Which Color Diamonds are the Most Rare?

Natural fancy color diamonds represent just about 0.01% of all mined diamonds—a remarkable rarity deserving attention and expertise. At Namdar Diamonds, we source and curate all Fancy Colors, and in this guide, we explain which colors are hardest to find—and why.

1. Fancy Brown / Champagne Diamonds

Rarity: Common to Moderate
Brown diamonds—from light champagne to deep cognac—are plentiful, especially from former Argyle Mine production, but still rare compared to white stones. While many lack collector appeal, well-graded warm-toned browns remain a subtle, luxury market favorite.

2. Fancy Yellow Diamonds

Rarity: Least Rare (within fancy colors)
Caused by nitrogen impurities, yellow diamonds are the most common among colored stones. Though more available than other colors, Fancy Intense and Fancy Vivid grades carry premium value. Popular in bridal and fashion segments for their vibrant sparkle.

3. Fancy Orange Diamonds

Rarity: Moderate to Rare
Mainly found with yellow and brown overtones. True pure orange diamonds, especially without yellow or brown modifiers, are extremely rare—examples like the famous Pumpkin Diamond (5.54 ct Fancy Vivid Orange) illustrate this scarcity. These are prized for their vivid color and collector appeal.

4. Fancy Green Diamonds

Rarity: Rare
Natural green diamonds gain color through exposure to natural radiation, causing surface or uneven coloration. Truly pure green diamonds with even saturation are exceptionally rare and prized by collectors.

5. Fancy Blue Diamonds

Rarity: Very Rare
Blue diamonds owe their hue to boron impurities and are highly coveted. Iconic examples like the Hope Diamond exemplify their historical and investment significance. Blue diamonds appear infrequently and can command prices in the millions per carat.

6. Fancy Pink Diamonds

Rarity: Extremely Rare
Most prestige pink diamonds came from the Argyle Mine, which closed in 2020, making pinks infinitely scarcer today. Pure pinks are masterpieces in the color diamond world with skyrocketing demand.

7. Fancy Red Diamonds

Rarity: Rarest of All
Red diamonds are the rarest known diamond color—fewer than 30 natural red diamonds larger than 1 carat have ever been documented. Chemical distortions in the lattice give rise to deep red hues—true collectors stones like the Moussaieff Red and DeYoung Red are legendary.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a collector, a high-end retailer, or simply curious about rare gemstones, understanding which color diamonds are the rarest gives you insight into both their intrinsic value and how to source them effectively.

At Namdar Diamonds, we specialize in building bespoke collections around these rarest hues and guiding retailers to find the perfect match for their clients. If you’d like a consultation or a tailored color guide, we’re here to help.