Even as jewelry trends have come and gone, antique and vintage diamond solitaire rings are a classic fashion piece. Yellow diamonds run the gamut from pastel to vibrant, and although enduringly popular as an engagement ring style, a yellow diamond solitaire adds sophistication and a dose of glamour to any ensemble with a variety of shapes and settings to explore.
Antique and vintage yellow diamond solitaire rings and other accessories featuring yellow diamonds have recently attracted fans on and off the red carpet, and there has also been an uptick in the sales of yellow diamond rings, likely intended to be engagement rings or, perhaps, anniversary presents.
A yellow diamond weighing three carats or more is rare. And when it comes to grading diamonds, carat weight is important — it's part of the 4Cs, which is the diamond grading system that was established by the Gemological Institute of America.
The value of the diamond depends on the carat (the bigger, the better), clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), and cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others). While there are many different gemstone cuts, the main categories of cuts are brilliant, step and mixed.
In terms of shape for yellow diamonds, “radiant cuts show off the strongest color,” says Davide Scarselli of New York-based Scarselli Diamonds — a leader in the colored diamond category — adding that “shapes like round and emerald cuts show the least amount of color.” Other widely favored cuts are cushion and oval.
High-quality natural yellow diamonds are rare — and expensive. Unlike the fast-fashion brands that quickly serve up look-alike gowns based on celebrity finery, even major jewelry houses cannot create a collection overnight. Gems have to be sourced, designs created and jewels manufactured. It also takes time for clients to budget for such a purchase. When people decide they are going to buy a piece with a gem like a yellow diamond, they often wait for a special occasion to make the acquisition.
Shop unique yellow diamond solitaire rings and yellow diamond engagement rings on 1stDibs. And explore our buying guides for a close look at antique engagement rings, Art Deco engagement rings and vintage engagement rings.
