It’s spring! So lets have some fun, and talk about yellow gemstones! Sunshine, lemons and a variety of flowers all share the color yellow, and induce feelings of happiness, warmth and optimism. A variety of gemstones also come in shades of yellow, from diamonds to garnets. But how can you tell the difference? Yellow diamonds might not be in your budget, but a yellow sapphire is. Can you get the same look for a fraction of the cost?
Yellow Diamonds
Yellow diamonds can be found in light-toned shades to rich, warm hues. The sparkle of a yellow diamond outshines that of a gemstone; however, it is possible to get a beautiful look with other gemstones.
The Eureka Diamond
The first canary yellow diamond was discovered in 1867. This diamond was also the first diamond found in South Africa. A teenager came upon the rough stone in the grass, and his mother gave it to their neighbor. Obviously, she had no idea how much it was worth. This rough diamond traveled all over Europe before it was bought by De Beers in 1967. Da Beers donated the stone (known by then as the Eureka Diamond) to the people of South Africa. It is now on display at the Kimberly Mine Museum.
Canary Diamonds
Canary diamonds get their deep yellow color from Nitrogen. Canary diamonds, or “lemon drops”, are specifically characterized by their lack of brown, green, or red inclusions. The deeper the yellow, the more valuable the stone. Also, only one diamond in 10,000 is a proper canary diamond, making them some of the rarest gems in the world.
With the price tag associated with canary diamonds, many have resorted to gemstone to achieve a similar look.
The most plentiful yellow gemstones on the market are
- citrine,
- sapphire,
- topaz,
- tourmaline, and
- transparent opal.
Other diversities include
- yellow andradite garnet,
- spessartine and Mali garnets,
- beryl,
- sphene,
- zircon,
- spodumene and transparent varieties of labradorite and orthoclase feldspar.
Less abundant or collectible yellow gems include
- chrysoberyl,
- sphalerite,
- apatite and
- prehnite.
Yellow Sapphires and Topaz
Depending on the look you are trying to achieve, yellow sapphires and topaz are the most popular. Citrine has its own fans, but it is not used to resemble a yellow diamond. The sparkle of a citrine is very different to that of a diamond and stands alone as a citrine. However, sapphires and topaz can be cut similar to a diamond and is used in place of diamonds all the time. If a yellow sapphire is set as a center stone, usually the others stones in the piece are going to be sapphires as well.
For example, a yellow pear-shaped sapphire would have a white sapphire halo. The sparkle of a yellow diamond can not be duplicated, but the color can.
Here are Joseph’s Jewelry, we specialize in custom pieces with yellow gemstones. With statement ring, bracelets, and statement necklaces we are able to cater to everyone’s desired look. We carry numerous elegant pieces catering to every budget, and desired style. We are here to help residents in Stuart, Palm City, Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, Jupiter and Port St. Lucie to find your perfect jewelry piece, complete a jewelry set, or make a custom jewelry design as unique as you are! We will also repair and restore your jewelry pieces and watches whether or not they were purchased through us. Come in anytime to check out our unique diamond rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings, and Citizen Eco Drive watches in stock for a celebration, last-minute gift, or spontaneous surprise.