What are Red Diamonds? Why are Red Diamonds the Rarest?

Red diamonds are among the rarest types of diamonds in the world. So, what is a red diamond? What is the meaning of a red diamond? Let Jemmia explore in the article below.

What is a red diamond?

Red diamonds (Red Diamond) are the rarest and most expensive colored diamonds on Earth, surpassing even pink or blue diamonds. Red diamonds are known as "masterpieces" in the diamond world, with only about 30 natural specimens mined to date.

Natural red diamonds are the rarest and most expensive gemstones on the planet

Origin of red diamonds?

Red diamonds are primarily mined in the Argyle mine in Western Australia since 1985. However, the three most famous red diamonds in the world were mined from other locations before Argyle began operations. Therefore, red diamonds are not limited to a single location.

Currently, despite extensive research, scientists have not yet been able to determine the exact cause of the red color in diamonds. Many theories suggest that the process of red color formation in diamonds may be similar to the process of pink color formation in pink diamonds.

Why do diamonds have a red color?

The formation process of various colored diamonds is often due to the presence of impurities such as Nitrogen, Boron, etc., which create unique colors for diamonds. However, red diamonds have a structure of pure carbon, containing no impurities. The red hue of this colored diamond is formed due to plastic deformation (a rare deformation in molecular structure) that occurs when the diamond is brought to the Earth's surface.

More specifically, the red color of diamonds is the result of complex interactions between light and defects in the crystal structure. Under sunlight, the red color becomes more vibrant and sparkling. Conversely, under fluorescent light, it becomes more subdued.

The red color of diamonds is created by the interaction between light and crystal structure

Types of red diamonds

There are a total of 3 types of red diamonds, including:

• Natural red diamond: Natural red diamond is a rare gemstone mined naturally, with eye-catching and captivating colors in various shades created by the complex interaction between light and crystal structure. Natural red diamonds are very rare, so they are usually expensive.
• Lab-grown red diamond: Lab-grown red diamonds, crafted in research laboratories, are becoming more popular due to their affordable prices. This type of diamond also has the advantage of not affecting the ecosystem, being sustainable and environmentally friendly.
• Irradiated red diamond: This type of diamond is created by bombarding natural or lab-grown diamonds (white, blue, yellow) with atomic nuclei such as electrons or neutrons, causing changes in the carbon crystal lattice. This alters the diamond's light absorption and reflection properties, creating various shades of red. Irradiated red diamonds are usually cheaper than natural red diamonds but still more expensive than other lab-grown red diamonds.

Natural red diamonds are very rare and expensive.

Why are red diamonds so rare?

The rarity of red diamonds is not determined by humans but entirely by natural laws; nature can only exist with as many red diamonds as it creates.

Currently, the number of red diamonds mined worldwide is extremely limited, and because the process of diamond mining in general is always harsh, some countries also face issues such as blood diamonds, leading to increasing concern about origin traceability.

A total of only about 50-80 red diamonds have been discovered worldwide, with very small sizes, ranging from 0.50-1 carat or even smaller. Due to this extreme rarity, the value per carat of red diamonds reached up to $2 million in 2015, equivalent to nearly 4 billion Vietnamese dong.

The number of natural red diamonds mined worldwide is only about 50–80 stones

How much do red diamonds cost?

Red diamonds are the rarest and most valuable gemstones, typically priced in the millions of US dollars per carat. Many famous red diamonds have been auctioned at record prices, such as the "Moussaieff Red Diamond," which sold for approximately $20 million.

Unlike the pricing of other diamonds on the market, red diamonds are valued in the range of $1 – $1.25 million USD per carat, equivalent to 31.7 billion VND per carat. The heavier the red diamond, the higher the price.

The heavier the red diamond, the higher the price.

Meaning of red diamonds

Red diamonds symbolize passion, power, and ceremony. Red diamonds also represent human wisdom and intellect. Red diamonds originate from Australia, Brazil, Russia, and India, but they can also be produced in laboratories with appropriate pressure and high-temperature treatment.

Natural red diamonds are extremely rare. They contain no impurities and are made of pure carbon. Gemologists believe that defects in the crystal lattice structure are the cause of the red color, indicating pressure layering that occurred during formation. As light passes through the deformed internal structure, it is bent, resulting in the red color.

The price of red diamonds is determined by their color intensity. The deeper the base color of the diamond, the more valuable it is. Only about 30 truly high-quality red diamonds are believed to exist.

Some famous red diamonds in the world

KAZANJIAN: The Kazanjian Red Diamond is the second-largest Red Diamond in the world, weighing 5.05 carats and featuring an emerald cut.

The KAZANJIAN red diamond

It was previously known as the Red Diamond. The gemstone was discovered in the 1920s in Lichtenburg, South Africa, and was confiscated by the Nazis during World War II.

In 2007, it was renamed the Kazanjian Red Diamond when it was purchased by Kazanjian Brothers. The diamond was cut from a 35-carat rough stone found in South Africa. In candlelight, the Kazanjian diamond appears like a vivid drop of blood.

HANCOCK RED DIAMOND: The Hancock Red diamond weighs 0.95 carats and has a brilliant round cut. The red diamond is famous for its purplish-red color. It is named after the renowned collector, Mr. Warren Hancock. This was the first red diamond to be publicly displayed. It was sold at auction in 1987 for a record price of $926,315 per carat.

The HANCOCK RED DIAMOND

ROB RED DIAMOND: The 0.59-carat pear-shaped Rob Red diamond is named after its owner, Mr. Robert Bogel. It was found in the mining regions of Brazil. This is the "cleanest" red diamond because it surpasses all others in clarity and intensity of red color.

Are red diamonds easy to buy? Where can they be bought in Vietnam?

Natural red diamonds are extremely rare and often appear at auctions, making them not easy to acquire. However, you can still own a lab-grown red diamond from specialized gemstone processing stores. Alternatively, you can visit Jemmia Diamond to own GIA certified loose diamonds and exquisite, luxurious, and high-class diamond jewelry.

With the information Jemmia has shared, you must now understand why red diamonds are so precious, right? We hope the above information will help you understand more about red diamonds. Please share if the article is helpful.