Diamonds, Gemstones, Jewelry Op-Ed
Magnificent Diamond Found!
Superlatives fail when trying to describe this record-breaking find in the southern African nation of Lesotho. The rough is expected to yield a "D-IF" diamond if the folks in Antwerp are correct in their evaluation.
It almost seems a shame if this gem is cut and removed from public view to some collector's private cache.
Maybe a true gem lover will buy the diamond and commission a traveling worldwide series of public showings. I would love to see this beauty up close .. the rough more so than the cut version.
Watch the CNN Video
Taken from the Letseng Mine, the stone is the 20th largest rough diamond ever found that we know about. It weighs in at 478 carats.
"What makes it more remarkable is the color and quality of this stone," said diamond consultant Neil Buxton.
"It's a D color, which is the highest possible graded color you can get, and we believe there is a chance -- a very good chance -- of getting a 100-carat plus round stone with the highest color and clarity rankings."
Anyone care to chance an appraisal?