Did you know that not all diamonds are white? Across the world, diamonds can be found in a rainbow of colors. You may have seen fiery red diamonds and brilliant blue diamonds. But have you ever seen a saffron diamond? Just like the spice, saffron diamonds are a shade of orange and yellow. Saffron diamonds are elusive and rarely seen by gemologists. If this diamond has enchanted you, explore our saffron diamond guide.
What is a Saffron Diamond?
A saffron diamond is a fancy colored diamond, a blend of orange and yellow. Saffron diamonds can be called orange-yellow or yellow-orange diamonds. Any non-white diamond is a fancy colored diamond. There is an array of fancy colored diamonds like purples, greens, and blues. Saffron diamonds fall in the orange to yellow color range.
Where are Saffron Diamonds found?
Specific colored diamonds are found in different parts of the world. Saffron diamonds are mostly found in Australia’s Argyle mine and South Africa. This fancy colored diamond is rare and only a few high-quality saffron diamonds are mined each year.
What Causes Saffron Diamonds Orange-Yellow Color?
Fancy colored diamonds, like saffrons, get their color from impurities or structural irregularities. Saffron diamonds get their rich color from nitrogen. Orange and yellow diamonds both get their color from nitrogen. Saffron diamonds have a unique nitrogen atom arrangement that creates the orange-yellow blend.
Are Saffron Diamonds Real?
Saffron diamonds are absolutely real. Due to their small quantities, it can seem like saffron diamonds are mythical. If you want to buy an affordable saffron diamond, you can get a color-treated diamond. Color-treated diamonds are artificially colored. This treatment lets everyone enjoy colorful diamonds without having to spend millions. The only caveat is that some people do not consider color-treated diamonds to be real.
What do Saffron Diamonds Represent?
Every diamond color has its own meaning. Saffron diamonds represent:
- Devotion
- Energy
- Clarity
- Wisdom
- Beginnings
- Optimism
Are Saffron Diamonds Rare?
Compared to white diamonds and certain colored diamonds, saffron diamonds are rare. The most common fancy colored diamonds are browns and yellows. But the rarest fancy colored diamonds in the world are reds and pinks. A colored diamond’s rarity is based on three factors:
- The diamond’s size in carat weight.
- The purity of the diamond’s color. Fancy colored diamonds can have secondary colors, such as green-yellow and brown-yellow. Pure colored diamonds are rarer.
- The vividness of the diamond’s color. Colored diamonds can have faint or vivid hues.
With these factors in mind, a rare saffron diamond would be large with a vivid orange-yellow color. Less rare saffron diamonds would be small with faint hues.
How Much Do Saffron Diamonds Cost?
A saffron diamond’s price is based on several characteristics:
Carat Weight: Size of the diamond.
Clarity Grade: Number of imperfections in the diamond.
Cut Grade: How well the diamond is cut.
Color Grade: How rich the diamond’s color is.
Depending on the saffron diamond’s quality, a saffron diamond can cost a few hundred dollars to well over $60,000.
When shopping for saffron diamonds, its color grade is one of the most important factors. Unlike white diamonds, richly colored saffron diamonds more desirable. Fancy colored diamonds are graded on a color scale from lightest to darkest:
- Fancy Light
- Fancy Intense
- Fancy Vivid
- Fancy Deep
Saffron Diamond Price Comparison
Let’s compare two similar saffron diamonds with different color grades. Both diamonds are cushion cuts with SI2 clarity grades and GIA certificates.
- The first Saffron diamond is a 0.31 carat intense, which costs $980.
- The second Saffron diamond is a 0.30 carat vivid, which costs $3,100.
While only a color grade apart, the difference is $2,120!
For an even more affordable saffron diamond, consider buying a treated diamond. There are color-treated and lab-grown saffron diamonds. These diamonds are not considered “natural” like a mined saffron diamond. But you can expect to save about 1/3rd of what a mined saffron diamond costs.
Where can I buy Saffron Diamonds?
As saffron diamonds are uncommon gemstones, you may not find them on sale at your local jeweler. The good news is that you can find countless saffron diamonds online. Jewelers like James Allen, Langerman, and Naturally Colored sell fancy colored diamonds. With these websites, you can browse loose saffron diamonds of all shapes and sizes.
Keep in mind that saffron diamonds may be listed with different names. You may see them sold as yellow-orange, orange-yellow, yellowy-orange, or orangey-yellow. Take your time as you look through the saffron diamonds until you can find your ideal hue.
Where can I buy Saffron Diamond Jewelry?
Finding saffron diamond jewelry is a bit trickier than buying a loose diamond. We recommend first selecting an orange-yellow loose diamond from James Allen. Then make a custom setting through their website. James Allen gives you the freedom to set loose diamonds into rings and necklaces. This way, you will have your perfect saffron stone and a setting that suits your preferences.
Final Thoughts
It’s true that white diamonds are a classic diamond color, but there is so much to love about saffron diamonds. We adore their bold color and vibrant symbolism. With a saffron diamond, you will feel luxurious as you see it capture everyone’s attention.
