Let’s break down this question to be more specific. When we refer to Fancy Yellow Diamonds, we are referring to a specific diamond color with a specific intensity grade, that is, diamonds that are graded Fancy Yellow. If you were wondering if all yellow diamonds are more expensive than all colorless diamonds, or if they are more expensive than the other diamond colors, those are different question entirely but we shall address it as well.

Are Yellow Diamonds More Expensive Than Colorless Diamonds?

Yellow diamonds and colorless diamonds are priced according to completely different pricing models. While colorless diamonds are priced according to the 4 C’s with all 4 C’s bearing almost equal importance, yellow diamonds are not graded with all 4 C’s bearing equal importance. The 4 C’s, as you will recall, are Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight. For a colorless diamond, a diamond that exhibits the least color (a higher color grade from the scale of D-Z), best cut, clearest clarity and largest carat weight will cost significantly more than a colorless diamond that shows these qualities less. On the other hand, a yellow diamond is judged by its presence of color the most, followed by its carat weight and finally its clarity and cut. A large Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond will cost significantly more than a large D Color Flawless diamond, but a large Fancy Yellow diamond will not. The difference is in the color grade of the yellow diamond in the comparison. However, the rule of thumb relatively speaking is that fancy color diamonds cost more than colorless diamonds.

The GIA grading scale for colorless diamonds, from D-Z     Image credit: GIA

Do Different Color Intensities of Yellow Diamonds Have Different Prices?

The different intensities of yellow diamonds are priced differently just like the different color grades on the colorless diamond color scale are graded differently. Fancy Vivid Yellow diamonds are priced higher per carat than Fancy Intense Yellow, Fancy Yellow, and so on. The higher a diamond color falls on the scale of intensities, the higher per carat price it commands. However, the final price that you will pay will also depend on the carat size, which is part of the price calculation. Therefore, a 50 carat Fancy Yellow diamond will cost more than a 5 carat Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond.

The different tones and saturations of yellow diamonds

Are Fancy Yellow Diamonds More Expensive Than Other Colors?

Yellow diamonds are not the least expensive of the diamond colors, as that position falls to brown (also called chocolate, champagne, or cognac diamonds). Since yellow diamonds are so popular, they often cost more than average colorless diamonds of comparable quality and style. Their high demand also causes them to have a slightly higher price for the end consumer. However, yellow is considered one of the most affordable of all the diamond colors and for that reason, many people are attracted to it. Rarer colors such as blue, red and pink diamonds are also in high demand but because they are much harder to find in nature, they are far more expensive than colors like yellow and brown.

Are fancy yellow diamonds more expensive than colorless diamonds? Not always. Are they more expensive than other diamond colors? No.

Got any questions? Ask in the comments section!