How does the cut affect the appearance of a yellow diamond? Answer: Like any diamond, the cut (proportioning) of a yellow diamond plays a crucial role in maximizing its brilliance and enhancing its yellow hue. A well-cut yellow diamond can exhibit exceptional sparkle and color intensity. If we use the term cut to refer to the shape of the yellow diamond then there are also certain shapes that lend themselves to maximizing the color and brilliance of a yellow diamond as well. For example, while the Round Brilliant cut is the optimal cut for the maximization of Brilliance, Fire and Scintillation in a colorless diamond, it is not the ideal cut for a yellow diamond or any fancy colored diamond. Those very same qualities that make the Round Brilliant so dazzling in a colorless diamond actually have a negative impact on the visual quality of the color in a yellow diamond. The most common shapes for a yellow diamond are the Radiant, Cushion and Oval shapes as they strike the perfect balance between maximizing the color of the diamond while maintaining very high levels of Brilliance, Fire and Scintillation. At the same time, for attractive Round Brilliant and Emerald cut yellow diamonds you can expect to pay a significant premium over other shapes of yellow diamonds.