Sourcing

Alrosa Digs Up a 207-Carat Diamond

SourcingMay 24, 2016

Alrosa Digs Up a 207-Carat Diamond

The rough diamond is the largest gem-quality stone found at the Zarnitsa pipeline, which was the first diamond deposit discovered in Russia.

20160525_Alrosa-200-Carat-Diamond-1.jpg
The rough diamond is the largest gem-quality stone to be discovered at the Zarnitsa pipeline, which was found in the mid-1950s but not mined until the late ‘90s.

Udachny, Russia--Alrosa announced Tuesday the discovery of a 207.29-carat diamond from the Zarnitsa pipe at the Udachny Mining and Processing Division, a mining operation located not too far from the Arctic Circle.

The yet-to-be named rough diamond is the largest to ever be extracted from Zarnitsa.

Found in 1954, the Zarnitsa pipe was the first major diamond deposit discovered in Russia, though mining operations didn’t begin there until 1998, as the larger, neighboring Udachnaya pipe was easier to access.

“The modern mining and processing technologies ensure a high degree of diamond preservation,” said Gleb Shmarov, the chief geologist of Udachny’s mining and processing division.


The unnamed diamond measures 38.0 х 37.0 х 18.0 mm.


A total of 7.49 million carats of reserve have been identified at Zarnitsa.

In the first quarter of this year, as mining operations have increased, diamond output has more than doubled as compared with Q1 2015, keeping up with Alrosa’s overall growth.

The 207.29-carat rough diamond found by Alrosa is the latest in a string of big diamond finds worldwide, including a few by the Russian mining company.

In February they announced the discovery of an 84-carat diamond, subsequently named “Mothers of Russia”, and in December Alrosa recovered a 105-carat diamond. Both stones were from the Jubilee pipe, which has become famous for the large diamonds it yields.
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Couture Retailer Liaison Jan Mohr
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

Lalaounis good luck charm 2026
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to Resilience

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.

Collage of NationalJeweler.com’s most-read stories of 2025
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025

Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Becka Johnson Kibby
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail Academy

As part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.

Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Bulova x Stetson collection
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western Flair

The new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.

Rahaminov Diamonds Pop-Up at Yamron Jeweler
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in Florida

Its residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

In Memoriam collage 2025
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025

From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.

Tanishq Orlando store exterior
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, Virginia

The retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.

Nanis Madonna di Campiglio Flagship
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store

The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.

Amethyst Geodes Unearthed: Raw Beauty
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA Museum

The new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.

Stock image of gavel
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRS

The couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.

People shopping in winter clothes
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in December

Consumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.

Bonhams US headquarters
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYC

In February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.

Hana Kaneko rings
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter Event

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

Brian Patrick Gilbertson
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82

The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.

Costume Designers Guild Award By Bulgari
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild Award

The LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.

Kering logo
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco Group

The luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.

For Future Reference Vintage
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’s

The company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.

Counterfeit Cartier and Audemars Piguet watches
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier Watches

In the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.

Helzberg new store concept rendering
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its Stores

Helzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.

Graphic for the 2025 Year-End Webinar
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year

Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.

Pair of Ippolita Lollatini earrings
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita

The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.

Bulgari CEO Laura Burdese
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEO

Laura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.

Harwell Godfrey Lil Buddies
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review

The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.

Front of Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ brooch
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection

Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy