Champagne and yellow diamonds
Warm colour, graded on its own scale.
By the CTJ Jewellery team, led by founder Greg Ward · Updated September 2026 · Editorial policy
Key facts
- Yellow is graded Fancy Light to Fancy Vivid
- Champagne runs from C1, light, to C7, cognac
- Colour comes from nitrogen or the crystal structure
- Check the report states natural colour
- Cushion and radiant cuts deepen colour
- Yellow gold settings warm the stone
How are yellow diamonds graded?
Beyond the D-to-Z scale, yellow diamonds are graded as fancy colours. The stronger and more even the colour, the higher the grade.
| Grade | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Fancy Light | Soft, pale yellow |
| Fancy | Clear, even yellow |
| Fancy Intense | Strong, saturated yellow |
| Fancy Vivid | The deepest, brightest yellow |
A faint yellow tint below Fancy Light falls on the normal D-to-Z scale.
What is a champagne diamond?
A champagne diamond is a light to medium brown diamond. The name comes from the scale used for Argyle stones: C1 and C2 are light champagne, C3 and C4 medium, C5 and C6 dark champagne, and C7 is cognac. Many champagne diamonds come from the Argyle mine.
Can coloured diamonds be treated or lab-grown?
Yes. Some yellow and brown diamonds are colour treated, and lab-grown yellow diamonds exist. A GIA report states whether the colour is natural. Ask for the report before you compare prices.
Which settings suit a coloured diamond?
- Yellow gold claws under the stone intensify a yellow
- A white diamond halo makes yellow look deeper by contrast
- Rose gold suits champagne and cognac
- Cushion and radiant cuts hold colour better than a round
Which is better for an engagement ring?
Choose by eye. Yellow reads bright and bold; champagne is softer and pairs well with warm metals. Both are as hard as a white diamond and suit daily wear. We show stones side by side in the showroom or on video.