Red diamonds: the "holy grail" of colored diamonds
Often regarded as the "holy grail" of colored diamonds, red diamonds are among the rarest and most coveted gemstones in the world. Their striking crimson hue, caused by a unique structural distortion known as "grain boundaries," sets them apart as true anomalies in nature. Unlike other fancy colors influenced by trace elements, red diamonds owe their vivid color purely to these internal lattice distortions.
Their extreme rarity has made red diamonds highly sought after by collectors and investors, regularly commanding record-breaking prices at auctions. Here are some of the most notable examples:
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The Moussaieff Red Diamond (5.11 ct): Discovered in Brazil and famed for its intense red hue, it sold for $8 million in 2001. Its estimated value today exceeds $20 million.
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The Hancock Red Diamond: A 0.95-carat purplish-red diamond that sold at Christie's New York in 1987 for $880,000, setting a record at the time for the highest price per carat.
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The Kazanjian Red Diamond (5.05 ct): Unearthed in the 1920s, this gem has passed through notable hands and has been exhibited globally for its rich hue and flawless clarity.
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The Graff Purplish Red Diamond (2.26 ct): Acquired by Laurence Graff in 2007, this rare purplish-red stone fetched $2.65 million and became a highlight of his famed collection.
Red diamonds continue to fascinate collectors and gemologists alike, not only for their unparalleled beauty but for their rarity and investment appeal. Their presence at major auctions reflects their status as timeless treasures—silent testaments to Earth’s most extraordinary natural creations.
