News Digest

Monster jewel in the crown: Largest diamond for 110 years is discovered

One of the largest diamonds seen in more than a century has been unearthed in Botswana. The 1,111-carat stone was found on the south lobe of its Karowe mine in the southern African nation. It was said to be the world’s second-biggest gem-quality diamond ever recovered after the Cullinan diamond which features in Britain’s Crown Jewels. Canada-based Lucara Diamond said that it was yet to be fully examined and processed, meaning it was impossible to put any kind of value on it. Its final worth will be determined by its colour and clarity and how it is cut.

The significance of the recovery of a gem quality stone larger than 1,000 carats, the largest for more than a century… cannot be overstated

William Lamb, CEO of Lucara Diamond

After Lucara announced the gem’s discovery, it confirmed 24 hours later that two further stones - the largest being an estimated 813 carats - had been found at the same mine. The focus, however, was on the Type IIa diamond - which measured 65 mm by 56 mm by 40 mm. William Lamb, company’s chief executive, said: “This historic diamond recovery puts Lucara and the Karowe mine amongst a select number of truly exceptional diamond producers.” The Cullinan diamond was a 3,106-carat stone found in the Premier mine in South Africa in 1905. It was cut into several polished gems to form the Great Star of Africa and Lesser Star of Africa.