Featured in Icon Mena Magazine. Exploring the popularity of tinted diamonds, named ‘Desert Diamonds’ in notable celebrity appearances, notably Bad Bunny’s 2026 Superbowl Show, in which he wore a ‘moval’ cut Desert Diamond ear stud.
Desert Diamonds
Broadening Horizons and Heating up in 2026
Arguably the biggest new trend in natural diamonds is the rise of the ‘Desert Diamond.’ Coinciding with the Diamond Council’s assertion that “men’s diamond jewellery appears set for continued growth,” this movement towards warm coloured stones coincides perfectly with some high-profile appearances that demonstrate just how individual and personal these diamonds really can be.
So what are ‘Desert Diamonds?’ Described as ‘personality driven jewels,’ desert diamonds is a term coined by De Beers for natural diamonds displaying a warmth of colour. Naturally formed, these stones display a warmth in tone that echoes the desert landscape and aesthetic, from yellow, to orange, to brown. Each of these unique and naturally formed colours are the result of unique circumstances during the formation of each diamond. Yellow and orange tones are gained from nitrogen present during crystal formation, whilst brown and pink tone diamonds are formed as a result of crystal strain sustained during formation.
No longer brushed off for their position on the GIA D-Z colour scale, these stones are gaining an appreciation for their individuality, warmth and variety of hues. Ranging from warm whites, amber colours, champagne tones to deep whiskey hues, these stones celebrate a natural palette formed from the Earth’s depths.
It is not surprising that this authenticity has driven demand in a deluge of D-F colour laboratory-grown diamonds, surging the marketplace in the last few years. Natural, real, and uniquely individual, the desert diamond is a trend that has punctuated some of the most iconic celebrity events of the last few months.
Taking the stage in an historic Superbowl performance, Bad Bunny wore a custom Zara ensemble, accentuated with a desert diamond stud earring. Designed by Marvin Douglas, this honey-hued stone was selected for both its colour and cut – the marquise shape reminiscent of a football. The move was intentional, as stylist Storm Pablo remarked to Only Natural Diamonds, “the jewellery [is] storytelling in itself. We’re working on something special for sure. But like always with us, it’s not just about sparkle; it’s about meaning.” The meaning here being individuality, with the diamond reflecting not only the momentous occasion, but the unique and dazzling qualities that have continued to ensure Bad Bunny’s global success.
This statement stud was the culmination of several appearances in Desert Diamonds for Bad Bunny. Whilst hosting Saturday Night Live in October last year, he chose to wear stacked Desert Diamond tennis necklaces by Le Vian, and in his Superbowl announcement, he selected a custom 16.21ct Champagne Desert Diamond necklace by Vice Versa Jewellery.
Earlier on in February, J Balvin also adopted the coloured diamond trend at the 68th Grammy Awards. Wearing a clean and classic tuxedo for the occasion, he found expression through his jewels. He selected a large cushion cut yellow diamond cluster pinky ring paired with an 18ct yellow gold custom 39mm Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin set with 1,528 yellow sapphires. The warm golden tones of the stone and watch perfectly complimented one another and made a glowing statement against a formal, monochromatic canvas.
Similarly, style icon Lewis Hamilton signalled the rise of the Desert diamond, having chosen these stones for his last two Met Gala appearances. At the 2024 Met Gala he accessorised his black Burberry look with jewellery from Briony Raymond, wearing a thorn necklace and cluster earrings each set with natural warm hued diamonds.
For the 2025 Met Gala, Hamilton wore a cream coloured suit by Wales Bonner accented with an array of jewellery, pairing the rich tones of an Art Deco garnet brooch, with a vintage 1980s floral brooch, set with fancy white, yellow and pink diamonds pinned to his beret.
Desert Diamonds have also been worn by Lucien Laviscount, Julez Smith, and Lucky Blue Smith, all wearing Le Vian and Kay Jewellers Desert Diamond jewellery at De Beers launch event.
Closer to home, Desert Diamonds are a trend happily adopted by the most discerning of collectors. One such example of this was last year’s record-breaking sale of the Desert Rose diamond in Abu Dhabi – a 31.68 carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink pear shape diamond. Held as a landmark sale by Sotheby’s, this record-breaking hammer price of $8.8 million signals a strength and appetite for these mesmerising, unique and miraculous diamonds.
How to wear, whether worn in a ring, as a medallion, diamond line necklace, or stud earring, select the stones that speak to you. This trend champions individuality, so be discerning with the cut, hue, tones and design for a natural, authentic and true self-expression.