largest-round
The diamond, found in September, at the Letseng Diamond Mine in Lesotho, a small South African kingdom, set the diamond community on fire. The diamond still remains unnamed and unvalued.
The world’s 20th largest rough diamond ever recovered, is a baby compared to the Cullinan diamond, which weighed in at a massive 3,106.75 carats. The new stone is only a mere 478 carats. It as from the Cullinan diamond that the 530 carats, tear-drop-shaped Great Star of Africa, was cut, alongside 104 other diamonds. The Great Star of Africa can be viewed among the British Crown Jewels, in the Tower of London, as it forms part of King Edward’s scepter.
The Letseng Promise, the world’s 15th largest diamond, recently taken from the Letseng mine, was sold for $12.4 million. Letseng Legacy recovered in September 2007, was sold for $10.4 million. Both gems were tendered for.
After analysis at Antwerp, it was declared the outstanding clarity and round shape of the new found gem-stone, could make it worth considerably more than the Promise and the Legacy. In its polished state the new stone could bring tens of millions of dollars.
Having the highest colour grading, the gem has the potential to become the largest polished round diamond ever. The legendary Koh-i-Nor diamond at 103 carats, is expected to be dwarfed by the new gem. The Koh-i-Nor diamond is the centre piece of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother’s crown, which she wore only once, at the coronation of King George VI.
In an attempt to produce a perfect round, 150 carat diamond, cutting the new diamond will be a nerve wracking task. After took many months of studying the Koh-i-Nor diamond, before the cutter made the successful cut. He died at his bench immediately afterward the cut, from a heart attack caused by the stress.
Once a buyer has successfully tendered for the new diamond, the long slow process of studying the stone will begin. Clifford Elphick, CEO and chairman of Gem Diamonds said, “Preliminary examination of this remarkable diamond indicates that it will yield a record breaking polished stone of the very best color and clarity".
The Letseng mine was operated by De Beers Mining Company from 1977 to 1982. At 3,100 metres above sea level, it is the highest diamond mine in the world. It was only reopened in 2004 in a joint venture between Gem Diamonds and the Lesotho government. With 90% of the diamonds recovered being jewel quality the Letseng is a unique mine.
Three of the world’s top diamonds have been recovered from the Letseng mine – the 601 carat Lesotho Brown in mid 1960, the 603 carat Lesotho Promise, August 2006 and the Letseng Legacy recovered in Sept 2007.
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