the con of a yellow diamond is that stones with a nice intense color and a high quality make are very rare and hard to find," says Florman. "The quality of yellow diamonds are also harder to navigate, so it’s important you purchase it from a trusted source."

What to Look For in a Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring

• What stone cut looks best with yellow diamonds? For yellow diamonds, it is better to go with a radiant cut rather than a step cut. "The radiant cut is a great and popular choice for a yellow diamond. As is a cushion cut. Both cuts’ facets and shape balance the most vibrant yellow color possible with the highest brilliance achievable to give you that sparkle," says Florman.
• What settings and metals look best with yellow diamonds? Florman says that when choosing a setting for a yellow diamond, it's important to consider that the metal of the setting will affect the appearance of the diamond. "The metal you pick for your setting will definitely affect the appearance of the diamond. Yellow gold will intensify the diamond’s yellow, and is the more popular pick when setting a yellow diamond. White gold or platinum settings will give the yellow diamond a lighter hue, but can create a beautiful contrast between the setting and the diamond letting the yellow diamond shine and pop."
• How durable are yellow diamonds? Yellow diamonds are diamonds, so they have the same level of durability. Diamonds are the strongest gemstone, with a rating of 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This means that a yellow diamond engagement ring has no problem withstanding the test of time.
• How much do yellow diamond engagement rings cost? "It will really depend on the intensity of the color and the secondary hue of the diamond," explains Florman. "Yellow diamonds can actually be quite affordable, and sometimes cost less than a colorless diamond of the same quality if it has a lighter yellow coloring such as Fancy Yellow. If a diamond has a brown hue, the price will be even lower. A Fancy Intense Yellow diamond or a Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond will cost more than a colorless diamond."

How to Care for a Yellow Diamond Ring

Caring for a yellow diamond is similar to caring for any other diamond. Just use a small drop of soapy liquid and carefully scrub the diamond using a toothbrush or another gentle tool made for jewelry cleaning. Wash the soap off with warm water and then dry with a clean towel.

Love the idea of rocking a yellow diamond engagement ring? Read on to see our favorite designs.