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
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
