Red diamonds are some of the rarest and most valuable gems in the world. With their intense, fiery hue, they have captivated diamond enthusiasts and collectors for centuries. In this blog post, we will delve into the science behind red diamonds, their unique characteristics, famous examples, rarity and value, and what to consider when buying and owning one.

Characteristics of Red Diamonds

The color of a red diamond is the most important characteristic, and they are graded on a scale from faint pink to purplish red. The color must be evenly distributed throughout the diamond, with no secondary hues or color modifiers. The clarity of a red diamond is also important, with inclusions affecting the value. Unlike other diamonds, the cut of a red diamond is not as critical, as the focus is on the color. Red diamonds also tend to be small, with most weighing less than one carat.

The Science Behind Red Diamonds

Red diamonds are formed under extreme heat and pressure, similar to other diamonds. However, what sets them apart is the presence of boron, which causes the red coloration. Boron atoms replace some of the carbon atoms in the diamond's crystal lattice, leading to a unique absorption of light that results in the red color. The intensity of the red hue is dependent on the amount of boron present during the diamond's formation process.

The Mining of Red Diamonds

Red diamonds are among the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world, and their mining is a complex and challenging process. Red diamonds have been found in several locations around the world, including Brazil, India, and South Africa. However, the most significant source of red diamonds has been the Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia.

The Argyle mine, owned by Rio Tinto, is known for producing some of the world's most valuable pink, red, and purple diamonds. The mine is located in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia and covers an area of around 124 acres. The mine has been in operation since 1983 and is responsible for producing over 90% of the world's pink diamonds and almost all of the world's red diamonds.

The connection between the Argyle mine and red diamonds began in the 1980s when a large number of pink diamonds were discovered in the mine. The pink diamonds were found to have a high concentration of nitrogen, which is also responsible for the red color in diamonds. As a result, it was believed that the mine may also produce red diamonds.

In 1985, the first red diamond was discovered at the Argyle mine. The diamond weighed just 0.14 carats and was named the "Argyle Red". Since then, the mine has produced several more red diamonds, including the rare 1.56-carat "Argyle Phoenix" and the 2.11-carat "Argyle Everglow".

The mining of red diamonds at the Argyle mine is a complex process due to their rarity and value. The mine uses a combination of open-pit and underground mining methods to extract diamonds from the Kimberlite rock formation. The diamonds are then sorted and graded based on their size, color, and clarity. Red diamonds are incredibly rare, with only a handful of gem-quality stones known to exist, making them highly sought after by collectors and investors.

Unfortunately, the Argyle mine has ceased production in 2020 after 37 years of operation. It was the world's largest producer of pink diamonds and red diamonds. As a result, the price of pink and red diamonds is expected to increase, with red diamonds becoming even rarer and more valuable.

In conclusion, the mining of red diamonds is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge and expertise. The Argyle mine in Western Australia has been the primary source of red diamonds, producing some of the world's most valuable and rare stones. With the mine's closure, the future of red diamond production remains uncertain, and their value is expected to increase.

Famous Red Diamonds

The Moussaieff Red is one of the largest and most famous red diamonds, weighing in at 5.11 carats. It was originally discovered in the 1990s in Brazil and was later purchased by the Moussaieff family in London. The Hancock Red, which was discovered in the 1950s in South Africa, is another notable red diamond. It weighs 0.95 carats and is named after its former owner, Warren Hancock. Other famous red diamonds include the Rob Red, the Kazanjian Red, and the De Young Red.

Rarity and Value

Red diamonds are incredibly rare, with only a handful of gem-quality stones known to exist. They are so rare that they are not even included in most diamond price indexes. Their value is determined by a combination of factors, including the intensity of the red color, the size, and the clarity. Recent sales have shown that red diamonds can fetch prices of over $1 million per carat.

Buying and Owning a Red Diamond

If you are interested in purchasing a red diamond, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you should work with a reputable and experienced jeweler who specializes in colored diamonds. You should also have the diamond independently graded and certified by a respected gemological institute, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Finally, you should consider how to care for and protect your investment, including proper storage and insurance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, red diamonds are among the rarest and most valuable gems in the world, with a unique formation process that gives them their intense color. While they are not for everyone, those who appreciate their beauty and rarity may find owning a red diamond to be a rewarding and lucrative investment. As with any diamond purchase, it is important to do your research and work with trusted professionals to ensure that you are getting a high-quality and authentic gemstone.