The realm of precious stones is awash with a cornucopia of colors, each with its own unique charm and allure. Yet, even among this vibrant spectacle, there’s one hue that, due to its sheer rarity, remains enigmatic and exceptionally coveted – the color red, represented by the extraordinary red diamonds. These scarlet stones, steeped in an almost otherworldly beauty, have mesmerized gem enthusiasts, collectors, and connoisseurs alike, propelling them into an exploration to uncover their elusive origins.
Throughout recorded history, fewer than thirty true red diamonds have been found, making them among the rarest gems on earth. To put this into context, it is estimated that for every one red diamond, millions of other colored diamonds are discovered. This profound scarcity amplifies their allure, making every discovery an occasion of worldwide interest. Of these crimson rarities, the title of ‘the largest’ goes to the enigmatic Moussaieff Red, a diamond weighing in at an impressive 5.11 carats. Discovered by a Brazilian farmer in the 1990s, this triangular-cut gem stands as a striking testament to nature’s ability to create near-impossible beauty.
Yet, the question remains: where exactly can one unearth these elusive red diamonds? While the Moussaieff Red hails from Brazil, these exceptional stones have made appearances in various corners of the globe, each with its own captivating tale to tell. In this exploration, we’ll guide you on a global journey tracing the roots of red diamonds, venturing from the Argyle Mine in Australia, the historic Golconda Mines of India, the Mir Mine in Russia, the Alluvial Mines in Brazil, to the illustrious Cullinan Mine in South Africa.
Prepare to embark on an adventure deep into the heart of the earth, through winding mine tunnels, vast landscapes, and human history. This journey is more than just a quest to discover the places where red diamonds are found; it’s about unraveling the geologic miracles and serendipitous discoveries that have led to these scarlet treasures being unearthed from the canvas of our planet. Let’s explore the secret life of red diamonds, their dazzling journey from the depths of the earth to the sparkling heights of stardom.
How Many Red Diamonds Have Been Found?
Red diamonds are among the rarest gems in the world. fewer than 30 pure red diamonds are known to have been discovered. The total number might have slightly changed since then, but the scarcity of these precious gems remains a fact.
The history of red diamonds is as fascinating as it is elusive. These diamonds are so rare that only a few notable ones have made a significant impact on the world of gemology.
The most famous of these red diamonds is the Moussaieff Red, previously known as the Red Shield. The stone, discovered by a Brazilian farmer in the 1990s, was originally a rough weighing 13.9 carats. After being cut into a triangular brilliant shape, also known as a trilliant cut, it revealed an astonishing 5.11 carat diamond – the largest red diamond known to exist. This mesmerizing gem was purchased by the Moussaieff Jewellers Ltd. in the early 2000s, and since then, it has captivated gem enthusiasts worldwide with its intense red color and remarkable size.
Another remarkable red diamond is the Kazanjian Red Diamond. Unearthed in South Africa in the early 20th century, this diamond was initially a 35-carat rough. After cutting and polishing, it became an emerald-cut gem of 5.05 carats. Its journey has been tumultuous, having disappeared during World War II and later being recovered and positively identified.
The De Young Red is another notable red diamond, although it was mistaken for a garnet and sold at a flea market. The 5.03-carat round brilliant cut diamond was later recognized for what it truly was and found its place in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
The discovery of these diamonds is a testament to the extraordinary processes that happen deep within the earth over billions of years. Their existence involves precise conditions, including immense pressure and specific trace elements, making them not just rare, but also fascinating examples of the wonders of our planet.
In conclusion, the exact number of red diamonds that have been found is not well-documented due to their extreme rarity. Still, their history shows that each discovery of these extraordinary gems marks a significant moment in the world of diamonds and gemology.
What Is The Biggest Red Diamond Found To Date?
The largest known red diamond to date is the Moussaieff Red Diamond, which weighs 5.11 carats. As rare and mesmerizing as it is, this gem has an equally captivating backstory.
The rough stone was discovered by a farmer in Brazil in the 1990s. In its rough form, it weighed 13.9 carats. After being cut into a trilliant, or triangular shape, it revealed the dazzling 5.11-carat gem we know today. The size, coupled with its intense pure red color, places it at the pinnacle of the diamond world.
The diamond was initially known as the Red Shield but was later renamed after the Moussaieff Jewellers Ltd., who purchased the diamond in the early 2000s. The Moussaieff family, known for their extensive collection of extraordinary gems, did not disclose the amount they paid for the diamond, but experts estimate it to be in the millions of dollars given the stone’s exceptional rarity and size.
Today, the Moussaieff Red Diamond is part of the extraordinary collection of the Moussaieff family. It is periodically displayed at major gem and jewelry exhibitions around the world, allowing the public to marvel at its exceptional beauty. Its current physical location is not publicly disclosed for security reasons, as is common with many high-value gems.
5 Countries Where Red Diamonds Are Found Today
Red diamonds are among the rarest gems on the planet, and their occurrence is limited to only a handful of regions worldwide. These are five countries where red diamonds have been discovered:
Australia: The Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia has been proven to produce beautiful red and pink diamonds. The majority being over 90% of the world’s pink diamonds are said to come from this mine. Despite its annual output being predominantly brown diamonds, the mine’s reputation for its rare pink and red diamonds is unrivaled.
Brazil: Brazil has a history of producing colored diamonds, including the world’s largest red diamond, the Moussaieff Red. The country’s alluvial deposits, where gems are transported by water and deposited in sediment, are known for producing diamonds of various colors.
India: The historic Golconda region in India, known for its legendary mines, has produced some of the world’s most famous diamonds, including a few rare red gems. Though mining in this region is not as significant as it was in the past, it remains an important part of diamond history.
Russia: The vast and harsh landscape of Russia, particularly the Siberian region, houses several diamond mines. These mines, like the famous Mir Mine, are known to yield a variety of colored diamonds, including red.
South Africa: South Africa is renowned for its diamond production, with mines like the Cullinan Mine and Kimberley Mine, the latter being synonymous with the term ‘diamond rush.’ While the country is primarily known for its clear diamonds, there have been instances of rare red diamonds discovered, such as the Kazanjian Red.
It’s important to note that red diamonds are incredibly rare. Even in these countries where they’ve been discovered, finding a red diamond is a significant event celebrated for its rarity and beauty.
