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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red CarpetAhead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, CampaignFounded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the FutureSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer DatabaseThose attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual LuncheonThe organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ CollectionScottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Jane Fonda, Mariska Hargitay Star in Pomellato’s IWD CampaignThe annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.
CollectionsMar 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yeprem’s ‘Golden Strada’ NecklaceThe statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Borsheims Names New Senior Security and Facilities ManagerLongtime employee Kyle Slosson has been promoted to the role.
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Wixon Jewelers to Close After 37 YearsFirst-generation jewelers Dan and Hope Wixon are retiring and will close their Minneapolis-area jewelry store in May.
CollectionsMar 06, 2025
Guzema, 3.1 Phillip Lim Collab on New ‘Snake’ DesignsThe limited-edition collection, a nod to the Year of the Snake, is Ukrainian brand Guzema’s first partnership with a U.S. brand.
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Stephen Barnes Is the New Owner of IJOAfter more than 50 years, Jeff Roberts is handing over ownership of the organization to IJO President Stephen Barnes.
Events & AwardsMar 06, 2025
Borsheims’ ‘Ike-It’ Award Goes to JewelerSenior Jeweler Jay Wolff was named employee of the year.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Store to Close, Confirms Saks GlobalThe 111-year-old store will close following a dispute among Saks Global, a landlord, and the City of Dallas over a small piece of land.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Jewelers of America Unveils 3-Year Strategic Plan The trade organization, which will mark 120 years of service next year, has a refined focus and a new mission statement.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2025
92NY Accepting 2025 Jewelry Artist Residency ApplicationsThe application period is now open for established and emerging jewelers and metalsmiths to apply to the month-long residency program.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
4 Suspects Arrested in Fatal Armed Robbery of California Jewelry Store Uc Thí Vo, who co-owned Kim Tin Jewelry in Sacramento with her husband of 40 years, was killed during the November 2024 robbery.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
NYC Diamond Dealer Pleads Guilty to Lab-Grown Diamond SwapsManashe Sezanayev pleaded guilty to grand larceny and is expected to receive five years’ probation when he’s sentenced in May.
TrendsMar 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Peaceful and Powerful AquamarineThe March birthstone pairs perfectly with hues of Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025.
ColumnistsMar 04, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Online Events to Supercharge Sales Emmanuel Raheb shares strategies to prepare for, publicize, and engage the audience during events on platforms like TikTok and Zoom.
EditorsMar 03, 2025
Drop Necklaces, Archival Pieces Take Over at the 2025 OscarsFrom Doja Cat to Mikey Madison and Selena Gomez, many of this year’s Academy Awards attendees donned drop necklaces.
Policies & IssuesMar 03, 2025
Customs Indefinitely Postpones Requirement to Disclose Country of MiningOriginally slated to take effect in April, official U.S. Customs and Border Protection documents now show the implementation date as “TBD.”
