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Unravelling the Mystique: Red Diamonds, Uniquely Valuable & Naturally Beautiful

It is undeniable that a diamond, the epitome of grandeur and luxury, makes for an unmatched gift. The charm and allure of a coloured diamond, however, bring an exceptional layer to the mix. Among the coloured variety, red diamonds stand as the rarest and radiate an irresistible allure. If you're captivated by the allure of red but are seeking for a more affordable alternative, a ruby makes a compelling substitution. 

 

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What makes red diamonds so extraordinary in the world of precious gems?

Red diamonds stand as the rarest treasure in the diamond family, with only 20-30 high-quality specimens ever discovered. Unlike other colored diamonds that gain their hues from chemical impurities, red diamonds are pure carbon, with their striking color likely resulting from unusual structural anomalies. This extreme rarity drives their astronomical value, with even a tiny 0.2-carat stone commanding around $10,000. Famous examples include the Moussaieff Red Diamond, valued at $15 million, and the Kazanjian Red Diamond, worth over $50 million. The color red's romantic symbolism makes these gems particularly meaningful for engagement rings and special jewelry. For those captivated by red diamonds but seeking more affordable options, rubies offer a beautiful alternative with similar passionate hues.

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A Closer Look at Red Diamonds

Ruby diamond engagement ring BAUNAT - Ruby diamond engagement ring from BAUNAT
Red diamonds, the coloured siblings of the classic diamond, reign as the rarest in the diamond family. Given their rarity, we yet have much to discover about how their distinct colour develops, as the process does not involve chemical reactions.

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The Genesis of Red Diamonds

Unlike their coloured counterparts, such as yellow and blue diamonds that owe their hues to chemical impurities caused by elements like nitrogen or boron, red diamonds are purely carbon-based. This infers that the rich red colour is possibly derived from unusual anomalies in the stone's structure. 

The Rarity of Red Diamonds

Ruby diamond engagement ring BAUNAT - Ruby diamond engagement ring from BAUNAT
Only a handful, 20 to 30 to be precise, of high-quality red diamonds have been unearthed so far. These diamonds, bereft of any colour nuances as per the GIA, can exhibit varied degrees of colour intensity.

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The Worth of a Red Diamond

While the value of colourless diamonds is determined by the famed 4 Cs, coloured diamonds, especially the red ones, determine their prices at auctions. Purchasing a red diamond might require preparing for prices around the ballpark of 10,000 dollars for a 0.2 ct stone.

Famous Red Diamonds

The most recognisable among red diamonds is the Moussaieff Red Diamond, discovered by a farmer in Brazil in the early 1990s. This precious stone of 13.9 carats was sculpted into a round brilliant cut of 5.11 carats by the New York-based William Goldberg Diamond Corporation. Its current estimated value stands at an impressive 15 million dollars.
Red diamonds in different shapes BAUNAT - Red diamonds in different shapes from BAUNAT
The DeYoung Red Diamond, believed to be a red garnet, found its place as the third-largest red diamond in the world.
The Kazanjian Red Diamond, weighing 35 carats, is famed as the second most celebrated red diamond globally. This precious stone, now valued at over 50 million dollars, has an intriguing history involving Nazi soldiers during the Second World War.

The Romance of Red Diamonds

Loose rubies - Loose rubies in woman's hands
Red, the colour synonymous with love, has a natural affinity with the symbol of commitment, the engagement ring. A ring embellished with red or pink diamonds, a timeless and elegant piece, makes for an unforgettable romantic gesture. A necklace adorned with a red diamond is a striking piece that goes well with almost any precious metal.  

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Handcrafted Red Diamond Jewellery by BAUNAT

At BAUNAT, we offer you the opportunity to buy a red or colourless diamond for yourself or your loved ones. Browse through our array of diamond rings or choose our bespoke jewellery services. Our experts are here to guide you in crafting the jewellery of your dreams, starting at a budget of €4,000. 

Jewellery made to order with red diamonds from BAUNAT

  • Stephanie Hesters

  • BAUNAT Antwerp

  • As the Head of Diamond Buying at BAUNAT, Stephanie has an extensive knowledge of the diamond and the evolution of diamond prices. Thanks to her broad product knowledge gained throughout her years at BAUNAT and the Diamond Foundation Course by De Beers, Stephanie advises our customers interested in the investment side of diamonds to optimize every investment. To support her skills she has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management together with her master’s in Communication.

    About Stephanie Hesters (also known as Stephanie Lasters)

    Stephanie Hesters, sometimes listed online as Stephanie Lasters, is Head of Diamond Buying at BAUNAT. She manages diamond sourcing and valuation, advises clients on market trends and pricing, and helps those looking for investment-grade stones. She completed the Diamond Foundation Course by De Beers and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a master’s in Communication.

    Selected projects & collaborations

    • Eternal Bloom Collection with Princess Delphine of Saxe-Coburg (2026), curator and project lead  -  guided creative direction and diamond selection for an exclusive collection that blends classical motifs with contemporary craftsmanship.

    • Investment Diamonds Advisory Series (2024), author and presenter  -  developed client-facing guides and presentations on diamond valuation and market dynamics for private buyers and collectors.

    • BAUNAT Editorial Features and Product Launches (2022–2025), contributor  -  worked with design and marketing teams to shape product narratives and ensure technical accuracy in launch materials and editorial content.

As the Head of Diamond Buying at BAUNAT, Stephanie has an extensive knowledge of the diamond and the evolution of diamond prices. Thanks to her broad product knowledge gained throughout her years at BAUNAT and the Diamond Foundation Course by De Beers, Stephanie advises our customers interested in the investment side of diamonds to optimize every investment. To support her skills she has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management together with her master’s in Communication.

About Stephanie Hesters (also known as Stephanie Lasters)

Stephanie Hesters, sometimes listed online as Stephanie Lasters, is Head of Diamond Buying at BAUNAT. She manages diamond sourcing and valuation, advises clients on market trends and pricing, and helps those looking for investment-grade stones. She completed the Diamond Foundation Course by De Beers and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a master’s in Communication.

Selected projects & collaborations

• Eternal Bloom Collection with Princess Delphine of Saxe-Coburg (2026), curator and project lead  -  guided creative direction and diamond selection for an exclusive collection that blends classical motifs with contemporary craftsmanship.

• Investment Diamonds Advisory Series (2024), author and presenter  -  developed client-facing guides and presentations on diamond valuation and market dynamics for private buyers and collectors.

• BAUNAT Editorial Features and Product Launches (2022–2025), contributor  -  worked with design and marketing teams to shape product narratives and ensure technical accuracy in launch materials and editorial content.