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. Weighing an extraordinary 100.09 carats, the cushion-modified brilliant yellow diamond is one of the most renowned of its kind. Set on a detachable Graff band adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds, it stands among the few yellow diamonds exceeding 100 carats ever recorded. Its significance is underscored by its inclusion in Ian Balfour’s Famous Diamonds, a definitive reference published in 2008.
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.”
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.
Buy and Sell Yellow Diamonds with Sotheby’s
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the world of colored diamonds, Sotheby’s offers a trusted, seamless way to buy and sell yellow diamonds on the secondary market.
Why Choose Sotheby’s?
- Expertly Vetted Selection
Explore rare and iconic yellow diamond jewelry, from delicate yellow diamond rings starting around $4,000 to highly coveted pieces featuring exceptional, naturally colored diamonds commanding significantly higher prices. - Exclusive Global Access
Shop diamond jewelry through auctions and Buy Now marketplace, backed by a worldwide network of collectors, consignors, and trusted suppliers. - Flexible Ways to Buy
Purchase online or in person at our locations in New York, London, Paris, and Hong Kong—or work with a dedicated jewelry concierge for tailored assistance. - Exceptional Value
Every piece of yellow diamond jewelry is authenticated and priced by Sotheby’s specialists to reflect true market value. - Constantly Evolving Inventory
Discover vintage and modern yellow diamond rings, necklaces, and bracelets across all price points, with new pieces added regularly.
Ready to Get Started?
- Explore Sotheby's upcoming jewelry auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong
- Shop Sotheby's Buy Now yellow diamond jewelry for instant access to available inventory
- Speak with a Sotheby's jewelry specialist to consign or request a valuation for a yellow diamond
Trust our worldwide network of leading jewelry specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
