RED DIAMOND: Rarest Beauty Born from Flaw

At one point, there was only one truly red diamond known, and this was no more than a carat in weight. The Halphen Red exemplified how rich the color of red diamond is. To this day, there remain not many diamonds that exhibit a vivid red coloration. What exactly are red diamonds? What gives them their striking red color? And are they going to be available to us in more quantities than the one or two that appeared in the market?

Time to read:

9 minutes

Table of Contents

Before the Advent of the Red Diamond

Before the discovery of red diamonds, the rarest and most expensive colors of diamonds were the rose, blue and green. Rose diamonds, which are pink stones verging on red, have always been highly prized for their rich and delicate hue. Diamonds that display a deep, intense blue color were also one of the most sought-after colored diamonds. Green diamonds with intense or vivid coloration likewise fetched high prices. These were the most expensive of diamonds then, if not of all gemstones.

Of the red gems, the most esteemed and valuable was not a diamond but the ruby. Rubies had always been more expensive than white diamonds, and adorned the crowns and jewelry of nobility and royalty.

The introduction of truly red diamonds, exhibiting shades deeper than those of the rose stones, brought a new level of rarity and prestige to the world of colored diamonds, and even achieved prices higher than those of any valuable gemstones in history.

What is a Red Diamond?

A red diamond is a type of diamond that exhibits a predominantly red hue. Red diamonds are extremely rare and belong to the category of fancy colored diamonds, which are diamonds that display intense and vibrant colors.

A square-shaped red diamond
From Fancy Diamonds, CC BY 2.0

Like its white counterpart, the red diamond is pure carbon. The cause of color in red diamonds is still the object of further scientific studies. Some scientists propose that the intense pressure and extreme heat experienced by diamonds during their formation deep within the Earth’s mantle can cause plastic deformation in the crystal structure. This deformation results in defects in the crystal’s lattice that absorb light except for the red part of the spectrum. The diamond therefore reflects the red particles of light, resulting in the red coloration.

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DIAMOND COLORS

In the color-grading of diamonds practiced by gemological authorities, such as the Gemological Institute of America or GIA, Fancy Red Diamonds come from the pink stones. Pink diamonds range in color from Fancy Faint to Fancy Deep and Fancy Dark. The deepest or darkest color among pink diamonds is Fancy Red.

Advantages of Red Diamond

While red diamonds are not accessible to everybody, if one did have the means, why should he acquire a red diamond? In fact, there are several advantages that red diamonds offer, and these contribute to their desirability and value.

1. Extreme Rarity

Red diamonds are exceptionally rare, one of the rarest gemstones in the world. The natural occurrence of red diamonds is incredibly scarce, with only a limited number of significant red diamonds known to exist. Their rarity enhances their allure and makes them highly coveted among discerning collectors and individuals seeking unique and rare gems.

2. Unique and Captivating Beauty

The intense red color that red diamonds exhibit is truly mesmerizing. Their deep and vibrant hue creates a striking visual impact, thus setting them apart from other colored diamonds.

3. Prestige

Given their rarity, red diamonds also exude a sense of luxury, elegance and exclusivity. Owning a red diamond is a sign of prestige and sophistication.

4. Investment Value

Due to their extreme rarity and increasing demand, red diamonds are valuable investments. The limited supply and growing interest in colored diamonds, including red diamonds, have led to significant price appreciation over time. Red diamonds have consistently shown strong investment potential, making them a much sought-after asset for collectors and investors.

5. Unique Collectible Gemstone

Red diamonds have a strong appeal to gemstone collectors who appreciate rare and unique specimens. Their scarcity and exceptional beauty make them highly prized additions to gemstone collections. The allure of owning one of the rarest and most sought-after gems drives the demand for red diamonds in the collector’s market.

6. Fiery Symbolism

Red often bears association with passion, love, power and strength. The symbolism and cultural significance of the color red add to the popularity of red diamonds. These diamonds come across as a representation of love and desire, making them highly sought-after for romantic and special occasions.

There is interconnection in the advantages of red diamond. Their rarity contributes to their price range, which is higher compared to other diamonds. The combination of their unique color, scarcity and value, in turn, make red diamonds an extraordinarily coveted gem among diamonds and gemstones in general.

Red Diamond, So Lovely Yet So Rare

Unfortunately, red diamonds are exceedingly rare, with only a handful of significant gem-quality red diamonds known to exist. The natural occurrence of red diamonds is incredibly limited. In fact, red diamond is the rarest of all colored diamonds. Their scarcity results in their exceptional desirability and value.

There are several factors that contribute to their rarity.

1. Extremely Limited Supply

Red diamonds are incredibly rare in nature. They account for less than 0.1% of all diamonds mined globally. The rarity of red diamonds comes from the unique combination of geological conditions and specific atomic structures required for their formation.

2. Geographic Constraints

Red diamonds primarily come from a few select locations. The majority of red diamonds occur in mines located in regions such as Australia, Brazil and Africa. The concentration of red diamonds in specific geographic areas adds to their rarity.

3. Color Consistency

Many diamonds with a reddish hue come under the category of fancy pink, fancy orangy red or fancy purplish red, rather than as true red diamonds. Red diamonds with a pure and distinct red color are even rarer. Those with a pleasantly intense and vivid red hue are exceptionally scarce, making them highly coveted.

4. Small Size and Carat Weight

Red diamonds usually occur in sizes smaller compared to those of other colored diamonds. Large red diamonds are exceptionally rare. The majority of red diamonds discovered are under one carat in weight. The combination of their small size and their rarity increases their exclusivity and value.

5. Limited Historical Finds

The scarcity of red diamonds is evident in the limited number of notable red diamonds in history. Throughout history, only a handful of significant red diamonds came to light.

Popularity in Scarcity of Red Diamond

Still, due to their extreme rarity, red diamonds are one of the most sought-after gemstones among collectors, investors and diamond enthusiasts. The scarcity of red diamonds contributes to their high market value, and makes them highly desirable for those seeking to own a truly rare and precious gem. Their captivating beauty likewise make them one of the most sought-after and prestigious gemstones in the world. The rarity of red diamonds, combined with their intense red coloration, contributes to their immense value and popularity among diamond connoisseurs and collectors.

The DeYoung Gem — The DeYoung Red
From MBisanz, CC BY-SA 3.0

Accordingly, the few red diamonds known in history are extraordinary gemstones highly prized and revered for their rarity. Collectors and enthusiasts highly coveted the following red diamonds, which consequently commanded astronomical prices when they appeared in the market:

1. Moussaieff Red Diamond

The Moussaieff Red is one of the most famous and remarkable red diamonds in existence. This diamond from Brazil weighs 5.11 carats, and is renowned for its extraordinary intensity and deep red color. Its rare hue, combined with its relatively large size for a red diamond, contributes to its immense value and prestige. The diamond obtained its name from its owners, the Moussaieff family, renowned for their expertise in rare and valuable gemstones.

2. Hancock Red Diamond

Discovered in Brazil, the Halphen Red is one of the finest examples of red diamonds. In 1987, the same gem surfaced in an auction in New York and sold for $880,000, making it the most expensive diamond per carat at that time. Renamed as the Hancock Red Diamond, after its owner Warren Hancock, the gem held this title for twenty years, and was indeed a highly revered and historic gem. The red diamond weighs only 0.95 carats, but showcases a rich, deep red color, with exceptional clarity.

3. Kazanjian Red Diamond

The Kazanjian Red is a remarkable gemstone known for its vibrant red color. The step-cut gem weighs 5.05 carats, and is among the largest red diamonds in existence. The diamond features a unique and intense red hue, captivating the eye with its depth and radiance. The Kazanjian Red traces its origins to South Africa, where the stone came to light in the 1920s. The Kazanjian brothers, who are renowned gemstone merchants, acquired the diamond, hence its name.

These three aforementioned red diamonds are highly celebrated for their rarity, intense red color and historical significance. They represent the pinnacle of red diamond’s beauty and are renowned as exceptional examples of the extraordinary allure and scarcity of the red gems.

Red Diamond, Rarest of the Rare

With their extraordinary rarity and beauty, red diamonds inspire deep fascination. In the world of luxury and wealth, red diamonds epitomize prestige and exclusivity. They figure in glamorous auctions and private collections that preserve their legacy. Red diamonds are elusive treasures that come in the shape of gleaming crimson gems.

Article published

July 5, 2023 1:23 PM UTC

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Writing a Book About Diamond

The author penned this article during his research for an upcoming book on diamonds. ‘Diamond, its Magic and History’ is currently in progress and will require additional time to complete. Pending its release, you can explore the author’s existing publication.

About the Author

Jomar Pandan

Jomar ‘Deomar’ Pandan is the author of Power Birthstone. He’s on the fourth draft of a high-fantasy novel, Cybelym, and the first of a historical fiction, Gem Faerie. He hopes to release a nonfiction book about diamond soon. Follow him on Facebook for exciting tidbits of knowledge everyday! Or see his jewelry and designs.