Custom Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Ring and Earrings
Client Inspiration
Vivian, from Washington, was referred to us by her best friend and our local client, Jie. A few years ago, we had created a pear-shaped yellow diamond ring for Jie, highlighting the radiance of this remarkable gem. Inspired by her friend’s piece, Vivian expressed a strong interest in adding her own yellow diamond jewelry to her collection.
Understanding Yellow Diamonds
Before we began, I shared the GIA color grading system for yellow diamonds, so Vivian could understand the spectrum of options.
Yellow diamonds are considered colored diamonds and receive a “Fancy” grade when they fall outside the traditional D-to-Z range (colorless to light yellow). The GIA Colored Diamond Grading System assigns yellow diamonds one of six grades:
-
Fancy Light
-
Fancy
-
Fancy Dark
-
Fancy Deep
-
Fancy Intense
-
Fancy Vivid
Image credit: Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Chart showing the subtle transitions of yellow diamond color grades. Source: GIA 4Cs
The yellow hue is caused by nitrogen within the diamond. The more nitrogen, the more intense the yellow color. This grading system helped Vivian visualize what kind of stone would best fit her taste and collection.
Design Journey
Because Vivian wasn’t local, we collaborated exclusively online — exchanging photos, videos, and sketches to bring the project to life. To give her a sense of possibilities, I shared recently completed rings in various shapes, sizes, and color intensities, including a rare 1.3 ct Fancy Vivid yellow diamond I had finished for a close friend.
Vivian was drawn to the elegance of a rectangular shape, which enhances the depth of yellow diamonds. After an extensive search, we found the perfect gem: a 3.01 ct Fancy Intense yellow radiant-cut diamond. The radiant cut brought out the diamond’s brilliance while deepening its warm yellow color.
She chose a classic three-stone design, accented with a pair of 0.31 ct D/VVS epaulette diamonds. To complete the look, we added a delicate micro-pavé halo around the center stone, further enhancing the glow of the yellow diamond.
Completing the Set
Vivian found the design process so enjoyable and seamless that she asked us to create a matching pair of earrings. After further sourcing, we discovered a pair of radiant-cut Fancy yellow diamonds totaling 2.36 ct, perfectly complementing her ring.
Together, the ring and earrings form a cohesive set that brings both brilliance and warmth to her collection.
The Final Result
-
3.01 ct Fancy Intense yellow radiant-cut diamond with micro-pavé halo
-
Epaulette side diamonds (0.31 ct each, D/VVS quality)
-
Matching radiant-cut yellow diamond earrings, 2.36 ct total
This set combines rarity, beauty, and timeless craftsmanship, tailored uniquely for Vivian.
Gratitude
We are deeply grateful to Vivian for trusting us through a fully remote process and for inviting us to create such meaningful additions to her collection.
Have a commission project in mind? We’d love to help bring your ideas to life. Send us a quick note and let’s start the conversation.
FAQ
Q: What makes a yellow diamond “Fancy Intense”?
A: A Fancy Intense yellow diamond has a strong, rich yellow saturation, more vivid than Fancy Light or Fancy, but not as deep as Fancy Vivid. This balance makes Fancy Intense stones especially prized for fine jewelry.
Q: Why are radiant-cut yellow diamonds popular?
A: Radiant cuts enhance both brilliance and color saturation. For yellow diamonds, this cut deepens the hue while maximizing sparkle.
Q: Can custom commissions be done remotely?
A: Yes. Many of our clients work with us fully online. We share detailed photos, videos, and design sketches to ensure clarity at every stage.