Sourcing

Graff Cut This 302-Carat Diamond from Lesedi La Rona

SourcingApr 10, 2019

Graff Cut This 302-Carat Diamond from Lesedi La Rona

Lesedi La Rona was the 1,109-carat rough diamond discovered in Botswana almost four years ago.

20190410_Graff_header.jpg
This 302.37-carat square-shaped emerald-cut diamond is the biggest of the 67 stones cut by Graff from Lesedi La Rona, the second largest rough diamond ever found.

New York—Graff has unveiled the principal polished diamond cut from Lesedi La Rona, the 1,109-carat chunk of rough discovered in Botswana in 2015.

It is a square emerald-cut stone that weighs 302.37 carats and is the largest diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America as being of highest color, D, and “highest clarity.” A Graff spokeswoman could not confirm the diamond’s exact clarity grade by press time Wednesday.

The stone, which has been named the Graff Lesedi La Rona, also holds the distinction of being the largest square emerald-cut diamond in the world, the company said.

Laurence Graff (no relation to author), who’s become known as the modern-day Harry Winston for handling many of the largest and most spectacular diamonds of the last century, called crafting the Graff Lesedi La Rona “an honor.”

“This diamond, our diamond, is beyond words,” he said.


Laurence Graff, founder of Graff Diamonds International Ltd., holding the 302.37-carat Graff Lesedi La Rona. The diamond took more than 18 months to make, from planning to final polishing.


Workers for Lucara Diamond Corp. found the 1,109-carat rough diamond (originally 1,111 carats before cleaning) at the Karowe mine in November 2015.

A naming contest open to all Botswana citizens was held a few months later and Thembani Moitlhobogi submitted the winning moniker, which means “Our Light” in Tswana, the official language of Botswana.

Lucara put the stone up for auction at Sotheby’s in June 2016 but bidding failed to reach the reserve price of $70 million, so the stone went unsold until Graff stepped forward in September 2017. The company paid $53 million, or about $48,000 per carat, for Lesedi La Rona.

Chipping Away
Before he even purchased the diamond, Graff had some idea how cutting the Lesedi La Rona would go.

In May 2017, the London-based diamantaire bought a 373.72-carat chunk of rough thought to have chipped off Lesedi La Rona, so he knew the stone could result in “sensational” polished diamonds.

Even so, Lesedi La Rona’s size presented a challenge to Graff’s gemologists because they had never analyzed a stone of that size. Lesedi La Rona is the second largest gem-quality rough diamond on record, topped only by the 3,106-carat Cullinan, which was discovered in 1905.

The tennis ball-sized diamond was too big for the company’s existing equipment, so a scanner had to be custom built with brand new imaging software.

Using the
new software, the gemologists mapped the stone’s imperfections to plot which cuts would yield the largest and highest clarity diamonds possible, and received a challenge from their boss that was thought impossible when first examining the stone: find a way to create a 300-carat polished diamond from Lesedi La Rona.

WATCH: The Cutting of Lesedi La Rona
{youtube}3LSHnLj-utw{/youtube}
The analysis continued for months before gemologists moved forward with a plan for cutting and polishing the diamond. Laurence Graff described the task of cutting a diamond of this size as “the riskiest form of art.”

“You can never add and you can never cover up a mistake, you can only take away,” he said. “You have to be careful, and you have to be perfect.”

The initial cutting was done with lasers, while the following shaping and faceting was done by hand. The company said polishing the table facet alone took “hundreds of hours.”

All told, a little more than 18 months elapsed between the time Graff bought the diamond in September 2017 and when his gemologists and craftsmen finished polishing its final facets.


The 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona in its rough state. Though it cannot be proven beyond doubt, GIA researchers strongly believe that the diamond weighed more than 2,700 carats at one point, as it is thought the 812.77-carat “Constellation” along with a 373-carat rough and 296- and 183-carat chunks all broke off this same stone.

Neither the asking price for the Graff Lesedi La Rona nor its current location are being disclosed.

Fragments from the cutting of the stone were donated to the Smithsonian Institute to help its advanced diamond research, as the Lesedi La Rona has been identified by GIA as being a “superdeep” diamond, a stone that, like blue diamonds, formed three times deeper in the earth than other diamonds.

The Graff Lesedi La Rona is one of 67 diamonds cut from the 1,109-carat rough, the first of which were unveiled late last year.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Roberto Coin Fleur de Lis jewelry
MajorsMay 09, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Pays $130M for Roberto Coin Inc.

The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.

Lauren K Mosaic necklace
TrendsMay 09, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Shine Bright, Moms  

Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.

Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry
IndependentsMay 09, 2024
Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry to Close Salisbury Store

The company’s Easton location will remain open.

Header image w logo.jpg
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a Tradeshow

Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.

Jewelers Board of Trade logo
MajorsMay 09, 2024
JBT Elects New Chairman

Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.

Weekly QuizMay 09, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Take the Quiz
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show Bracelets
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2024
Fusing Past and Present at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

Vikki Tobak
EditorsMay 07, 2024
Q&A: Author Vikki Tobak on the ‘Ice-Cold’ Exhibition

Tobak, 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.

national-jeweler-top-image-v1.jpg
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of Jewelers

Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.

Cynthia Erivo, Zendaya, Lewis Hamilton at the Met Gala
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met Gala

Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.

Rendering of M.S. Rau pop-up shop in Aspen, Colorado
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.

Vhernier Calla necklace rose gold and ebony
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler Vhernier

The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.

The six Couture Luminaries designers 2024
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up Couture

The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.

Sylvester Stallone watch auction
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s Watches

The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.

Models Wearing Venetian Link Bracelets and Necklaces
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New Collection

The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.

Jewelers of America logo
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2024
JA Now Accepting Applications for New Bench Jeweler Scholarship

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.

Rolex and Hallmark logos
Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark Application

The Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.

Anglo American executive Benny Oeyen
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.

Opening of Malabar Gold & Diamonds store in Naperville Illinois
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. Showroom

The Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.

Ben Bridge Jeweler Logo
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Accepting Applications for Lonia Tate Scholarship

It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.

Mug shots of murder suspects Michael McCormack and Charles Robinson Shay
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado Jeweler

Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.

Five Platinum Pieces
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight Program

PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.

Kristie Nicolosi
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board Again

Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.

Karina Brez Bit of LUV Bracelet
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the Derby

Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.

Stock image of handcuffs and gavel
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian Families

The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.

Horizon Campaign Collage
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection

“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.

Pandora jewelry
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1

The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.

Glenn Lewis
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68

The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.

×

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