When experts study the color of a diamond, they are actually looking for diamonds with no color. For this reason, diamonds with a yellow hue are considered less valuable than pure, white, and translucent diamonds. However, there are several ways to fix a diamond with a yellow hue and make it sparkle.
What is a diamond with a yellow hue?
As mentioned earlier, when looking for the perfect diamond, there are four quality factors to consider, also known as the four C’s: carat, cut, clarity and color.
Color is perhaps one of the most important visual aspects of a diamond. Diamond colors are usually rated on the DZ scale developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
Most diamonds are naturally yellow or brown in color, while white “colorless” diamonds are the rarest. According to the GIA scale, class D (D, E, and F) diamonds are the most valuable and expensive, translucent diamonds with no yellow hue. The following categories on the GIA scale are almost colorless (G and H), very slightly yellowish (I and J), very weak yellow (KM), very light (NR) and light (SZ).
D color | E color | F color | G color | H color | I color | J color | K color | L color
Diamonds with a yellow hue belong to the L section of the GIA scale, which is the safe middle ground. L-colored diamonds only have a slight yellow undertone, so their primary color is still white. Every diamond from M to Z appears more and more yellow. In some cases, L-shaped diamonds can also have brown hues.
The best way to identify the shade of the diamond is to look at it from the side and place it against a white background.
Why is the yellow hue of a diamond important?
Diamonds with a yellow hue are still elegant and stunning and much cheaper compared to some diamonds that rank higher on the GIA scale. The more the yellow tinge occurs, the less shine the diamond can produce. Light is reflected against diamonds, of course, but as the yellow hue penetrates, the light is reflected in smaller amounts.
The color of the diamond also affects its rarity, value and price. It goes without saying that the rarer the diamond, the more it will cost. Even the slightest change in color can lead to a significant difference in value. Even if two diamonds have the same clarity, weight, and section ratios, the variation in color can make a huge difference in price and value.
How to fasten a diamond with a yellow hue
Just because a diamond with a hint of yellow is considered less valuable than a colorless diamond, it is by no means the wrong choice for you. However, if you want your diamond to appear brighter, there are a few things you can do.
- Use the ring to hide the color
- Choose the right color for the ring prongs
- Use a halo for the diamond
- Choose the right diamond cut
- Use diamond fluorescence
Use the ring to hide the color
The settings of the diamond play an important role in the color distribution. One of the most basic tricks to masking the yellow hue is using a ring color that minimizes the hue.
If the diamond belongs in the upper part of the GIA scale, it is best to use a bright white gold or platinum ring. On the other hand, L diamonds are best combined with yellow gold. The yellow color of the ring perfectly masks the yellow tint of the diamond.
Choose the right color for the ring prongs
Other parts of the ring design can make your diamond appear less yellow. For example, the prongs of the ring or the prong mounting can also make a difference.
For L-color diamonds, choosing yellow gold tines is a good option. The tiny details of the ring reflect the yellow light and the colored background minimizes the yellow tint even more.
Use a halo for the diamond
To further minimize the traces of yellow in your diamond, you can frame the diamond with a halo. It’s a popular way to make your ring appear even more valuable. Much like the prongs of the ring reflecting light, a yellow-gold halo around the center stone distracts from the tint of the diamond.
A halo can also divert attention from the center stone. If you are feeling brave, you can choose a contrasting color for the frame of your ring, such as: B. a sapphire or a ruby halo.
Choose the right diamond cut
Believe it or not, the cut and shape of your diamond can also help to soften the effect of your diamond’s yellow tint. When choosing an engagement ring, you can choose from different cuts: round, princess, pillow, emerald, oval, pear, radiant, etc.
While some diamond cuts such as pear and oval will show the color even more clearly, certain diamond cuts can reduce the yellow tint. The best cut for an L-colored diamond is a round cut.
Expert Tip: Vintage diamonds look less yellow than regular modern diamonds.
Use diamond fluorescence
One quality factor that many people forget, but which can make a big difference, is diamond fluorescence. It refers to how the diamond reacts to UV light. If you are thinking about buying an L color diamond, look for rings with medium to strong diamond fluorescence.
Find the ideal L color diamond with less yellow tint
Now that you know what to look for in a yellow hue diamond, let’s take a look at a few options. We offer a fine, high-quality selection of J Color, K Color and L Color diamonds. Look here:
Rockford Ring. Around 1900
This antique ring has an L-colored diamond and dates from the Edwardian era. At 5.06 carats, VS1 clarity, and an old European cut, it’s one of the nicest options from our antiques collection. The exact dimensions of the diamond are 11.50 mm x 11.58 mm x 6.48 mm.
Bridgeville Ring. Around 1930
Another ring from the antique collection, the Bridgeville ring, dates from the Art Deco era. This diamond has 1.64 carats, VS2 clarity and is in the “L” range on the GIA scale. The approximate dimensions are 7.29 mm x 6.52 mm x 4.97 mm.
Woodside ring. Around 1950
This L-colored diamond is a vintage piece dating back to 1950. It has 2.48 carats, VS1 clarity, and an old European cut. The dimensions of the diamond are 9.06 x 9.13 x 5.02 mm.
Rutland Ring
This antique ring has a ruby red halo around the pillow-shaped diamond, ideal for minimizing the yellow tint. It is 1.68 carats, SI1 clarity and it comes with a gold ring. It’s a unique, beautiful option for an engagement ring.
Narbonne ring
Made of platinum, the Narbonne ring has an old European cut, 1.70 carats and VS2 clarity. The dimensions of the middle diamond are 7.97 x 7.90 x 4.31.
The right shade of yellow can make a difference
An L color diamond refers to a diamond with a yellow hue. Just because the diamond has slight traces of yellow in it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be an option. There are many things you can do to set a diamond with a yellow hue. At the end of the day, an engagement ring should put a smile on your significant other’s face.
