The Four Most Expensive Yellow Diamonds Over 100 Carats
Learn more about record breaking yellow diamonds over 100 Carats.
Brief History of Yellow Diamonds
Yellow diamonds have captivated collectors and jewelry enthusiasts for centuries with their radiant golden hues. The first recorded discovery of a yellow diamond dates back to 1866 in South Africa, leading to the unearthing of the now-famous Eureka Diamond. This remarkable gemstone is displayed at the Kimberley Mine Museum in South Africa, commemorating the origins of these rare and exquisite stones.
The mesmerizing yellow color of these diamonds is due to nitrogen atoms embedded in their crystal structure, which absorb blue light and create their signature golden glow. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) classifies yellow diamonds based on their color intensity, ranging from "Fancy Light" to "Fancy Intense." The deeper and more vivid the yellow, the rarer and more valuable the diamond becomes. Symbolizing growth, rejuvenation, and purity, yellow diamonds have adorned some of the most prestigious jewelry pieces in history. One of the most renowned examples is the Tiffany Yellow Diamond, an astonishing 129.54-carat gem. This masterpiece has graced only a handful of wearers, including Audrey Hepburn in 1961, Lady Gaga at the 2019 Academy Awards, and Beyoncé in a 2021 Tiffany & Co. campaign.
100 Carat Yellow Diamonds
Throughout history, yellow diamonds over 100 carats have broken records and captivated collectors at prestigious auctions. Sotheby’s has played a pivotal role in selling some of the most valuable yellow diamonds ever recorded. Here are four of the most expensive yellow diamonds over 100 carats sold at auction:
1. Graff Vivid Yellow $16.8 million
This extremely rare fancy vivid yellow diamond ring known as The Graff Vivid Yellow sold for $16.8 million (14.5 million CHF) in 2014. The Graff Vivid Yellow fancy vivid yellow diamond is one of the most famous diamonds in existence. The yellow diamond is a cushion modified brilliant fancy vivid yellow diamond weighing 100.09 carats, the shoulders are embellished with brilliant-cut diamonds on a signed detachable Graff band. The Graff Vivid Yellow is listed in Ian Balfour's reference book Famous Diamonds, published in 2008, as one of the few rare yellow diamonds greater than 100 carats.
The Graff Vivid Yellow is one of the most famous yellow diamonds in existence. Weighing 100.09 carats, this cushion-modified brilliant fancy vivid yellow diamond fetched an impressive $16.8 million (14.5 million CHF) at auction in 2014. Set on a detachable Graff band adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds, this gem is recognized as one of the rarest yellow diamonds over 100 carats. It has been documented in Ian Balfour’s reference book Famous Diamonds, solidifying its place in history.
2. The Sun Drop Diamond $13 million
The Sun Drop Diamond, weighing an extraordinary 110.03 carats, is the largest known Fancy Vivid Yellow pear-shaped diamond in the world. Sotheby’s Geneva auctioned this yellow diamond for $13 million (11.2 million CHF) in 2011. Before its sale, the diamond was displayed at London’s Natural History Museum, where it drew immense public fascination. According to Alan Hart, Head of Collections for the Mineralogy Department, the Sun Drop Diamond formed deep within the Earth's crust 1-3 billion years ago, incorporating nitrogen during its growth to achieve its remarkable hue. The diamond was discovered in South Africa in 2010, and after an intricate six-month cutting process, it emerged as the largest known existing yellow pear-shaped diamond. It was later renamed the “Lady Dalal.”
3. The Golden Canary Diamond $12.3 million
The Gold Canary Diamond is a pear-shaped Fancy Deep brownish yellow diamond weighing 303.10 carats. This one-of-a-kind yellow diamond sold in December 2022 for $12.3 million. Stated in the GIA report, the diamond is a fancy deep brownish color and the clarity is internally flawless. Within the GIA report is a monograph attesting to the rarity and importance of an internally flawless diamond of this weight. The Gold Canary Diamond is nothing short of a miraculous discovery. The yellow diamond was discovered in the early 1980s, by a young girl playing near her uncle’s house in Mbuji Mayi, in modern-day Democratic Republic of Congo.The rough diamond immediately sparked global interest. Beyond its nearly unforeseen size, its unique internal characteristics beguiled viewers. Ian Balfour, in his seminal treatise, Famous Diamonds, said “…the crystal had been composed of sharply defined areas of different colours, each colour representing some change in the environment that must have occurred as the crystal was growing. At one stage, the crystal had been colourless; then nature had added a certain thickness of pale yellow diamond, followed by a ‘skin’ of smoky amber-coloured diamond.” At 303.10 carats, the Golden Canary remains the largest internally flawless diamond in the world.
4. Unmounted Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond $5.5 million
In December 2023, Sotheby's sold this incredible unmounted yellow diamond for $5.5 million. The yellow diamond is a cushion modified brilliant cut fancy vivid yellow diamond weighing 133.03 carats. On the GIA color scale the yellow is ‘vivid yellow’ which is the deepest most intense yellow a yellow diamond can be. Yellow diamonds of this color range always fetch the highest prices. Additionally, the yellow diamond clarity is VS2, meaning there are only a few visible inclusions. This precious 133.03 carat cushion cut yellow diamond is a one of a kind find in the luxury market.
Yellow diamonds have long been revered for their radiant beauty, rarity, and symbolism. From the historic Eureka Diamond to the breathtaking 100-carat-plus treasures that have shattered auction records, these gems continue to captivate collectors and connoisseurs worldwide. Their warm, golden glow represents not only the wonders of nature but also the enduring appeal of luxury and craftsmanship. As these exceptional diamonds continue to grace the world’s most prestigious collections, their legacy as some of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones in history remains firmly intact.
Advantages to Buying Yellow Diamonds on the Secondary Market
There are many advantages to buying yellow diamonds at Sotheby's. As one of the largest and most established global luxury secondary markets, Sotheby's offers clients many unique advantages when growing a diamond jewelry collection.
1. Access
Sotheby's is able to provide access to a curated selection of yellow diamonds from its long established global network of sellers. Sotheby's is a leading global marketplace that offers pristine diamond jewelry in the most rare colored diamonds from an assortment of designers. Our jewelry specialists are always sourcing the more desirable diamond jewels from collectors around the world. Sotheby's also sells incredible private collections that include one of a kind yellow diamonds.
2. Flexibility
Sotheby's provides multiple ways to purchase yellow diamonds including auction, online and in person in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris and London. Sotheby's also offers a concierge service if you need assistance sourcing specific diamond jewels that aren't available at auction or online.
3. Value
As a leading global secondary market, Sotheby's often provides great value for yellow diamonds. While Sotheby's regularly sells diamond jewelry over $600,000, many of these diamond jewels sell for below the original retail price. Signed diamond pieces can experience a 30 to 40% decrease from retail price to secondary market. Non-signed diamond pieces may fluctuate based on the current market price for the raw materials themselves. The discount varies depending on the jewelry's design, quality, size of the diamond and gem stones, and overall market conditions. Some diamond jewelry can also sell at a premium to the original retail, especially for one of a kind vintage designs, diamond jewelry with provenance linked to celebrities and/or royalty, and pieces featuring exceptionally rare diamonds and colored gem stones. Sotheby's is a great place to start collecting diamond jewelry. Sotheby's also provides seasoned collectors value for vintage diamond jewelry at prices that can be materially lower than retail replacement values.
4. Discovery
One of the best parts of a global luxury secondary market is discovering unique pieces from decades earlier and custom designed one of a kind diamond jewelry pieces. Sotheby's curated selection changes regularly and each auction has a unique selection of diamond jewelry. You are likely to discover something new to you.
Buy and Sell Yellow Diamonds At Sotheby's
Sotheby's often has rare and collectible yellow diamonds available at auction. Sotheby's also has a curated selection of diamond jewelry available for immediate purchase on marketplace. If you would like to view diamond jewelry, a salon specialist would be happy to assist. Sotheby's is also able to source diamond jewelry from its global supplier network. Prices for diamond jewelry start around $4,000 for white gold and diamond band rings and rise significantly for more coveted diamonds. Iconic diamond rings, such as platinum diamond engagement rings can exceed $800,000.
- Explore upcoming jewelry at auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich, London, Paris, or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Contact a Jewelry Specialist about selling a yellow diamond.
Trust our worldwide network of leading jewelry specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
