In a world where white diamonds have long reigned supreme, their unexpectedly sunny sister, the yellow diamond, stands out as one of the most coveted and celebrated colored gemstones.

Often affectionately called “canary diamonds” when their hue is particularly vivid, natural fancy yellow diamonds possess a rare charm that bridges the exotic appeal of colored gemstones with the elegance, strength, and tradition that diamonds carry. 

But yellow diamonds are more than a pretty face… 

They’re storied, symbolic, and surprisingly complex. For antique and vintage jewelry lovers, understanding their origins and historical context adds an entirely new layer of appreciation.

Colored Diamonds: A Spectrum of Sparkle

It’s estimated that only one out of every 10,000 naturally mined diamonds is fancy colored. While exceptionally rare, natural colored diamonds come in a range of hues from yellows and oranges to blues and greens to pinks and even red. Unlike white diamonds, natural fancy colored diamonds are rarely cut into round shapes and often feature elongated cuts such as oval, pear, marquis, or emerald shapes to enhance the vibrant appearance of the diamond. 

Natural colored diamonds occur when trace elements are present in the diamond’s carbon lattice during formation. In the case of yellow diamonds, we have nitrogen to thank for their natural fancy hue. While pale yellow diamonds are relatively common, the more saturated and vivid the diamond is, the more valuable and rare it is. 

Platinum GIA 2.06ct Fancy Light Yellow Diamond Ring // Walton's Jewelry

Platinum GIA 1.30ct Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Ring // Walton's Jewelry

The History of Natural Fancy Yellow Diamonds

Walking along the bank of the Orange River, a teenage boy happened upon the astonishing 21.25 carat stone in 1867. This Victorian era discovery would mark not only the first diamond found in South Africa, but the first yellow diamond found in history. 

Just a decade later, the discovery of the Tiffany Yellow Diamond, an astonishing 287.42-carat rough diamond unearthed in the Kimberley Mine, cemented South Africa’s reputation as a premier source for these strikingly sunny gems. Acquired by Charles Lewis Tiffany, this gem would be cut into a 128.54-carat cushion masterpiece that remains one of the largest and most iconic yellow diamonds in the world. Over the years, it has graced only a few necklines, including Audrey Hepburn’s in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and more recently, Lady Gaga’s at the Oscars. 

These diamonds and other truly historic yellow diamonds mined at the turn of the century would lead to an increased popularity of yellow gems across the board, such as citrine, tourmaline, and garnet, throughout Victorian jewelry and Art Deco jewelry. 

What to Know When Buying Yellow Diamonds

Although the term "canary diamond" is often used colloquially to describe gemstones with a particularly pure and vivid yellow tone, it’s not an official grading term. Diamonds graded as “Fancy Yellow,” “Fancy Intense Yellow,” or “Fancy Vivid Yellow” are highly collectible examples of this saturation level that are exceptionally valuable. 

Collectors should note that antique yellow diamonds might display a subtle, natural tone that differs from the bright lemony hues of modern irradiated or treated stones. These naturally colored stones carry an atmospheric beauty and soft sophistication set into one-of-a-kind pieces with timeless craftsmanship. 

When shopping for vintage or antique pieces, it’s best to rely on a trusted jeweler. This becomes even more important when shopping for natural yellow diamond jewelry, as you’ll want to hear from someone familiar with natural colored diamond grading. A GIA-trained graduate gemologist or diamond grader, like those on our Walton’s team, can help you navigate the nuances of buying natural yellow diamond jewelry. 

Today, natural yellow diamonds continue to be prized not only for their radiant hue but for the historical lineage they represent. Whether you’re drawn to their warmth, their rarity, or their storied past, natural yellow diamonds offer a compelling alternative for collectors who appreciate the poetry of the past. Like all great antique treasures, their beauty lies not only in how they look, but in where they’ve been.

At Walton’s Jewelry, we have more than 50 years of experience serving Historic Downtown Franklin and the greater Nashville community. Each member of our team has trained at The Gemological Institute of America and has a deep passion for preserving the history and beauty of antique jewelry. Whether you are a Tennessee local looking to stop by our showroom or prefer to view our selection virtually, we invite you to explore our newest arrivals and reach out with any questions you may have.