Red diamonds are the rarest among all colored diamonds. These exquisite gems are unique and very hard to come by. Red diamonds are incredibly rare due to their unique formation process. These diamonds are primarily found in mines in Brazil, Africa, and Australia. Due to their scarcity, red diamonds value is exceptionally high, making them some of the most sought-after gemstones in the world.

What causes the color

Fancy color diamonds are found in twelve different colors, but with over 230 color combinations and in various locations around the globe. The majority of Red diamonds in particular, originate from Australia, in the Argyle diamond mine which is known for its production of some of the world’s finest Pink, Violet, Blue, and Brown diamonds. However, a large percentage of these diamonds have also been found in Brazil, Russia, and India.

Fancy Red diamonds are among the rarest colors in the fancy-colored diamond family

Red Diamonds vs. Color Diamonds

The common denominator among all color diamonds is the fact that they all possess a color in contrast to colorless diamonds, which lack color.

However, other than this aspect, every color diamonds has its own characteristics as it owes its unique color to separate causes.

Additionally, as a result of each and every color diamond’s rarity, each color category has a different value. Color diamonds that are more abundant are generally also found in larger sizes whereas as very rare diamonds such as Red diamonds are usually on the smaller side when discovered.

Like many other color diamonds, Fancy Red diamonds can be found in one pure color or with secondary hues, which include Purplish, Brownish, and Orangy. While other colors come in several intensity levels, Red diamonds come in one intensity level alone: Fancy Red.

Fancy Purplish Red Asscher-cut diamond.

Although it contains a secondary hue, this stone still remains extremely rare.

Cause of the Red Color

Various impurities and elements cause color in diamonds. Red diamonds are similar to Pink diamonds in terms of the cause of the color. It is not completely clear what the cause is, but it is believed that deformities in the crystal lattice create the pink color and, in this case, the red hue. A very intense level of this deformity results in the bright red color.

LEIBISH Collected of Natural Fancy Red Diamonds

Although pure red diamonds are almost impossible to come by, Red diamond with a secondary hue, such as Brownish Red or Purplish Red, are a somewhat more attainable. There are also diamonds that appear to be pure red, but are actually fancy deep or fancy dark pinks. Only a handful of what are considered red diamonds are pure natural red. Due to the rarity of these stones their prices are often quite high.

Because these diamonds are so rare, there is little known about them. The information we do have includes the main cause for the stone’s red color, which is the crystal lattice defects showing stress lamination during the diamond’s formation. If you are wondering what a red diamond looks like: a true, pure red diamond does not resemble a ruby, a garnet, or any other red gemstone in terms of color.  A red diamond’s coloring is slightly gentler.

Characteristics of Red Diamonds

Red Diamond Shape

The shape of a red diamond can greatly influence its appearance and value. Common shapes include round, princess, and pear, with each cut aiming to enhance the diamond’s natural color and brilliance. The choice of shape can affect how light interacts with the diamond, emphasizing its unique red hue.

Red Diamond Clarity

Clarity in red diamonds, as with other diamonds, refers to the presence of inclusions and blemishes. While clarity is an important factor in determining the diamond's quality, the intense color of red diamonds can sometimes mask minor inclusions, making them less noticeable.

Red Diamond Fluorescence

Fluorescence in diamonds is the effect of ultraviolet light causing the diamond to emit visible light. For red diamonds, fluorescence is typically minimal or non-existent, which helps maintain their pure color under different lighting conditions. 

Red Diamond Tone

The tone of a red diamond refers to the lightness or darkness of its color. Red diamonds can range from light to dark tones, with darker tones often being more desirable and valuable. The tone is a critical aspect that affects the overall visual impact of the diamond.

Red Diamond Secondary Hues

Secondary hues in red diamonds refer to additional colors that may be present alongside the primary red hue. These can include shades of purple, pink, or brown. The presence of secondary hues can influence the diamond's value and appeal, with pure red diamonds being extremely rare and highly prized.

Red Diamond Intensity

Intensity in red diamonds describes the strength of the red color, ranging from faint to vivid. The intensity of the color is one of the most important factors in determining the value of a red diamond. Diamonds with higher intensity levels are rarer and thus more valuable.

Famous Red Diamonds

Like every color diamond category, there are famous Red diamonds too. These include The Moussaieff Red, a 5.11-carat, Fancy Red diamond with an IF clarity grade. Known as the largest internally flawless red diamond in the world, this stone is one of the most magnificent stones in existence, and The Hancock Red Diamond, a 0.95-carat Fancy Purplish Red, Round Brilliant Diamond. Though the latter diamond is less than a carat in size, it is still among the most famous Red diamonds of all time due to its fabulous color.

Just to put some perspective on the value of these top-quality Red diamonds, here are the prices these remarkable stones sold for at auction. The Moussaieff Red sold for nearly $8 million back in 2001, placing its value at $1.6 million per carat. The Hancock Red, in contrast, was sold in 1987 for approximately $880,000. That is $926,000 per carat, but today such a diamond would fetch far more. 

 

0.80 carat Fancy Red Double Halo Diamond Ring

At LEIBISH, we have been selling Argyle pink diamonds for about 20 years now. LEIBISH was among the first Internet portals (maybe in the world) selling Argyle pink diamonds to the end-users. 

Argyle has produced diamonds of amazing colors. However, as the mine closed by 2020, there were only a few years left to create magic. Upon finding the Argyle Everglow, Robyn Ellison, who is the communications manager for Rio Tinto, said, "It is unlikely that a diamond as rare as this will come out of the mine again."

The company has sold nearly 100 natural red diamonds over the past 10 years. In that time, my son Shmulik, the company's GIA GG gemologist, has participated in the Argyle Tender every year. It is a cruel exercise as Argyle invites over 100 of the world’s top dealers to bid blindly upon an exclusive collection of 50-60 diamonds. Shmulik usually bids a lot for the stones he wants. Some years, we win more, while others, we win less. Every year offers different results.

I recall Shmulik’s reaction when he was told he had 17 stones in the Argyle Pink Diamond Tender 2012, understanding that 17 tender stones were 25% of all stones offered at that year’s Tender.

The 17 Argyle Tender diamonds LEIBISH won in 2012 

Red Diamond History

The Value of a Red Diamond

As mentioned earlier, the Red diamond is a rare specimen. This results in high prices. As time goes by, the awareness for color diamonds in general and color diamonds as wise investments specifically, is increasing greatly, which translates into a high demand for these beautiful natural gemstones. It is unclear how much remains from the Red diamond sources that are accounted for; therefore the value of the Red diamond is constantly rising. The figures are high, but whatever the numbers are presently, they will grow significantly in the near future.

Unlike color diamonds such as Yellow and Pink diamonds, which are purchased by consumers, investors, and collectors, Red diamonds are mainly bought by collectors and investors for the purpose of investment and completing collections. A pure Red diamond, which is mostly desired, is very difficult to obtain, and when available, demands sky high prices. Nevertheless, for those serious about investing in a Red diamond, or adding one to their growing color diamond collection, the red gemstone will not disappoint. Its beauty and glamour, not to mention value, is nothing short of satisfactory.

Browse through our wide selection of Natural Fancy Red Diamonds.

FAQ