Canary Diamonds: The Sparkle Of The Sun Caught In A Gemstone
Canary diamonds, with their delicate sparkle and radiant beauty, have captivated jewelers and high-society figures for centuries.
Also known as fancy yellows or intense yellow natural diamonds, these gemstones are among the rarest and most stunning diamonds in the world. Their distinctive hue, ranging from yellow to orangey-yellow, is often described as canary yellow, reminiscent of the vibrant plumage of canaries.
The Allure of Canary Diamonds
"Diamonds are a girl's best friend," as immortalized by Marilyn Monroe in the 1953 classic "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." Among these, canary diamonds shine the brightest.
Also known as fancy yellows or intense yellow natural diamonds, these gemstones are among the rarest and most stunning diamonds in the world. Their distinctive hue, ranging from yellow to orangey-yellow, is often described as canary yellow, reminiscent of the vibrant plumage of canaries.
The Allure of Canary Diamonds
"Diamonds are a girl's best friend," as immortalized by Marilyn Monroe in the 1953 classic "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." Among these, canary diamonds shine the brightest.
Moon of Baroda Diamond
Marilyn Monroe herself wore the famous Moon of Baroda, a 24.04-carat canary yellow diamond, during the film’s promotional tour. This gem, discovered in Vadodara (Baroda), India, originally weighed 25.95 carats in its rough form and was treasured by the royal Gaekwad family before finding its way to Monroe.
Famous Faces and Iconic Diamonds
Audrey Hepburn and the Tiffany Diamond
Seven years after Monroe, Audrey Hepburn dazzled the world with a canary diamond around her neck while promoting "Breakfast at Tiffany’s." The famed Tiffany Diamond, a 128.54-carat gem extracted from the Kimberley mines in South Africa, was showcased. This diamond, alternately set in a brooch or necklace by French jeweler Jean Schlumberger, has only been worn five times in over a century.
Beyoncé's Modern Love Story with Tiffany
In 2021, pop icon Beyoncé became the fourth woman and the first Black woman to wear the stunning Tiffany Diamond. She, along with her husband Jay-Z, starred in the Tiffany & Co. campaign "Above Love," symbolizing a modern love story. Beyoncé’s elegant look in the campaign highlighted the historic gem around her neck.
Lady Gaga at the Oscars
Lady Gaga wore the famed Tiffany Diamond at the 2019 Oscars, pairing it with a necklace featuring over 100 carats of white diamonds. Her style paid homage to Audrey Hepburn, complete with a black gown and long black gloves, making her the third person to don this iconic gem.
The Symbolism and History of Yellow
Historically, the yellow color of canary diamonds symbolizes light, warmth, and prosperity. In antiquity, Greeks and Romans wore yellow during religious ceremonies and weddings, while the Celts associated it with gold and immortality.
Famous Faces and Iconic Diamonds
Audrey Hepburn and the Tiffany Diamond
Seven years after Monroe, Audrey Hepburn dazzled the world with a canary diamond around her neck while promoting "Breakfast at Tiffany’s." The famed Tiffany Diamond, a 128.54-carat gem extracted from the Kimberley mines in South Africa, was showcased. This diamond, alternately set in a brooch or necklace by French jeweler Jean Schlumberger, has only been worn five times in over a century.
Beyoncé's Modern Love Story with Tiffany
In 2021, pop icon Beyoncé became the fourth woman and the first Black woman to wear the stunning Tiffany Diamond. She, along with her husband Jay-Z, starred in the Tiffany & Co. campaign "Above Love," symbolizing a modern love story. Beyoncé’s elegant look in the campaign highlighted the historic gem around her neck.
Lady Gaga at the Oscars
Lady Gaga wore the famed Tiffany Diamond at the 2019 Oscars, pairing it with a necklace featuring over 100 carats of white diamonds. Her style paid homage to Audrey Hepburn, complete with a black gown and long black gloves, making her the third person to don this iconic gem.
The Symbolism and History of Yellow
Historically, the yellow color of canary diamonds symbolizes light, warmth, and prosperity. In antiquity, Greeks and Romans wore yellow during religious ceremonies and weddings, while the Celts associated it with gold and immortality.
Despite its stigmatization in the Middle Ages, yellow has reclaimed its status as a symbol of power, joy, and abundance, famously represented by the yellow jersey worn by the Tour de France winner.
The Most Famous Canary Diamonds
1. The Incomparable Diamond: Originally weighing 890 carats, this diamond from the Democratic Republic of Congo was cut into a 407.48-carat shield-shaped gem, one of the largest yellow diamonds in the world.
2. The Allnatt Diamond: This 101.29-carat cushion-shaped diamond, known for its vivid yellow color, was named after its owner, Major Alfred Ernest Allnatt.
3. The Florentine Diamond: A historic 137.27-carat light yellow diamond, once part of the Austrian Crown Jewels, its current whereabouts are unknown.
4. The Cora Sun-Drop Diamond: A 110.3-carat pear-shaped diamond, renowned for its intense yellow color.
5. The Golden Empress Diamond: A 132.55-carat cushion-shaped diamond, famous for its rich golden-yellow hue and exceptional clarity.
6. The Delaire Sunrise Diamond: This 118.08-carat oval-cut diamond is known for its vibrant yellow color and brilliance.
Canary Diamonds - The Ultimate Symbols Of Luxury
Canary diamonds, with their exceptional beauty and rich histories, continue to be symbols of elegance and luxury.
The Most Famous Canary Diamonds
1. The Incomparable Diamond: Originally weighing 890 carats, this diamond from the Democratic Republic of Congo was cut into a 407.48-carat shield-shaped gem, one of the largest yellow diamonds in the world.
2. The Allnatt Diamond: This 101.29-carat cushion-shaped diamond, known for its vivid yellow color, was named after its owner, Major Alfred Ernest Allnatt.
3. The Florentine Diamond: A historic 137.27-carat light yellow diamond, once part of the Austrian Crown Jewels, its current whereabouts are unknown.
4. The Cora Sun-Drop Diamond: A 110.3-carat pear-shaped diamond, renowned for its intense yellow color.
5. The Golden Empress Diamond: A 132.55-carat cushion-shaped diamond, famous for its rich golden-yellow hue and exceptional clarity.
6. The Delaire Sunrise Diamond: This 118.08-carat oval-cut diamond is known for its vibrant yellow color and brilliance.
Canary Diamonds - The Ultimate Symbols Of Luxury
Canary diamonds, with their exceptional beauty and rich histories, continue to be symbols of elegance and luxury.
From ancient royal families to modern icons like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, these gems have adorned some of the most admired figures throughout history. Their unique sparkle and vibrant hue make them truly the "sparkle of the sun caught in a gemstone."
