The Most Famous Red Diamonds in the World

This post has been updated for 2021

Red is an iconic color that can symbolize love, strength, and passion. In history, red diamonds are one of the most rare stones in the world. They’re found primarily in Australia, Brazil, and Africa and are so exclusive that only approximately 30 red diamonds have ever been found!

If you haven't checked out our tribute to red diamonds, you can find it here.

Let's take a look at some of the most famous and rare red diamonds in the world!

• The DeYoung Red Diamond
• The Kazanjian Red Diamond
• The Moussaieff Red Diamond
• The Graff Purplish-Red Diamond

The DeYoung Red Diamond

This beautiful round cut stone weighs 5.03 carats and is the third largest red diamond known to exist. Fun fact, DeYoung Red was discovered by Sydney DeYoung at a flea market, who mistakenly bough the stone assuming it was a red garnet. The jeweler eventually donated the diamond to the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC in December of 1987 .

The stone exhibits a deep red hue with a tint of brown and no chemical impurities. The DeYoung Red Diamond is a modified round brilliant cut, with facets on the crown split horizontally. It is truly a one of a kind example of a beautiful red diamond.

Image Souce Internet Stones

The Kazanjian Red Diamond

This diamond ranks second among our list of the most famous red diamonds in the world. The 5.05-carat diamond was discovered in Lichtenberg, South Africa in 1927 weighing 35 carats in its rough shape. After the diamond cutter’s preparation decreased its size by 85%, the jewelers turned the stone into a beautiful emerald-cut diamond.

The Kazanjian Red Diamond was once seized by Nazi soldiers from a home in the Netherlands during World War 2. United States General Joseph McNarney, who believed the diamond to be some sort of ruby, later discovered the stone in a salt mine.

After remaining in a private collection of an anonymous jeweler, the Kazanjian Bros. Inc. purchased the stone in 2007. Today, Michael Kazanjian believes the stone to be worth in excess of $50 million.

Image Source AMNH

The Moussaieff Red Diamond

The largest red diamond in the world is the Moussaieff Red Diamond. It weighs 5.11-carat, demonstrates a trilliant-cut, and is internally flawless. It was discovered in Brazil in the mid 1900’s by a farmer, originally weighing 13.9 carats.

The fine ruby-red diamond was initially given the name ‘Red Shield,’ but after the Moussaieff jewelry firm acquired it, the name was changed to the Moussaieff Red Diamond.  Today, the gem is set as the centerpiece of a platinum ring and is worth over $15 million.

Image Source GIA

The Graff Purplish-Red Diamond

Due to their high value, it is common for colored diamond owners to protect the specifics of their stones. The Graff Purplish-Red Diamond is one such diamond where little to nothing is known about its early history. Through certain characteristics, scientists have been able to guess that its origin is either South Africa or Brazil; characteristics such as its 2.26-carat modified octagonal-cut.

Today, the stone sits in an 18k pink gold ring that is surrounded by four heart shaped diamond petals and features the 2.26-carat red diamond as the centerpiece. On November 15, 2007, the Graff Purplish-Red was sold for $2.65 million at auction, making the price per carat $1.17 million.

Image Source Internet Stones

Fancy red diamonds have a unique history; for more in-depth coverage on these stones, make sure you check out our tribute to red diamonds.

For more reading on alternative investments, click the links below: 

• Investing in Natural Pink Diamonds: What You Need to Know
• Need To Know: How To Invest In Colored Diamonds
• Do You Have This Alternative Investment Asset In Your Portfolio?
• Which Colored Diamonds Should I Invest In?