EditorsMay 07, 2024
Q&A: Author Vikki Tobak on the ‘Ice-Cold’ ExhibitionTobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
SourcingMay 05, 2016
1,109-Carat Diamond Expected to Sell for More Than $70M
The tennis ball-sized rough stone, which will be auctioned at Sotheby’s in June, could yield the largest top quality polished diamond in the world.
This is “Lesedi la Rona,” which means “Our Light” in Setswana, one of the official languages of Botswana. The massive rough diamond could sell for more than $70 million and yield the largest high-quality polished diamond in the world. (Photos by Donald Bowers/Getty Images for Sotheby’s)
London--The tennis-ball sized rough diamond unearthed in Botswana in November is going up for auction at Sotheby’s London in June, and it is expected to sell for more than $70 million.
Discovered at Lucara Diamond Corp.’s Karowe Mine, the 1,109.67-carat stone, named “Lesedi la Rona,” or “Our Light,” is the largest rough diamond found since the 3,016.75-carat Cullinan Diamond in 1905. (The diamond was 1,111 carats when first unearthed but lost about 2 carats during the cleaning process, which is normal, a Sotheby’s spokesperson said.)
The Cullinan yielded nine major diamonds, all of which were set in the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, including the 530.20-carat pear-shaped Great Star of Africa. The Star is the largest “top quality,” meaning high color and clarity, polished diamond in the world. (The world’s largest cut and polished diamond of any color is the 545.67-carat Golden Jubilee, which is a brown stone.)
But the record held by the Star could soon fall.
Sotheby’s said it commissioned independent reports on the potential yield of Lesedi la Rona from the Gem Certification and Assurance Lab (GCAL), the New York-based grading laboratory run by Don Palmieri, and Diamex Inc./Crodiam Consulting DMCC.
While the reports are not being made public at this time, a few details were released on Wednesday, including the fact that experts believe that the Lesedi la Rona could top the Great Star of Africa in size.
The reports also state that there is a “high probability” that the polished diamonds cut from the 1,109-carat rough will be D color.
The Lesedi la Rona will be on view at Sotheby’s New York this coming Saturday, May 7. It will also be on view at the auction house in London between June 18 and 28.
The diamond will be offered for sale on the evening of June 29 at Sotheby’s London in an auction that’s open to the public, marking something else that’s unusual about this once-in-a-lifetime diamond find: that it’s being sold at an auction that’s open to the public, not limited to the trade.
“Every aspect of this auction is unprecedented,” David Bennett, the worldwide chairman of Sotheby’s jewelry division said. “Not only is the rough superlative in size and quality, but no rough remotely
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
of this scale has ever been offered before at a public auction.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met GalaStars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler VhernierThe branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureThe six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s WatchesThe highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New CollectionThe “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2024
JA Now Accepting Applications for New Bench Jeweler ScholarshipThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark ApplicationThe Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. ShowroomThe Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Accepting Applications for Lonia Tate ScholarshipIt will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in AprilConcerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on EmeraldsMay’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
