Diamond » Diamond Colors » ORANGE DIAMOND: Lesser-known Yet Most Expensive

ORANGE DIAMOND: Lesser-known Yet Most Expensive

Though beautiful and vibrant, orange diamond is not among the best-known of diamonds. This gem is nowhere near the popularity of white diamonds, and even among colored diamonds is relatively unknown. Still, in recent years, more and more people have come to appreciate the beauty of orange diamonds.

Orange diamond in nature

How Orange Diamond Became Known

Most of our knowledge of orange diamonds dates back to only a few centuries ago, particularly in the 1800s. Before then, diamonds were generally white. Colored diamonds were also known – including red, green and black – but orange diamonds were not definitely among them. There was mention of ‘fire-colored’ diamonds in the 13th-century writings of Ben Mansur, but the same may not have necessarily referred to orange diamonds, but possibly to the opalescent kind, or the yellow. Orange diamond was virtually unknown, at least under this name.

Of the orange gemstones in general, the most popular and most expensive was likely the orange sapphire.

It was not until the 1800s that orange diamonds earnestly became known. They were notably one of the varieties of diamond that came from South Africa, where diamonds came to light in the same century. This is not surprising given that diamonds from the Cape were predominantly of a yellow color, whose cause is partly the reason behind the coloration of orange diamonds.

Rough crystal from Congo
Rough orange diamond
From Parent Gery, CC BY-SA 3.0

What are orange diamonds? And what gives them their orange color?

What Is Orange Diamond?

An orange diamond is a fancy diamond that has a natural orange hue. The color comes from the presence of nitrogen atoms arranged in a specific structure that absorbs blue and some yellow light. Orange diamonds can have different levels of intensity and saturation, ranging from faint to deep. They can also have secondary hues, such as brown, yellow or pink. Owing to their resemblance in color to the flames and the large squash, they also go by the names ‘fire’ and ‘pumpkin diamonds.’

Orange Diamond Against a Pumpkin
Orange diamond is also known as ‘pumpkin diamond.’

Orange diamonds are very rare and valuable, even more so when they have a pure or vivid color. They occur mostly in South Africa and Australia.

Advantages of Orange Diamond

Like other diamonds, orange diamonds are very hard and durable. They resist scratches and can withstand heat. With proper care, they can last a long time. Besides these pros, orange diamonds offer several other advantages, which make them highly desirable.

1. Rarity

Orange diamonds are exceptionally rare. Accounting for only 0.05% of all natural fancy diamonds, pure orange diamonds are among the rarest of colored diamonds. Their scarcity adds to their allure and exclusivity, making them a prized and coveted gemstone for collectors and connoisseurs. Orange diamonds are accordingly very valuable, especially if they have a pure or vivid orange color.

Orange Diamond Ring

2. Distinctive Beauty

The striking and vibrant color of orange diamonds sets them apart from the traditional colorless diamonds and the other fancy-colored stones. Orange diamonds are very beautiful and distinctive, with a fiery and warm color that can create a striking contrast with other gems or metals.

3. Investment Value

Due to their rarity, orange diamonds can hold value and potentially appreciate in worth over time, thus making them an attractive option for an investment.

4. Symbolism

Orange diamonds can be a meaningful choice in expressing individuality and personality through jewelry. The color orange is associated with qualities like creativity, energy and enthusiasm. Orange diamonds can thus symbolize energy, enthusiasm, creativity and joy.

Orange Diamond on Fire
Orange diamond is also known as ‘fire diamond.’

5. Versatility

Orange diamonds are suitable for a wide range of jewelry designs, from engagement rings to pendants and earrings, offering flexibility in creating unique and eye-catching pieces of jewelry.

6. Expression of Uniqueness

Choosing an orange diamond showcases a distinctive taste and a departure from the more conventional colorless or colored gemstones, thus making it an ideal choice for those seeking something truly rare and extraordinary.

The Rare Orange Diamond

The biggest advantage of an orange diamond is its extreme rarity and uniqueness. Among fancy-colored diamonds, orange diamonds are one of the rarest. This scarcity sets them apart from the more common white diamonds and even other fancy-colored diamonds, such as yellow.

Orange Diamond Necklace on a Man
Image of an orange diamond necklace

The same rarity makes them highly desirable and sought after among collectors and gemstone enthusiasts. Owning a truly exceptional and rare gemstone like an orange diamond is a symbol of exclusivity and prestige, making it an extraordinary addition to any jewelry collection. Their extreme rarity indeed makes orange diamonds a true gemological treasure.

Moreover, the limited supply of orange diamonds contributes to their potential as an investment. Due to this limited availability and an increasing demand, the value of orange diamonds can appreciate over time, thus making them an attractive choice for investors looking for unique and valuable assets.

Disadvantages of Orange Diamond

While orange diamonds carry several pros, they also come with some cons.

1. Rarity and Cost

The extreme rarity of orange diamonds can be a disadvantage for potential buyers. Due to their scarcity, these diamonds can be very expensive, significantly more expensive than other colored diamonds or colorless diamonds of similar size and quality. This makes them less accessible to a broader market.

Pair of mismatched earrings
Image of a pair of mismatched earrings

2. Limited Availability

Due to their scarcity, finding a high-quality orange diamond of the desired size and shape can be challenging. This can lead to longer search times, and may limit choices in jewelry design.

3. Color Preferences

Preferences in color are subjective, and not everyone may like the distinct hue of orange diamonds. Some individuals may prefer the traditional colorless diamonds or fancy-colored diamonds of other colors.

4. Color Distribution

Within the category of orange diamonds, there can be variations in color intensity and distribution. Some stones may have uneven coloration, which affect their overall appearance and desirability, and thus their value. They may also have undesirable undertones, such as brown, which can lower their price.

Stone with a brownish tint
Image of an orange diamond with a brownish tint

5. Fluctuating Market

Like any investment, the value of colored diamonds, including orange diamonds, can fluctuate based on market demand, economic conditions and trends. Thus, while colored diamonds can hold and potentially increase in value, there are really no guarantees.

6. Limited Versatility

The bold and distinct color of orange diamonds may limit their versatility in certain jewelry designs. Since any gemstones that come with them have to complement them and enhance their color and beauty, orange diamonds can be very challenging to match and set. Moreover, some individuals may simply prefer gemstones that easily go with a variety of outfits and styles.

7. Rarity of Large Stones

Orange diamonds of large sizes are extremely rare and thus exceptionally hard to find. As a result, larger stones can command astronomical prices, making them beyond the reach of most buyers.

Orange Diamond in the Sun

The Unreachable Orange Diamond

The biggest disadvantage of orange diamond is its extreme rarity and high cost. As one of the rarest colors of diamonds, high-quality orange diamond can be exceptionally challenging to find. Moreover, the limited supply of these diamonds results in significantly higher prices compared to other diamonds of similar size and quality.

The combination of extreme rarity and high cost makes orange diamonds less accessible to most consumers. The price premium associated with their uniqueness can place them beyond the budget of many potential buyers, thus limiting the market for these exquisite gems.

Additionally, the high cost of orange diamonds can also present challenges for investors, since the initial investment required to acquire such a rare gemstone typically does not immediately yield substantial returns. Moreover, the fluctuating nature of the colored diamond market further adds to the complexity of their viability as an investment.

Orange Diamond Among Gold Bars
Image of an orange diamond among gold bars

Indeed, while orange diamonds hold undeniable allure and prestige due to their scarcity, their steep price tag is the most significant drawback for those interested in acquiring these mesmerizing gems.

Arrival of More Orange Diamond

Despite their scarcity, more orange diamonds have in fact come to light. In fact, several orange diamonds have captured the world’s attention with their exceptional beauty and rarity. Here are some of the most renowned orange diamonds.

Cushion-cut Gem
The Pumpkin Diamond is a cushion-cut orange diamond.

1. The Pumpkin Diamond

Among the most famous orange diamonds is a 5.54-carat vivid-orange diamond whose intense, fiery orange hue earned it the name ‘the Pumpkin Diamond.’ Discovered in central Africa, the orange diamond gained widespread recognition after appearing in the press and at different high-profile events. Bought for $1.3 million at an auction in 1997, the Pumpkin later appeared with two smaller white diamonds in a ring, which the actress Halle Berry wore when she won the Oscar for Best Actress in 2002.

Pear-cut Orange Diamond
The Orange Diamond is a pear-cut gem.

2. The Orange Diamond

Weighing approximately 14.82 carats, the Orange is another extraordinary orange diamond, whose stunning vivid color and high clarity contribute to its allure. This diamond sold at Christie’s auction in 2013 and fetched an impressive price of $35.5 million, setting a new record for the highest price per carat ever achieved for any colored diamond, at $2.4 million per carat.

Diamond with orange parts
The Koi Diamond
From Rawstone Business Holding, CC BY-SA 3.0

3. The Koi Diamond

This is a 32-carat orange diamond with orange and white hues. Its multicolored appearance and fish-like shape, which together produce a resemblance to the Japanese koi fish, make this gem one of the most unique diamonds in the world.

Rising Popularity of Orange Diamond

Due to their striking colors and exceptional rarity, the famous orange diamonds we mentioned have all earned their place in history. They continue to inspire awe and fascination among gem enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. In fact, the few orange diamonds that made history, such as the Pumpkin and the Orange, increased the popularity of orange diamonds in general.

Through media coverage and public exhibition, these high-profile diamonds have garnered widespread attention. This attention, in turn, has drawn the world’s gaze to the allure and uniqueness of orange diamonds as a distinct category of fancy-colored stones. As a result, more people have become aware of the beauty and rarity of orange diamonds, thus leading to an increased appreciation for these remarkable gems.

Beautiful Woman Wearing Orange Diamond
To many, owning a large orange diamond is a dream.

The fame of those exceptional diamonds has also contributed to the desirability of orange diamonds among collectors, investors and jewelry enthusiasts, thus spurring interest and demand for the gems in the market. It has thus become the dream of jewelers and designers to incorporate these rare gems into their creations, which would showcase the beauty and versatility of orange diamonds.

Orange Diamond Today

While orange diamonds are still among the rarest of colored diamonds, the fame and awareness generated by the few historic orange diamonds have contributed to the popularity of this exceptional variety, thus making them a sought-after and coveted choice for those seeking a unique and vibrant addition to their jewelry collection. As a result, orange diamonds are among the most valuable fancy diamonds in the world.

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