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.

What Is a Yellow Diamond?

A yellow diamond refers to more saturated yellow stones that are the purest and most natural (meaning, they don’t have secondary hues like orange or brown) within the spectrum.

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.

Meet the Expert

Hannah Florman is a private jeweler in Boston specializing in one-of-a-kind diamond engagement rings and fine jewelry. She works with clients around the world to design the ring of their dreams! You can schedule a complimentary consultation and view her work on Instagram at @hannahflorman.

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. "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.

Hannah Florman Custom Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring

This custom yellow diamond engagement ring is truly breathtaking. Hannah Florman's designs are all custom-made, so there is no doubt you will have a one-of-a-kind ring everybody will be ogling over.

Kataoka Diamond Iceberg Sunrise Ring

Gold band ring with single yellow diamond — Courtesy of Kataoka

The sleek and smooth look of this gold band is absolutely stunning. And even with such a simple and sweet design, the ring's sunrise-hued diamond catches the light to make this design shine.

Simon Ardem Fancy Yellow Oval-Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

Pave diamond ring band with yellow diamond — Courtesy of 1stdibs

This is what oval-cut diamond ring dreams are made of. A 1.12-carat yellow diamond certainly makes a statement, but the sparkly pavé band completes the design in the most elegant way.

Price at time of publish: $4,500

Xiao Wang Galaxy Light Yellow Diamond Ring

Small pave ring band with yellow diamond — Courtesy of Xiao Wang

This design from Xiao Wang truly feels out of this world. The center cushion-cut diamond is gorgeous in a natural light-yellow hue, complete with small white diamonds to round out the look.

Tiffany & Co. Tiffany True Engagement Ring With Yellow Diamond in 18k Yellow Gold

Solitaire yellow diamond ring — Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.

Why not go bold with clean lines and a yellow diamond? This 18K yellow gold band is paired with a rare yellow cushion-cut diamond for a refined look.

Ken & Dana Design Bixton Three-Stone Radiant Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring

Square three-stone yellow diamond ring — Courtesy of Ken & Dana Design

We love the semi-rustic look of a yellow diamond while still being inherently elegant, and this ring design captures that perfectly. With a platinum band, yellow gold prongs, trillion-cut white diamonds, and a light-yellow diamond, this ring is meant to be the star of the show.

Price at time of publish: $3,000

Anna Sheffield Bea Three-Stone Yellow Diamond Ring

Square yellow diamond ring — Courtesy of Anna Sheffield

What a show-stopper! This one-of-a-kind design from Anna Sheffield incorporates a light yellow radiant-cut diamond with white diamond trillions, all set in 14K recycled yellow gold.

Mark Broumand Fancy Yellow Radiant-Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

This ring definitely brings the sparkle, with a bold radiant-cut yellow diamond in the center. But the accent of a beautiful white round diamond halo, paired with trapezoid side stones, makes it a work of art.

Price at time of publish: $20,995

Jemma Wynne Radiant Canary and Double Diamond Pear Open Ring

Custom yellow diamond ring — Courtesy of Jemma Wynne

This piece from Jemma Wynne is sure to stand out. The 18K yellow gold band leads into a radiant yellow diamond on one end, with white pear-shaped diamonds on the opposite end for a unique design.

Harry Winston Classic Winston Oval Yellow Diamond Ring

This design shines with a bold, yellow hue. A set of tapered baguette diamond side stones lead way to a sparkly oval-cut yellow diamond to make a statement.

Bario Neal Custom Avens Symmetrical Yellow Diamond Ring

We love the symmetry of this look, with a cushion-cut yellow diamond in the center. The polished yellow gold band and white diamonds on either side of the yellow diamond provide the most beautiful complement to complete the design.

Price at time of publish: $5,000

Kwiat East-West Oval Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring

Oval yellow diamond ring with pave band — Courtesy of Kwiat

There's just something so special and unique about an East-West diamond, but this design takes it to a whole new level. The oval yellow diamond solitaire, paired with a pavé band, is strikingly beautiful.

Leo Ingwer Fancy Yellow Oval Diamond Ring

Pave oval yellow diamond — Courtesy of Leo Ingwer

Incorporating a yellow diamond is a special way to set your engagement ring apart. And a unique setting can take it to the next level. This twisted setting with an oval yellow diamond and pavé band is nothing short of stunning.

Material Good Fancy Yellow Radiant-Cut Diamond Ring With Tapered Baguettes

Yellow diamond ring with baguette band — Courtesy of Material Good

What a stunning setting to make a yellow diamond stand on its own. We love the way tapered baguette diamonds sit on either side of this radiant-cut yellow diamond to make a statement.

David Yurman Capri Pavé Engagement Ring With Yellow Diamond

Pave band with square yellow diamond ring — Courtesy of David Yurman

Add a whole lot of sparkle to your ring finger with this piece. Named after David Yurman's favorite island, Capri, this sparkler is complete with a cushion-cut yellow diamond and gorgeous pavé diamond band.

Jacob & Co. Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Ring With Fancy Yellow Diamond

Three-stone yellow diamond ring — Courtesy of Jacob & Co.

We love a cushion-cut solitaire in any ring, but seeing it in yellow brings a new element of elegance. And set with unique half-moon diamonds on either side, this stunner makes a statement.

Ashoka Fancy Yellow Diamond Anastasia Ring

Square halo yellow diamond ring — Courtesy of Ashoka

A good halo is always beautiful, but add pavé diamonds all the way around? Simply stunning. We love the way these little white diamonds form a sparkling border around a yellow diamond.

De Beers Yellow Aura Cushion-Cut Ring

This design was centered around enhancing the character and beautiful hue of the yellow diamond. With a charming pavé halo and platinum band, this ring is truly vibrant.

Price at time of publish: $7,500+

Astteria Fancy Light Yellow Diamond Ring

Square yellow engagement ring — Courtesy of Astteria

What a way to make a yellow diamond the center of attention! This radiant 9.05-carat yellow diamond is truly beautiful, with two trilliant side stones to bring it all together.

Entre Nous Yellow Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring

Square yellow diamond engagement ring — Courtesy of Diana Vincent

This stunner is nothing short of brilliant. We love the way both platinum and 18K yellow gold are brought together to symbolize two people coming together in love. The addition of two white diamonds with a center yellow stone makes for such a beautiful representation.

Yellow Diamond Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide

What Is a Yellow Diamond?

Pros and Cons of Yellow Diamond Engagement Rings

What to Look For in a Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring

How to Care for a Yellow Diamond Ring

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