Diamonds come in as many hues as the rainbow, some of them so rare they are nearly unobtainable. One of our favourites is the inspiring shades of the elusive orange diamond.

Whether it’s a milestone gift, an anniversary keepsake, or a personal treasure, orange diamond jewellery offers something truly unforgettable…fire, warmth, and undeniable rarity.

Imagine the sky as the sun slips below the horizon; a flash of deep amber, a kiss of flame across the clouds, a fleeting moment you wish you could hold forever. That’s the magic of an orange diamond. It’s a beauty so captivating, even our CEO chose one for his wedding ring - hand-selected by his wife, our very own GIA-certified diamond specialist. With hues ranging from soft peach to vivid tangerine, orange diamonds are striking on every skin tone and perfect for those who love their sparkle with soul.

Curious about what makes an orange diamond so special? Our expert gemmologists have created the ultimate guide to help you buy (and fall in love with) one of nature’s rarest stones.

What makes orange diamonds look orange?

Orange diamonds develop when nitrogen is present within the carbon lattice of a diamond's structure. This is a rare geological condition and results in shades, ranging from soft peach to vivid fiery ambers! These colours are incredibly hard to come across in pure form, that is, undiluted by brown or yellow.

Prized for their intensity, and historically referred to as 'fire diamonds', orange diamonds are the choice of the energetic, the confident and the courageous. One was famously worn by Halle Balle to the 2002 Academy Awards when she won Best Actress.

What to look for when buying orange diamonds

When shopping for an orange diamond, one of the first things to consider is colour purity. Many diamonds marketed as orange will contain modifying hues, most commonly yellow or brown. While these blended tones can be beautiful (and more affordable), a pure orange diamond is far rarer and commands a premium. Look for colour descriptions that list “orange” as the primary hue rather than a modifier or secondary tone.

Clarity and cut still matter, but in coloured diamonds, colour trumps everything. A slightly included orange diamond with intense colour is often more desirable than a flawless one with weak saturation.

Orange diamonds are typically cut to enhance colour, not necessarily maximise brilliance. This means you might see slightly different proportions or deeper cuts than you would with white diamonds. Trust that this is intentional, done to bring out the richest possible hue.

Understanding fancy colour grades

Like other natural coloured diamonds, orange diamonds are graded on a colour intensity scale, ranging from Faint to Fancy Vivid. You’ll most often see orange diamonds described using the following GIA colour terms:

• Fancy Light Orange – A soft peachy tone with gentle warmth.
• Fancy Orange – A more saturated, true orange with balance and brightness.
• Fancy Intense Orange – A rich, vivid tone with dramatic fire.

Fancy Vivid Orange: the rarest and most highly valued; a bold, electrifying colour sometimes called “fire diamonds”.

Higher colour intensities are typically more desirable, but the right tone for you comes down to personal taste, whether that’s a subtle shimmer or a fiery centrepiece.

GIA classification vs. trade names

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) classifies diamonds using precise hue, tone, and saturation. GIA colour grades for coloured diamonds look something like:

• Primary hue (e.g., orange, brown)
• Modifiers (e.g., brownish orange, yellowish orange)
• Intensity level (e.g., Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense)

What GIA hues qualify as "Orange"?

The GIA describes coloured diamonds by both hue and modifiers. For a diamond to be considered a true “orange,” it must have orange listed as the dominant hue in the report.

You may see GIA notations like:

• Orange
• Fancy Intense Orange
• Yellow-Orange
• Brownish Orange
• Orange-Yellow

Of these, the first two (pure orange and fancy intense orange) represent the clearest expressions of the colour. Stones with strong modifying tones like brown or yellow, such as “brownish orange”, are more common and more affordable, but not in the same rarity class as a pure orange.

When buying an orange diamond:

• Prioritise colour purity and saturation.
• Look for “Fancy Intense” or “Fancy Vivid” grading.
• Be cautious of modifying hues - pure orange is far rarer than orange-brown or orange-yellow.
• Choose a cut that enhances colour, even if it's not traditionally proportioned.

Think an orange diamond, rare and upbeat, sounds like you? Ask us how you can obtain one of these precious picks, or shop our collection of coloured diamonds here.

Think an orange diamond, rare and upbeat, sounds like you? Ask us how you can obtain one of these precious picks, or shop our collection of coloured diamonds here.

FAQ

What exactly are “sunset stones”?

“Sunset stones” is our affectionate name for diamonds that glow with golden, amber, champagne, and cognac like the sky at golden hour. Each stone is 100% natural and utterly unique, offering warmth, romance and rarity in equal measure.

Are orange diamonds natural?

Yes! All of our sunset stones are 100% natural. Orange diamonds form when nitrogen is present during their creation deep within the Earth. This rare geological event creates hues ranging from soft peach to vivid fire-toned amber. Pure orange diamonds, undiluted by yellow or brown, are among the most difficult to source.

Why are orange diamonds sometimes called “fire diamonds?

Because of their intense, glowing colour and rarity, orange diamonds have earned the nickname “fire diamonds.” They’ve long been favoured by bold personalities. Halle Berry famously wore one to the 2002 Oscars when she won Best Actress!

Do sunset stones sparkle like white diamonds?

They absolutely do! Their sparkle just comes with extra personality, reflecting warm, earthy tones instead of icy whites. It’s brilliance with soul.

Can I design a custom piece with a sunset stone?

Yes! We specialise in creating one-of-a-kind pieces using natural coloured diamonds. Whether you're after a soft blush or a bold fire tone, our team would love to bring your vision to life.