SourcingNov 04, 2020
Australia’s Argyle Mine Is Now ClosedAuctionsAug 30, 2022
A Rare Red Diamond Is Heading to Auction
Heritage Auctions is presenting the stone as part of its fall jewelry sale.
This 1.21-carat fancy orangy red diamond is a highlight of Heritage Auctions’ fall jewelry event.
Dallas—Heritage Auctions will present a unique red diamond this fall.
Headlining its fall jewelry sale on Sept. 29 is a 1.21-carat fancy orangy red diamond, estimated to sell for between $100,000 and $150,000.
“This gem is one of only a few diamonds to display enough saturation and intensity to be graded as a true red,” said Heritage Auctions’ Executive Director of Fine Jewelry Jill Burgum.
“Adding to the allure, the cause of a red diamond’s color remains a mystery to scientists, making this stone even more of a marvel.”
One of the rarest shades of diamonds alongside colors like violet, experts say the red diamond’s sale estimate is conservative and likely due to the I2 clarity grading, which denotes a significant inclusion.
What makes the stone highly unusual is its round shape, explained colored diamond expert Larry West of L.J. West Diamonds in New York City.
“I only know of about three other round red diamonds,” he told National Jeweler.
“With colored diamonds, you typically won’t see them cut into a round brilliant shape,” he explained.
“The round cut gives the most brilliance but will wash out the color the easiest, so only the darkest of colored diamonds will be cut that way.”
“The round cut gives the most brilliance but will wash out the color the easiest, so only the darkest of colored diamonds will be cut that way.”
That’s why most pink, red, and violet diamonds are cut into fancy shapes.
Red diamonds have commanded millions at auction, like a 1.42-carat fancy red diamond that sold for nearly $2.2 million at Christie’s in 2014, and a 1.05-carat purplish red diamond that earned $2.77 million at the same auction house in 2020.
The largest red the Gemological Institute of America ever graded is the 5.11-carat Moussaieff Red.
Heritage Auctions has other draws at its fall sale.
It will present more than 125 jewels from the estate of Dallas philanthropist Mary Anne Sammons Cree, with all proceeds going to charity.
Cree died in 2021, leaving her jewelry to Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) and other nonprofits in the Dallas area.
CFT manages more than 1,200 charitable funds, dispersing over $2 billion in grants since it was created in 1953.
The most notable pieces in Cree’s collection include the above 17.63-carat fancy intense yellow diamond ring, expected to sell for $300,000-$400,000.
The above platinum and 18-karat yellow gold necklace featuring 21.80 carats of Asscher-cut white diamonds and 25.75 carats of Asscher-cut yellow diamonds is expected to earn between $80,000 and $100,000, as is a pair of platinum and 18-karat yellow gold earrings.
The above butterfly brooch in 18-karat gold with diamonds has a $30,000 to $50,000 pre-sale estimate.
See the rest of the lots, which are already open for bids, online.
More on Auctions
The Latest
ColumnistsFeb 04, 2026
January Jewelry Sales: More Dollars Spent, Fewer Units Sold Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
What Designers Should Know About Saks Global’s BankruptcyFrom how to get an invoice paid to getting merchandise returned, JVC’s Sara Yood answers some complex questions.
TrendsFeb 04, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: February Birthstone BlissAmethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone to watch this year with its rich purple hue and affordable price point.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Marco Bicego Names New Global Marketing DirectorThe Italian jewelry company appointed Matteo Cuelli to the newly created role.
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Frederick Goldman Updates Leadership TeamThe manufacturer said the changes are designed to improve speed, reliability, innovation, and service.
Policies & IssuesFeb 03, 2026
Tariff Relief on Horizon for India as Trump, Modi Make DealPresident Trump said he has reached a trade deal with India, which, when made official, will bring relief to the country’s diamond industry.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CollectionsFeb 03, 2026
Jade Trau Releases New Charms, Introduces RondellesThe designer’s latest collection takes inspiration from her classic designs, reimagining the motifs in new forms.
WatchesFeb 03, 2026
Casio America Calls Jersey City HomeThe watchmaker moved its U.S. headquarters to a space it said fosters creativity and forward-thinking solutions in Jersey City, New Jersey.
SourcingFeb 03, 2026
Nivoda Reveals Upgraded Gemstone MarketplaceThe company also announced a new partnership with GemGuide and the pending launch of an education-focused membership program.
GradingFeb 02, 2026
IGI to Acquire American Gemological Laboratories IGI is buying the colored gemstone grading laboratory through IGI USA, and AGL will continue to operate as its own brand.
CrimeFeb 02, 2026
Ylang 23’s Dallas Store BurglarizedThe Texas jeweler said its team is “incredibly resilient” and thanked its community for showing support.
EditorsFeb 02, 2026
Stars Choose Chokers, Elongated Earrings at 2026 GrammysFrom cool-toned metal to ring stacks, Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the jewelry trends she spotted at the Grammy Awards.
CollectionsFeb 02, 2026
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the fact that the 2026 Olympics are taking place in two different cities.
SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
