Thanks to nature of fine jewelry, discoloration is a common issue. For example, white gold needs to be occasionally re-plated to maintain its bright white finish. Silver and gold, on the other hand, can change color due to environmental and chemical reactions.
But what about diamonds, one of the most coveted gemstones in the world of fine jewelry? It’s often assumed diamonds turn yellow with age, much like old photographs and books.
Let’s look at what makes a diamond yellow to begin with. From there, we’ll explain why your diamond might look yellow and how you can prevent it from happening.
How Do Yellow Diamonds Get Their Color?
The Color Of A Diamond is determined by the way it’s formed.
Specifically, it depends on what elements were present during the process.
All diamonds start with carbon atoms about 100 miles beneath the earth’s surface. High heat and high pressure force these atoms to form tight and rigid bonds, creating a strong lattice-like network.
Over billions of years, the carbon atoms continue to accumulate and form new bonds. This is
how the diamond gets bigger.
If the chemical bonds are only made with carbon, the diamond will be colorless, or white.
But if another element is present during the process, it can affect the structure — and therefore, color — of the resulting diamond.
Specifically, yellow diamonds are made when nitrogen atoms bond with carbon. That’s because nitrogen absorbs blue light, which reflects different shades of yellow.
Even a small trace of nitrogen can create a yellowish champagne diamond.
Do Diamonds Change Color Over Time?
As you can see, a diamond’s color is determined by its atomic structure.
This structure is produced by a series of complex chemical reactions that happen deep within the earth. And since it’s impossible to change a diamond’s chemical makeup, it can’t change color over time.
In other words, diamonds do not yellow with age.
How Colorless Diamonds Turn Yellow
If your white diamond has developed a yellowish tint, you can blame dirt or other substances.
Even a light layer of dust or dirt can make a colorless diamond look yellow.
Other possible culprits include hairspray, soap, and makeup. These substances can build up over time, making it look stained and discolored. It’s best to keep your stone away from these products.
You should also Get Your Diamond Professionally Cleaned, even if you don’t wear it often. After all, should you decide to sell your diamond, you’ll want to make sure that it looks its best.
Have Questions About Your Diamond? Visit Southwest Jewelry Buyers
Since diamonds don’t yellow with age, it’s possible to enjoy a beautiful clear stone for many years. But when it’s time to move on and Sell Your Diamond, come visit us at Southwest Jewelry Buyers.
Our experienced team of certified gemologists will gladly inspect your diamond. We’re also ready to pay top dollar for your precious gems. With an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, you can expect nothing more than an ethical and professional experience.
To schedule an appointment, Contact Us at (480) 773-8004. We’re available to meet with you six days a week.