Orange Diamonds

Pure orange diamonds are very rare, as it is more common to find orange diamonds with secondary colors. Larger orange diamonds with natural vivid color command high prices at auction and make headlines, as they seldom appear. The 4.19 carat fancy vivid orange diamond (below) sold for a record price of $2.95 million in October 2011. The size and vivid color of the stone make it one of the finest natural orange diamonds to date. Another renowned fancy vivid orange diamond, the 5.54 carat “Pumpkin,” was worn by Halle Berry at the 2002 Academy Awards.

4.19 carat Orange Diamond Ring sold at Sotheby's for $2.96 million
Photo: Sotheby’s
4.19 carat fancy vivid orange diamond ring

Orange Diamond Details

Cause of Color: Color in orange diamonds is likely caused by structural irregularities in combination with the presence of trace elements like nitrogen, though exact cause of color is still being studied.

Secondary Colors: Orange is the color between red (pink) and yellow so common secondary colors in orange diamonds include, pinkish orange, yellowish orange, and if the color is darker and/or desaturated, brownish orange.

Rarity: Pure orange diamonds devoid of secondary colors rare and rather expensive. It is more common to find orange diamonds with secondary hues.

Grading: Orange diamonds are graded as Faint Orange, Very Light Orange, Light Orange, Fancy Light Orange, Fancy Orange, Fancy Intense Orange, Fancy Dark Orange, Fancy Deep Orange, and Fancy Vivid Orange.