Tips for Purchasing Yellow Diamond Rings
Marilyn Monroe sang "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" in the film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. The De Beers Company made a series of commercials using the slogan "A Diamond is Forever." Diamonds, which are the hardest substances in nature, are extremely valued in pop culture. Ads like De Beers' helped make diamonds even more desirable by comparing them with romantic love and the idea that love- like diamonds- lasts forever.
The most prized diamonds are usually colorless. Usually diamonds with a slight yellow or brown hue are considered less than perfect and have a reduced value. However, a brightly colored diamond, or "fancy" diamond, is highly valued. Colored diamonds have gained in popularity, especially in the form of diamond engagement rings. This article will specifically focus on yellow diamond rings. It will give tips on how to purchase yellow diamond rings to get the highest quality at an affordable cost.
Colored diamonds obtain their hue either by natural means or by the help of an experienced gemologist. Color occurs during the crystallization process. It can be influenced by increasing temperature or pressure and by exposing the diamond to radiation. Though diamonds can be found or created in over 1500 colors, the most common shades are: yellow, brown, pink, red, blue and green. Though I use the term "common", colored diamonds actually represent less than 2% of all diamonds. Yellow diamonds can be a pale yellow to a deep honey hue.
Qualities to Look for in Yellow Diamond Rings
With any diamond, the most important qualities to look for are represented by the 4 cs: carat, cut, color, and clarity, Carat is the size or weight of the diamond. Cut is just that, the shape of the diamond be it heart, pear, princess, or marquis. Cut should bring out the brilliance of the facets, or sides, of the diamond. Color is the hue of the diamond. Clarity has to do with the number of flaws in the diamond and/or on its surface. A flawless diamond is extremely rare and has a much higher value. All of these qualities help determine the overall quality and value of the diamond.
When purchasing yellow diamond rings, it is also important to pick an appropriate setting for the ring. Yellow diamonds are often complemented by a yellow gold setting but may clash with platinum or silver. It is better to choose one large yellow diamond surrounded by clear diamonds or other gems to accent its beauty. Certain cuts bring out the facets and sparkle of the yellow diamond. Lastly, make sure your yellow diamond rings come with a certificate from the Gemology Institute of America. This certifies the diamonds' quality.
