What Color Diamond is the Most Expensive?

Diamonds come in a variety of colors, from the classic colorless diamonds to vibrant fancy-colored diamonds. While many assume the whitest, most colorless diamonds are the most valuable, that’s not always the case. In fact, some of the rarest and most expensive diamonds are those with deep, vivid hues.

So, what color diamond is the most expensive? The answer depends on rarity, demand, and intensity of color. This guide will explain:

  • Which diamond colors are the most valuable and why

  • How diamond color affects price

  • What factors influence the cost of a diamond

  • Tips for choosing the right diamond color for your budget

At Calvin’s Fine Jewelry, we specialize in helping customers find stunning diamonds that fit their style, budget, and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a classic colorless diamond or a rare fancy-colored diamond, our experts will guide you through every step of the selection process.

What Are the Most Expensive Diamond Colors?

1. Red Diamonds – The Rarest and Most Expensive

  • The rarest of all diamond colors

  • Can sell for over $1 million per carat

  • Only a handful exist worldwide

Red diamonds are extraordinarily rare, with only a few known to exist. Most weigh less than a carat, making larger stones even more valuable. The Moussaieff Red Diamond, a 5.11-carat fancy red diamond, is one of the most famous examples, valued at millions of dollars.

Why are they so valuable? Red diamonds get their color from an unusual atomic structure rather than chemical impurities, making them one of the most mysterious and highly sought-after diamonds in the world.

2. Blue Diamonds – Highly Valuable and Coveted

  • Can sell for hundreds of thousands to millions per carat

  • Famous examples include the Hope Diamond and the Blue Moon Diamond

  • Color caused by traces of boron in the crystal structure

Blue diamonds are among the most valuable diamonds, particularly deep and intense blue hues. The Hope Diamond, one of the most famous diamonds in history, is an exquisite 45.52-carat deep blue diamond, estimated to be worth over $250 million.

If you're drawn to blue diamonds, lighter shades are more affordable, but deep, vivid blue stones command premium prices.

3. Pink Diamonds – Exceptionally Rare and Increasing in Value

  • High demand, especially after the closure of the Argyle Mine

  • Prices range from $100,000 to over $1 million per carat

Pink diamonds are one of the most desirable diamond colors, especially since the Argyle Mine in Australia, which produced 90% of the world’s pink diamonds, closed in 2020. This closure has made pink diamonds even more valuable and collectible.

Soft pastel pinks are more affordable, but vivid pinks with strong saturation command record-breaking prices.

4. Green Diamonds – Rare and Natural

  • Caused by natural radiation exposure

  • Highly valuable, especially if the green color is evenly distributed

  • A deep green diamond can sell for over $1 million per carat

Green diamonds are rare because their color is formed by natural radiation exposure over millions of years. The Dresden Green Diamond, a 41-carat historic green diamond, is one of the finest examples in the world.

Pro Tip: Many green diamonds have only surface-level color, so fully saturated green diamonds with deep color are extremely valuable.

5. Orange and Violet Diamonds – Uncommon and Pricey

  • Pure orange or violet diamonds are highly sought after

  • Can reach prices of $500,000 per carat

  • Caused by nitrogen (orange) or hydrogen (violet) impurities

These colors are less commonly seen in jewelry, but when they do appear, they command high prices due to their rarity.

Are Colorless Diamonds the Most Expensive?

For traditional engagement rings, many buyers look for D-color diamonds, which are the most colorless and pure on the standard GIA Color Scale (D to Z).

  • D-Color Diamonds – Completely colorless, the highest grade on the GIA scale.

  • E-F Color Diamonds – Nearly colorless, still very rare and valuable.

  • G-H Color Diamonds – Slight warmth but still appear white.

While a D-color diamond is one of the most expensive colorless diamonds, fancy-colored diamonds (like red, blue, and pink) can be worth significantly more.

What Factors Influence Diamond Price?

Aside from color, a diamond’s value is also determined by:

  • Cut Quality – A well-cut diamond enhances brilliance and value.

  • Carat Weight – Larger diamonds are exponentially more expensive.

  • Clarity – Fewer inclusions increase rarity and price.

  • Origin & Certification – Diamonds with a documented history (like the Argyle Pink Diamonds) carry a premium.

Two diamonds of the same carat weight can have very different values depending on these factors.

Do Diamonds Appreciate in Value Based on Color?

Yes, certain diamond colors do appreciate in value, especially rare fancy-colored diamonds. Red, blue, pink, and green diamonds are among the most sought-after due to their scarcity. For example, pink diamonds from the now-closed Argyle Mine have significantly increased in price over time. While high-quality colorless diamonds retain value, fancy-colored diamonds often see greater appreciation.

What is the Most Expensive Diamond Ever Sold?

The most expensive diamond ever sold is the Pink Star Diamond, a 59.6-carat fancy vivid pink diamond, which was auctioned for $71.2 million at Sotheby’s in 2017. This record-breaking sale highlights the immense value and demand for rare colored diamonds.

How to Choose the Right Diamond Color for Your Budget

If you’re selecting a diamond for an engagement ring or fine jewelry, consider these tips:

  • For a Classic Look: A D-F colorless diamond offers the most traditional brilliance.

  • For a Unique Touch: Fancy yellow or champagne diamonds are stunning yet more affordable.

  • For Investment Potential: Pink, blue, and red diamonds tend to appreciate in value.

At Calvin’s Fine Jewelry, we’ll help you find the perfect balance of beauty, rarity, and budget.

Why Choose Calvin’s Fine Jewelry for Your Diamond?

At Calvin’s Fine Jewelry, we specialize in sourcing exceptional diamonds that meet the highest standards. Whether you’re searching for a stunning colorless diamond or a rare fancy-colored stone, we offer:

  • Hand-Selected Diamonds – Every stone is chosen for its brilliance and quality.

  • Custom Jewelry Designs – Create a one-of-a-kind ring with the perfect diamond.

  • Expert Guidance – Our team will help you navigate the diamond selection process.

  • GIA-Certified Diamonds – Ensuring authenticity and accurate grading.

  • Lifetime Jewelry Care – Complimentary cleaning, polishing, and inspections.

Visit Calvin’s Fine Jewelry in Austin, TX, to explore our collection of diamonds.

Find the perfect diamond with expert guidance at Calvin’s Fine Jewelry.

 

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