Only 1 in every 10,000 diamonds are colored. The most common colored diamonds are yellow and between 1998 and 2006 it is estimated that there were 100,000 yellow diamonds graded. While yellow diamonds are more common than other colors, they can still fetch a heft price – ranging from $1,500 per carat to $75,000 per carat.
Buying Yellow Diamond Earrings Online
Generally speaking, you can find jewellery with yellow diamonds at about a third less than in a retail store. However, it is important that you deal with a respectable website or seller. One way to determine if a diamond is genuine, is to ask for a grading certificate from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS).
When you are looking to buy a set of yellow diamond earrings, it is important to first set a budget. As mentioned before, yellow diamonds are not cheap. For example, a 0.11 carat yellow diamond can start at $185 and a 0.27 carat at $540. Besides from the actual diamond, you will also need to think about how much the precious metal is that the earring is made from.
Once you know what price range you are looking at, you will need to think about the color grading that fits your budget. Colored diamonds are graded on the following scale: Faint, Very Light, Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, Fancy Deep and Fancy Vivid. The better the grade, the more expensive the blue diamond will be.
The cut of any colored diamond is important. Unlike colorless diamonds which are cut to increase their brilliance, a yellow diamond is cut to increase the vibrancy of its color. The right cut will make the diamond appear darker and richer, and will increase its value. The best shape as far as enhancing color goes are square or near square shapes. The diamond’s cut can be rated from ‘poor’ through to ‘ideal’.
Clarity is also an important consideration. This grading definition relates to how many flaws a diamond has. Major flaws are graded “SI1,” “SI2,” or “I1,” “I2,” and “I3.” Minor flawed stones are graded “VVS1” or “VVS2”. At the top of the scale, perfect stones are graded “FL”.
You need to think about the color of the earring’s metal. White gold and silver are popular choices. Yellow gold can also work well with the right shape and setting.
Finally, once you have considered the value of the yellow diamond earring you wish to buy, you need to consider the type and setting of the earring. The types of earrings that you can buy include chandelier, drop, hoop and stud.