Before pink diamonds were highly popular, there was rose diamond. This variety of diamond came in shades of pink approaching red, and was highly esteemed back in the 1800s. What are rose diamonds exactly? Though they once ranked as the rarest and most valuable of gems, how popular are rose diamonds now?
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Before the Arrival of Rose Diamond
Before rose diamonds came, the focus among diamonds was predominantly on the white or colorless stones. Some colored diamonds were also famous, particularly the blue and yellow. Of the rose-colored gems from other minerals, the most familiar was the affordable rose quartz, the variety of quartz known for its soft pink color.
When the rose diamond gained recognition, they ranked among the most expensive of diamonds, along with the green and blue varieties. However, rose diamonds came mostly under the label ‘red diamond,’ with those of softer hue relegated to ‘pink.’ At one point, there was only really one known true red diamond, the Haphen Red. The rest of the expensive so-called ‘red diamonds’ were in fact rose diamonds.
Needless to say, the rose diamond overshadowed the rose quartz in popularity. Still, it is worth noting that today, when rose diamonds simply come under the label ‘pink diamond,’ people often wonder, is rose quartz rose diamond?

To be sure, rose diamonds exist. They are genuine diamonds that come in a rose color. Yet, what exactly are they? What makes a rose diamond different from a pink diamond? Or are they entirely the same?
What Is Rose Diamond?
Authors in the 1800s mention four related yet distinct varieties of diamond that exhibit a warm hue:
- rose diamond,
- rose-red diamond,
- red diamond and
- pink diamond.
While the terminology suggests that rose diamond and red diamond were distinct and separate from each other, this was not always the case.
The rarest and most valuable diamonds in the 1800s came from the reddish variety, which went by the name of either ‘rose diamond’ or ‘red diamond.’ These so-called ‘red diamonds’ were really mostly rose stones, since there was really only one true red diamond known, the Halphen Red. However, pink diamonds also ranked separately as the fourth most valuable, clearly distinguishing between the red or rose diamond on one hand, and the pink diamond on the other. What is the difference between rose diamond and pink diamond in this case?

In the 19th century, color-grading standards were not as precise or consistent as they are today. Obviously, the exact shade and saturation of the reddish diamonds varied. Rose-red diamonds were apparently a subset of red diamonds that have a slight pinkish tint, and rose diamonds too came under the ‘red diamond’ label, while referring to pink diamonds that have a slight reddish tint. On the other hand, ‘pink diamonds’ described diamonds of paler shades.

Indeed, the term ‘pink diamond’ used to describe diamonds of paler shades much closer to white, while rose diamonds described diamonds of darker shades, much closer to red. The term ‘pink’ implied a lighter rose. The rose diamond thus takes on a vivid pink color reminiscent of the delicate beauty of a rose.
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DIAMOND COLORS
However, this does not match the modern color grading system in use today, which recognizes all reddish diamonds as pink except for the categorically red stones, which earn the grade ‘fancy red.’ The rest are simply pink diamonds. Thus, there is no longer any difference between rose diamond and pink diamond. People now simply use these terms interchangeably to refer to fancy diamonds of a pinkish hue.
Hence, while some people prefer to use the term ‘rose diamond’ because it sounds more romantic or poetic, rose and pink diamonds are essentially the same variety in modern terminology. See also —
Advantages of Rose Diamond
Just as pink diamonds are popular for a variety of reasons, there are several advantages to the rose diamond, which contribute to their desirability and value.

1. Rarity
Rose-colored diamonds are exceptionally rare, and hence very valuable. Diamonds with a pinkish hue are among the rarest and most expensive of all fancy diamonds. They make up less than 0.1% of all diamonds mined worldwide. Their color comes from a rare deformation in the crystal lattice that allows the absorption of some light, resulting in a pink color.
Only a few mines in the world produce rose diamonds. One of the renowned sources of rose diamonds was the now-closed Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia. Its closure in 2020 further enhanced the scarcity and value of these magnificent stones. This exclusivity in turn adds to their allure, making them highly sought after.
2. Unique Beauty
Rose diamonds are very beautiful and desirable. The mesmerizing pink color of rose diamonds sets them apart from other diamonds. This delicate pinkish hue has a romantic and feminine appeal that many people love. The color ranges from subtle blush pink to vibrant, intense shades, allowing for a variety of captivating appearances.
Rose diamonds can also have modifiers, such as purple, orange, brown and yellow. The most sought-after rose-colored diamonds are those with a pure pink hue without any modifiers, as they have the highest saturation and brilliance. Hence, rose diamonds are very desirable and expensive especially if they have a pure pink color without any brown or orange modifiers.

3. Investment Value
Rose diamonds have proven to be excellent long-term investments. Their rarity, combined with increasing global demand, has resulted in a steady appreciation of their value over time. This makes them not only a stunning choice for jewelry, but also a potential investment opportunity.
4. Versatility
Rose diamonds offer versatility in jewelry design. The soft, warm glow of rose diamonds complements a variety of skin tones, and pairs well with different metal types. They can figure as a center stone, or appear accentuated with colorless diamonds, or other gems, and in this manner make stunning and unique jewelry.

5. Collectability
Rose diamonds have gained significant attention from collectors and connoisseurs. Their rarity and the closure of pink diamond mines, such as the Argyle Diamond Mine, have fueled interest in acquiring these extraordinary gems.
6. Symbolism
Rose diamonds are often associated with love, romance and femininity. They are a perfect choice for expressing deep emotions and commemorating special moments, such as engagements or anniversaries. Their pink hue adds a touch of sentiment and meaning to any piece of jewelry.
Exceptional Rarity of Rose Diamond
The biggest advantage of a rose-colored diamond is its rarity. Given the unique geological conditions that must come together for rose diamonds to form, these stones are exceptionally scarce. In fact, rose diamonds are one of the rarest and most exclusive gemstones in the world.

The rarity of rose diamonds contributes significantly to their desirability and value. Their scarcity creates a sense of exclusivity and prestige, making them highly sought after by collectors, jewelry enthusiasts and investors. Their limited supply, along with the increasing demand for rose diamonds, have resulted in consistent appreciation of their price over time.
In recent years, the closure of the most important pink diamond mine, the renowned Argyle Diamond Mine of Western Australia, has further heightened the scarcity and value of pink diamonds. With no new significant sources of pink diamonds, their rarity is likely to increase even more. Their exceptional rarity will thus continue to lend them immense desirability, prestige and value.
Disadvantages of the Rose Diamond
While rose diamonds are beautiful and unique, there are some cons to consider in owning a rose diamond.

1. High Cost
One of the primary disadvantages of rose diamonds is their high cost. Due to their rarity and increasing demand, rose diamonds are very expensive. They are among the costliest gemstones in the world, thus making them less accessible. This means that finding and buying a rose diamond can be very challenging, especially if you have a limited budget, or are looking for a specific shade, intensity or quality.
2. Limited Availability
Since rose diamonds are exceptionally rare, finding a specific size, intensity of color and quality can be a challenge. With the closure of the Argyle Diamond Mine, the supply of these gemstones has become even more limited. This limited availability can make it difficult to find the desired pink diamond that meets specific preferences.
3. Not Everyone’s Taste
Rose diamonds may not suit everyone’s taste or style. While they have a romantic and feminine appeal that many people love, they may not match everyone’s personal preference or fashion sense. Some people may find them too flashy or girly, while others may prefer a more neutral or classic color for their jewelry. Compared to the white or black variety, rose diamonds may also clash with certain skin tones or outfits, making them less versatile.

4. Clarity
Gemologists often grade rose diamonds with a greater tolerance for inclusions compared to colorless diamonds. This is because the color of rose diamond can mask certain inclusions to some extent. However, depending on the specific gem, the presence of inclusions may impact the overall clarity and transparency of the diamond, potentially affecting the value and visual appeal of the stone.
5. Matching Challenges
If you’re considering using multiple pink diamonds in a piece of jewelry, finding stones that match in terms of color, tone and intensity can be challenging. Pink diamonds exhibit a wide range of colors and intensities, from pale and subtle pinks to vibrant and intense hues. On account of these natural variations, achieving a perfect match between stones can be difficult, which may affect the overall aesthetic and design of the jewelry.

From Mummane, CC BY-SA 4.0
6. Ethical Concerns
Rose diamonds are subject to ethical and environmental issues. They come from some countries that may have poor labor practices, human rights violations or environmental degradation. For example, one of the largest sources of rose diamonds are in Africa, where conflicts, corruption and poverty are prevalent. Indeed, unless you can verify its origin and certification, buying a rose diamond may raise ethical and environmental concerns.
The Unreachable Rose Diamond
The biggest disadvantage of the rose diamond is its exorbitant cost. Due primarily to their extreme rarity and high demand, rose diamonds are among the most expensive gemstones in the world. As a result, acquiring a high-quality rose diamond of good size can be prohibitively expensive for many individuals.

This high cost makes rose diamonds less accessible, limiting their availability to only those with substantial budgets, or investors seeking exclusive and valuable assets. This pricing disparity can create a barrier for those who desire a rose diamond but cannot afford the premium associated with it. Thus, while the rarity and prestige associated with rose diamonds are undoubtedly appealing, their high cost remains a significant disadvantage for many potential buyers.
The Appeal of the Exclusive Rose Diamond
Yet the same high cost of rose diamonds contributes to their popularity. The exclusivity and rarity of rose diamonds, coupled with their extraordinary beauty, make them highly sought after among collectors, enthusiasts and individuals looking for a unique and valuable gemstone. The allure of such a rare and valuable gemstone captivates individuals who appreciate the finest and most exclusive gems in the world.
Furthermore, the high value of rose diamonds often comes across as an investment opportunity. Pink diamonds have demonstrated a track record of long-term appreciation in value, making them attractive to investors. The limited availability and finite supply of these gemstones suggest that their prices may continue to rise over time.

Moreover, the high cost of rose diamonds creates a sense of prestige. Owning a pink diamond comes across as a symbol of sophistication and personal accomplishment. Many people love the idea of owning something luxurious and rare, and the high price tag of rose diamonds aligns with this desire for exclusivity.
In all these cases, the allure and rarity of rose diamonds often outweigh their cost.
The Lasting Allure of Rose Diamond
Rose diamond captures the hearts of those fortunate enough to witness its enchanting radiance. Its rarity and captivating charm make it a symbol of elegance, romance and timeless beauty. It is no surprise how there is a vibrant industry that transforms rose diamonds into breathtaking pieces of jewelry.

Craftsmen and artisans meticulously cut and polish rose diamonds, maximizing their brilliance and beauty. Jewelry designers then incorporate these exquisite gems into high-end creations, such as engagement rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets. With each unique gem, the rose diamond continues to inspire wonder and admiration, forever etching its place in the world of fine jewelry.
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