Tips Guides Resources

In the mountainous highlands of the small kingdom of Lesotho, the Letseng Diamond Mine, operated by Gem Diamonds Limited, has produced some of the world’s most notable diamonds. Recently, the company announced the discovery of the world’s 20th-largest diamond.

The generous uncut and unnamed diamond weighs in at nearly 500 carats and will be cut into a single round brilliant measuring up to 150 carats. The flawless diamond is expected to yield one of the largest flawless D color round polished diamonds in history, according to company officials. It was analyzed by experts in Antwerp, weighing in at 478 carats and possesses outstanding color and clarity, with few inclusions. While it is difficult to place a value on the diamond before it is cut, a similar weight stone of lesser-quality cut and color sold recently for $12 million.

The Letseng mine, although located in an impoverished kingdom in eastern South Africa, is known for being one of the most productive mines in history. In fact, four of the world’s 20 largest diamonds have been discovered there, which includes three of the largest from this century. According to one source, it is estimated that nearly 15 percent of the diamonds in the ore are larger than 10 carats in size. Formally operated by De Beers, the mine was transferred to the Kingdom of Lesotho who holds a 30 percent ownership stake in the mines.

Other notable Letseng diamonds include the Lesotho Promise and the Lesotho Brown. Weighing in at 603 carats, the Lesotho Promise was unearthed in 2006. It is rated D, the top color band for diamonds and is the largest find this century. Sold at auction in Antwerp for $12.4 million, the largest gem cut from the diamond is a 75-carat pear-shaped diamond. A total of 26 stones were fashioned from the rough gem which in total equal 224 carats.

Discovered in 1967, the Lesotho Brown was fashioned into 18 polished diamonds which totaled 242.50 carats. The crystals third largest stone, called the Lesotho III was presented to Jackie Kennedy by her husband Aristotle Onassis. The more than 40-carat marquise-cut diamond ring had a value of $600,000. However, when auctioned at the Jackie Kennedy estate sale auction in 1996, the ring was purchased for more than $2,580,000. Harry Winston mounted the gem in a ring of platinum.

This exciting new find will potentially dwarf the famous Koh-i-noor diamond, a round cut at 105 carats. Discovered in India, the Koh-i-noor was once the largest known diamond in the world. Much mystery surrounds the diamond, such as when it was originally discovered. Some sources say its existence was known more than 5,000 years ago.

Governor-General Lord Dalhousie was responsible for the diamond’s British acquisition in 1849, following the British occupation of India. Dalhousie’s somewhat controversial work in India also extended to the attainment of the Koh-i-noor.

Within the possession of the English government, the stone was first admired by the British during the Great Exhibition in 1851. It was re-cut in 1852 under the direction of Prince Albert from its original size of 186 carats to 105 in an effort to increase its brilliance. It was later used in the centerpiece of the Queen’s consort crown of the United Kingdom. Worn by Queens Alexandra and Queen Mary, it was set into the crown of Queen Elizabeth in 1936. It rested atop her coffin in 2002 as she lay in state.

The Cullinan Diamond, unearthed in 1905, still outweighs this new discovery. The Cullinan is the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered. At 3,106 carats, it was named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, owner of the Premier Diamond Mining Company where the stone was discovered. Both the Great Star of Africa and the Lesser Star of Africa were cut from the Cullinan Diamond and are a part of the British crown jewels. They are on display at the Tower of London.

Resources: Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. Pandora bracelets, Pandora charms, and Pandora beads are only a part of the collection. For more information, Lewis Jewelers, 2000 West Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48103, 877-88-LEWIS or visit the website.