Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
Why the Biggest Rough Diamond in a Century Failed to Sell
The CEO of the company that found the 1,109-carat Lesedi la Rona said, “the historical significance of the stone seems to have been missed based on the bids offered.”
London--Even after a lot of publicity and excitement around Lucara’s 1,109-carat Lesedi la Rona rough diamond, the tennis-ball sized stone failed to sell at auction Wednesday.
Discovered at Lucara Diamond Corp.’s Karowe Mine, the stone is the largest rough diamond found since the 3,016.75-carat Cullinan Diamond in 1905.
Lucara said that bidding at the auction at Sotheby’s London did not meet the reserve price--Sotheby’s pre-sale estimate on the stone was $70 million--so it will “retain” the stone for now. The highest bid reached was $61 million, $68.3 million with buyer’s premium.
Lucara CEO and President William Lamb told National Jeweler, “It needs to be understood that this is the first time anyone has attempted to sell a rough diamond via the auction process. Lucara wanted to understand whether there was a market for truly exceptional diamonds where they would be purchased as collectables the same as high-value art.
“We understand that it is not easy to see the true value in a diamond when the only mechanism is to value the polished. The historical significance of the stone seems to have been missed based on the bids offered.”
When asked what role he thought Brexit or other global economic situations might have had on the outcome, he said, “We cannot say. In today’s volatile times, there is always some level of economic uncertainty. Saying this is the reason the auction did not conclude with the sale of the stone would be incorrect, although it may have in some way played a small part.”
When the news first broke that the stone would be put up for auction, Sotheby’s said it commissioned independent reports on the potential yield of Lesedi la Rona from the Gem Certification and Assurance Lab (GCAL) and Diamex Inc./Crodiam Consulting DMCC.
The reports weren’t made public, though a few details were released, including the fact that experts believe that the Lesedi la Rona could yield a polished white diamond that tops the “Great Star of Africa” (530.20 carats) in size.
The reports also stated that there is a “high probability” that the polished diamonds cut from the 1,109-carat rough will be D color.
Aside from its size, the fact that
With the auction having failed, Lamb said there are a number of options available to Lucara, ranging from partnering on the stone to holding a regular tender within the diamond market or putting the stone on display at a museum.
He said with no pressing need to sell the stone, Lucara has time to decide what might be the best route to take.
Aside from Lesedi la Rona, Wednesday’s auction also featured three other pieces of rough, proceeds from the sale of which will go to the Lady Khama Charitable Trust. The trust supports existing charitable organizations working on community development and projects that benefit vulnerable women and children.
All three lots' pre-sale estimates were between $10,000 and $15,000 but came in well above that.
A rough diamond weighing 5.44 carats and octahedron in form garnered $57,500. A 5.62-carat rough diamond of octahedron form went for $42,500, and a third piece of rough weighing 5.78 carats of rhombic dodecahedron form sold for $40,000.
The Latest
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
The Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
The Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.