Canary Yellow Diamonds

Canary Yellow Diamonds

Natural canary yellow diamonds are colored gemstones with distinct hues of deep yellow and traces of orange in some variants. Most canary yellow diamonds range from fancy vivid to fancy intense and are available in seven (7) different color scales.

Canary yellow diamonds of deep color schemes are mostly unearthed in South Africa with other light variants available worldwide. Most canary yellow diamonds are available in oval, cushion, round, princess, and other cuts. These gemstones are perfect as adornments on elegant necklaces, earrings, wedding bands, and other beautiful jewelry.

You need more information about canary yellow diamonds especially if you plan to add the gemstones to your collection. In this article, you’ll get all essential details about canary yellow diamonds, its origins, maintenance tips, uses, and much more.

History of Canary Yellow Diamonds

Yellow diamonds mined from the Cape Province in South Africa are dated to be several thousand years old. Newer variants of canary yellow diamonds are available across regions worldwide with different formation dates.

However, color enhanced canary yellow diamonds are fairly recent.

Many canary yellow diamonds are actually enhanced variants, and jewelers have passed these off as earth-mined for several decades.

How are Canary Yellow Diamonds Made?

Canary yellow diamonds get their unique color from nitrogen atoms present during their natural formation. These molecules absorb enough blue light to give its carbon crystals different shades of yellow.

More nitrogen atoms in a carbon crystal will make a darker canary yellow diamond. Fewer atoms in a colorless crystal will produce a light shade yellow diamond, commonly called fancy light.
Dark shade canary yellow diamonds are very rare, but science makes it easy to create deep shades of these crystals. Color enhancement increases the hue intensity of a light shade yellow diamond, giving it a signature dark appearance.

Uses of Canary Yellow Diamonds

Canary yellow diamonds are useful as adornments on jewelry and decorative detailing on glasswork pieces. Natural and enhanced canary yellow diamonds are not suitable for use in cutting, lasers, lenses, or other purposes.

Chemical Properties of Canary Yellow Diamonds

• Hardness (Mohs’ Scale): 10
• Density: 3.5 – 3.53 g/cm3
• Refractive Index: 2.418 (@ 500 nm)
• Dispersion: Low (0.044)
• Heat Resistance: 690°C to 840°C
• Fracture: Irregular/Uneven
• Specific Gravity: 3.52 g/cm3

Maintenance Tips for Canary Yellow Diamonds

Effective methods to maintain your canary yellow gems include:

Ultrasonic cleaners – Ultrasonic cleaners use waves to clear off stains and dirt on jewelry pieces. It’s not the best maintenance tool for first-time buyers or owners of enhanced diamonds.

Proper storage – Store gems in airtight and cushioned boxes to stop it grime or dirt buildup from prolonged exposure.

Liquid soap and water cleaning – Liquid soap in warm water comes in handy to wash off stains on your diamonds; ideal for common stains on most gemstones and attached jewelry.

Commercial jewelry cleaning solution – Preferred cleaner for many gemstones; needs rub-in with soft cloth or toilet paper for better results.

Steam cleaners – Handheld steam cleaners can help remove stains from your gems; works well when you wipe immediately after with a dry cloth or tissue paper.

Your jeweler has all the information you need to maintain your canary yellow diamonds properly. Inform your jeweler beforehand if you plan to maintain a color-enhanced diamond.