The World’s Most Expensive Coloured Diamonds
Natural fancy colour diamonds are admired for their exquisite abundance of colour in any imaginable hue. On the other hand, white or colourless diamonds are valued for their lack of colour.
In this article, we explore the top 10 most expensive coloured diamonds in the world—from canary yellow to exceedingly rare red, blue, and green. These priceless gems demand exorbitant prices due to their scale, rarity, and stunning hues.
Book your personally guided tour today
Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond ($24.3 million)
The original Wittelsbach Diamond
Originally discovered in India in the 1600s, the Wittelsbach Diamond weighed over 35 carats and was once part of the Bavarian and Austrian crown jewels. In 2008, Laurence Graff purchased it for $24.3 million (R367 million), removed defects, and renamed it the Wittelsbach-Graff after refining it into a Fancy Deep Blue Diamond.
Zoe Diamond ($32.6 million)
The 9.75-carat Fancy Vivid Blue Zoe Diamond
This 9.75-carat pear-shaped Fancy Vivid Blue diamond was sold for $32.6 million (R500 million) at Sotheby’s in 2014. Its origins remain a mystery. It was bought by Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau for his daughter Zoe.
The Orange Diamond ($35 million)
Largest Fancy Vivid Orange Diamond
"The Orange" is a 14.82-carat pear-shaped Fancy Vivid Orange Diamond. It fetched $35 million (R528 million) at Christie’s Geneva in 2013—smashing its estimate by R218 million.
Graff Pink Diamond ($46 million)
Graff Pink Diamond
This 24.78-carat emerald-cut Fancy Intense Pink Diamond was purchased by Laurence Graff for $46 million (R694 million) at Sotheby’s Geneva in 2010.
Blue Moon of Josephine ($48.5 million)
The Blue Moon, named for its rarity
This 12.03-carat Fancy Vivid Blue diamond was discovered in South Africa’s Cullinan Mine. Sold in 2015 for $48.5 million (R732 million), it was renamed by Joseph Lau for his daughter.
Oppenheimer Blue Diamond ($57 million)
Fancy Vivid Blue emerald-cut diamond
Named after Sir Philip Oppenheimer, this 14.62-carat blue diamond sold for $57 million (R861 million) in 2016, making it the most expensive jewel sold at auction at the time.
Pink Star Diamond ($71 million)
The Pink Star Diamond
This 59.6-carat oval Fancy Vivid Pink Diamond, formerly the Steinmetz Pink, was mined in South Africa. It was auctioned for a record $71 million (R1 billion) in 2017.
Hope Diamond ($250 million)
One of the most famous and notorious diamonds in the world
Found in India in the 1600s, this 45.52-carat blue-grey diamond is housed in the Smithsonian. Known for its haunting lore, it is valued at $250 million (R3.7 billion).
Ocean Dream Diamond (Value Unknown)
Ocean Dream Diamond
This 5.5-carat triangular blue-green diamond is the only natural one of its kind. Owned by the Cora Diamond Company, it was exhibited at the Smithsonian in 2003.
Spirit of de Grisogono Diamond (Value Unknown)
The largest cut black diamond in the world
Weighing 312.24 carats, this black diamond was originally 587 carats rough. It was cut and set in white gold with 702 white diamonds by Swiss jeweller De Grisogono.
Other Valuable Coloured Diamonds
Also notable: the Pumpkin Diamond ($3 million), Moussaieff Red Diamond ($7 million), de Grisogono Green Diamond ($7.3 million), Sun-Drop Yellow Diamond ($10.9 million), Heart of Eternity Blue Diamond ($16 million), Graff Vivid Yellow ($16.3 million), and the Incomparable Diamond ($20 million).