DALLAS, TX.- Diamonds occur naturally in a rainbow of hues, but one color stands out as the fairest and rarest of them all. Because of their exceptional scarcity, diamonds described as predominantly red rank among the world's most elusive and expensive gems.

Originating in locations such as Brazil, Australia, Russia and Africa, red diamonds are found only in small sizes and small quantities, making them one of the planet's most captivating and intriguing gemstones. The scarlet beauties are so rare, in fact, from 1957 to 1987, the Gemological Institute of America graded none with pure red color. As a result, very few people are lucky enough to ever see a red diamond in person, especially one over 1.00 carat.

So, it is with great pleasure that Heritage Auctions presents a sensational 1.21-carat Fancy Orangy Red Diamond (estimate: $100,000-$150,000) as part of its Sept. 29 Fall Fine Jewelry Signature® Auction.

"This gem is one of only a few diamonds to display enough saturation and intensity to be graded as a true red," says Jill Burgum, Heritage Auctions' Executive Director of Fine Jewelry. "Adding to the allure, the cause of a red diamond's color remains a mystery to scientists, making this stone even more of a marvel."

Other exceptional diamonds can be found throughout the fall auction, which should be welcome news to jewelry lovers, as larger diamonds with GIA certificates have become increasingly difficult to acquire. Among the offerings is a magnificent 17.63-carat Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Ring (estimate: $300,000-$400,000) from the estate of Dallas philanthropist Mary Anne Sammons Cree.

The ring is one of more than 125 jewels Heritage is offering from Cree's extraordinary collection, with proceeds benefiting Communities Foundation of Texas and Dallas-area nonprofits. Upon her death in 2021, Cree left the jewelry to CFT, which manages more than 1,200 charitable funds and has awarded more than $2 billion in grants since its founding in 1953.

Among the myriad highlights in Cree's collection is a platinum and 18k gold necklace adorned with approximately 21.80 carats of Asscher-cut diamonds and approximately 25.75 carats of Asscher-cut yellow diamonds (estimate: $80,000-$100,000), as well as a pair of platinum and 18k gold diamond earrings (estimate: $80,000-$100,000) and a diamond-studded butterfly brooch set in 18k gold (estimate: $30,000-$50,000).

Other top lots featuring noteworthy diamonds include:

Diamond, Platinum, White Gold Earrings (estimate: $170,000-$200,000)
• Colored Diamond, Gold Ring (estimate: $150,000-$175,000)
• Diamond, Platinum Ring (estimate: $150,000-$200,000)
• Diamond, Rose Gold Ring (estimate: $140,000-$180,000)
• Diamond, Platinum Ring (estimate: $130,000-$160,000)
• Diamond, Platinum Ring (estimate: $100,000-$150,000)
• Diamond, Platinum Necklace (estimate: $100,000-$150,000)