Can a diamond change colour over time?

[Shannon]

My diamond engagement ring was purchased in November of 2006 and all was fine but by the summer of 2007 I started to notice the colour shifting to a yellow. I use allot of hand cream so I use a jewelry cleaner regularly and when I do it gets a bit better but still not the same as when I first bought it and it only helps for a day. Am I cleaning it incorrectly or using the wrong product, I am just using the store bought cleaner. I also had it cleaned at a jewelry store once without great results. It seems to be getting worse over time. The diamond is a G colour with clarity of SI-2, cut is ideal and the size is 1.04 and is has a white gold setting with a gold band. It is at the point where people are asking if it is a yellow diamond. What can I do to fix this?

[ukmarkyj]

Shannon,

This does sound very strange to me. I can understand a small amount of colour being reflected from the yellow gold band, or dirt being caught within the setting, but obviously, your diamond is looking very yellow by the sound of it. Without actually seeing the diamond it is very difficult to judge, but my advice would be to take it to a qualified gemologist to put a pair of trained eyes on the stone. It might also be worth taking along the diamond certificate just to make sure your diamond is the stone represented on the certificate.

In my experience, I have never seen a natural white diamond change colour in this way and this seems highly unlike a diamond's characteristics. I think it definately warrants further inspection by someone with a trained eye.

[Shannon]

Mark,
Thank you very much for taking the time to reply I appreciate the information. I did have the diamond appraised with a third party after it was purchased so it should be the same diamond. I am planning to go back to the place where I purchased the ring but since I know very little about diamonds I wanted to get some information first so I would not just be relying on their word. I feel better hearing that it is not a common problem, I was worried I was sold a bad diamond. Thanks again for your help.
Shannon

[ken7700]

Shannon I agree with Mark this is the first time I ever heard of that happening. I would have it checked to see what is going on with it.

[Mervyn L. Cohn ASA]

My diamond engagement ring was purchased in November of 2006 and all was fine but by the summer of 2007 I started to notice the colour shifting to a yellow. I use allot of hand cream so I use a jewelry cleaner regularly and when I do it gets a bit better but still not the same as when I first bought it and it only helps for a day. Am I cleaning it incorrectly or using the wrong product, I am just using the store bought cleaner. I also had it cleaned at a jewelry store once without great results. It seems to be getting worse over time. The diamond is a G colour with clarity of SI-2, cut is ideal and the size is 1.04 and is has a white gold setting with a gold band. It is at the point where people are asking if it is a yellow diamond. What can I do to fix this?

This may be a little late, but here you are regardless: When I was a young man starting in the Pawnshop business, I was taught to improve the color of a diamond by touching the culet with a dampened indelible pencil, this would lightly coat the pavilion with a transparent film of purplish-blue. When over time this coating washes off the original color of the stone returns. Could this be it?