Yellow Diamond Engagement Rings and the Celebrities Who Wear Them

With yellow diamonds making notable appearances at Haute Couture Fashion Week in Paris recently, the cat is out of the bag—the popularity of yellow diamonds is rising. Yellow diamonds, also known as canary diamonds, derive their warm and sun-lit hue from traces of nitrogen present during their formation. This natural occurrence sets them apart from traditional colorless diamonds, creating an alluring spectrum of yellow shades, ranging from delicate pastels to vibrant canary yellows. The intensity of their color depends on the amount of nitrogen present within the crystal lattice, giving each yellow diamond a distinctive charm. And due to the advanced technology used to make lab-grown diamonds, colored lab diamonds can be created in every hue that occurs naturally in earth-mined diamonds with identical chemical composition, structure, and optical qualities at a more affordable price, making yellow lab diamonds an enticing and more cost-effective option. Yellow is often associated with joy and optimism, making yellow diamond engagement rings symbolic of a bright future together. Yellow diamond engagement rings stand out from traditional white diamond rings; as more couples seek distinctive and personalized engagement rings, yellow diamonds offer a vibrant and unconventional choice, enabling a colorful expression of their individuality and style.

Over the years, eye-catching yellow diamond engagement rings have graced the fingers of several celebrities, further boosting their popularity. Here are some who proudly wear or have worn yellow sparklers.

Victoria Beckham

David and Victoria Beckham have enjoyed a strong and enduring marriage since 1999. Throughout the years, Victoria has become renowned for her impressive assortment of engagement rings, with a count of up to 15. In 2006 Victoria attracted attention when she wore a striking emerald-cut, pale yellow diamond ring. The ring's yellow gold setting, complemented by two diamond eternity bands, magnified the stone's vibrance. In 2018, she wore an attention-grabbing cushion-cut yellow diamond ring set in a platinum pavé band.

​Scarlett Johansson 

In 2019, Colin Jost, a comedian, actor, and staff writer for Saturday Night Live, proposed to Scarlett Johansson with an unusual engagement ring featuring an 11-carat pale yellow diamond with a deep espresso brown ceramic band. The diamond in Johansson's engagement ring is an elegant blend of two stone shapes—a fusion of an oval and a pear—resulting in a uniquely alluring egg-shaped diamond. Crafted by Taffin‘s James de Givenchy, the nephew of legendary designer Hubert de Givenchy, the band gracefully curves underneath the stone, which is secured by four prongs. The pair married in 2020 and had a son in 2021.

Heidi Klum

In 2004, Seal proposed to Heidi Klum with a sensational 10-carat yellow diamond ring set in yellow gold. The stunning oval-cut piece, designed by Lorraine Schwartz, was estimated to be worth $150,000. Despite parting ways a decade later, Heidi Klum's love story continued with her current husband, Bill Kaulitz, who proposed with a breathtaking alexandrite ring.

Carrie Underwood

Nicki Minaj

In 2015, rapper Meek Mill proposed to Nicki Minaj with a breathtaking 15-carat, heart-shaped yellow diamond ring. Jewelry experts estimated this exquisite piece at an astounding value of up to $500,000! However, despite the dazzling display of affection, the couple's romantic journey took a different path, and they officially parted ways in 2017.

Kelly Clarkson 

The talent manager, Brandon Blackstock, proposed to the American Idol star, Kelly Clarkson, with a dazzling 5-carat, radiant-cut canary diamond ring, elegantly encircled by a halo of white diamonds. The estimated price was around $150,000. Their marriage ended after eight years, and a challenging divorce followed. In the aftermath, Kelly Clarkson decided to treat herself with a gesture of self-love, replacing the previous bauble with a striking black diamond ring.

What Qualities Should I Look For in a Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring?

Which diamond cut is the most flattering for yellow diamonds?

When choosing a cut for yellow diamonds, radiant-cut diamonds are a superior option over step-cut diamonds such as emerald-cut and Asscher-cut stones. The radiant cut and cushion cut are recommended for yellow diamonds due to their ability to showcase the gem's vibrant color while maximizing its brilliance and sparkle. The precisely arranged facets and well-balanced shapes of those particular cuts help to bring out the most striking yellow hue.

Which settings and metals best complement yellow diamonds?

Selecting the right engagement ring setting for a yellow diamond requires careful consideration of the metal used, as it significantly impacts the gem's overall appearance. Opting for yellow gold will enhance the diamond's yellow hue and is a popular choice for setting yellow diamonds. On the other hand, white gold or platinum settings will impart a lighter tone to the yellow diamond, creating a stunning contrast between the metal and the gem. This contrast allows the yellow diamond to shine brilliantly, creating an eye-catching display. The choice of metal setting ultimately depends on the desired effect and style you wish to achieve for your ring.

Interested in a colored diamond for your engagement ring or another jewelry piece? Contact us today to chat with a Ritani gemologist. We also specialize in creating bespoke engagement rings; let us help you design your dream ring!