Geneva Auction to Feature Rare 8.63 Carat Pink Diamond

 

An exceptional 8.63 carat natural pink diamond is set to take centre stage at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in Geneva on 11 November 2026, with an estimated price of up to US$6 million. The stone highlights the extraordinary rarity of natural pink diamonds and the continuing fascination they hold for collectors of important gemstones.

The unmounted oval modified brilliant cut diamond has been graded Fancy Intense Pink, VS2 clarity and Type IIa. Sotheby’s will present it as the leading lot in its High Jewelry sale, which will take place immediately before the auction house’s Royal & Noble Jewels sale in Geneva.

The diamond carries an estimated value of CHF 3.3 million to CHF 5 million, equivalent to approximately US$4 million to US$6 million. Its combination of substantial carat weight, intense natural colour and desirable gemological characteristics places it among the notable coloured diamonds appearing at international auction this season.

Where are natural pink diamonds found?

Natural pink diamonds have been recovered from several regions around the world, including Australia, South Africa, Lesotho, Tanzania, Russia, Brazil, Canada and historically India. However, these sources have not contributed equally to the market, and the geological conditions required to produce diamonds with a strong natural pink colour are exceptionally uncommon.

For decades, the most important commercial source was the Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia. Argyle became internationally renowned for its pink and red diamonds, despite these stones representing only a tiny fraction of the mine’s overall diamond production. The mine ceased operations in 2020, bringing an end to the regular supply from the world’s most significant historical source of pink diamonds.

Since the closure, the market has become even more conscious of the finite supply of Argyle-origin stones. However, pink diamonds continue to be found elsewhere, and discoveries in places such as Lesotho demonstrate that the geological potential for exceptional pink diamonds extends beyond Australia.

South Africa has its own distinguished place in this history, having produced some of the most famous large pink diamonds ever discovered.

The Steinmetz Pink: a South African diamond of extraordinary scale

One of the most remarkable examples of South Africa’s contribution to the world of natural pink diamonds is the legendary 59.60 carat Steinmetz Pink, now known as the CTF Pink Star.

The diamond began as a 132.50 carat rough crystal mined by De Beers in Africa in 1999. It was subsequently cut and polished by Steinmetz Diamonds over nearly two years, emerging as an oval diamond graded Fancy Vivid Pink and Internally Flawless by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). It was unveiled publicly in Monaco in 2003 as the Steinmetz Pink.

The diamond later became known as the Pink Star and, following its acquisition by Hong Kong jewellery group Chow Tai Fook, the CTF Pink Star. In April 2017, it sold at Sotheby’s Hong Kong auction for HK$553 million, approximately US$71.2 million, setting a world auction record for a diamond or gemstone.

Its history illustrates why South Africa remains an important part of the story of exceptional pink diamonds. The country’s historic diamond fields have produced important coloured stones, including diamonds of remarkable size and quality.
Why are some pink diamonds so large?

The size of an exceptional pink diamond is not simply a consequence of its colour. Pink diamonds can occur in different geological environments, and their colour is associated with structural deformation within the diamond’s crystal lattice. This deformation affects how the stone interacts with light, producing its characteristic pink appearance. The precise mechanisms responsible for colour can vary between stones.

South Africa’s historic diamond deposits have produced large, important diamonds, while the Argyle mine in Australia became the dominant commercial source of pink diamonds because of the frequency with which pink stones appeared in its production. These are distinct geological and mining histories, rather than evidence that one country exclusively produces the largest pink diamonds.

The Steinmetz Pink demonstrates what can happen when a substantial rough diamond combines with exceptional colour and clarity. Its finished weight of 59.60 carats is particularly extraordinary because cutting a rough diamond involves balancing the retention of carat weight against the need to maximise colour, clarity, symmetry and overall appearance.

Unlike colourless diamonds, where the absence of colour is a major grading consideration, fancy coloured diamonds are assessed principally for their colour characteristics. These include hue, tone and saturation, alongside the stone’s clarity, carat weight, cut and overall appearance.

The distinction between Fancy Intense Pink and Fancy Vivid Pink is important. Fancy Vivid Pink represents a higher colour-intensity category, but it does not automatically follow that every vivid pink diamond is more valuable than every intense pink diamond. Size, clarity, colour distribution, cutting quality and market demand all influence the final price.

The November Geneva offering is graded Fancy Intense Pink with VS2 clarity. Its 8.63 carat weight and reported Type IIa classification add further gemological interest. Type IIa diamonds contain extremely low levels of nitrogen and can possess exceptional optical properties, although this classification alone does not establish a diamond’s value or geographic origin.

For DCLA, the auction is a reminder of the importance of independent gemological assessment when dealing with exceptional natural coloured diamonds. Reliable identification, colour grading, clarity assessment and documentation are essential to understanding what makes each stone distinctive.

A rare natural treasure in a changing market

The closure of the Argyle mine has brought greater attention to the scarcity of natural pink diamonds, particularly stones with strong colour and significant carat weight. While new discoveries remain possible in other diamond-producing regions, exceptional natural pink diamonds continue to be rare.

The upcoming Sotheby’s Geneva sale will provide another opportunity to see how collectors respond to a remarkable natural coloured diamond. Whether the 8.63 carat stone reaches its upper estimate remains to be seen, but its appearance at auction reinforces the enduring appeal of gemstones whose beauty is the result of extraordinary geological processes.

From South Africa’s famous Steinmetz Pink to the celebrated pink diamonds of Australia’s Argyle mine, these stones represent some of the most remarkable achievements of nature and the skill of the diamond cutter.

For further reading, explore DCLA’s coverage of Boodles and its major Argyle diamond acquisition and the laboratory’s historical report on the 59.60 carat pink diamond’s record-breaking auction.

DCLA is the Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia. Independent gemological examination and accurate reporting help establish a diamond’s characteristics and support informed understanding of these rare natural treasures.

The Extraordinary Grand Condé Pink Diamond

 

Nearly a century after an audacious theft, one of France’s most remarkable historic diamonds is returning to public view. The nine carat Grand Condé is more than a rare pink gemstone. Its extraordinary history highlights the enduring fascination with natural diamonds, the importance of gemmological identification and the responsibility involved in protecting irreplaceable cultural treasures.

A Royal Diamond with an Unbelievable Past

A rare pink diamond with a history stretching back centuries is once again taking centre stage at the Château de Chantilly, north of Paris. Known as the Grand Condé, the nine carat, pear shaped gemstone is being displayed at the Condé Museum for the first time since its last public appearance almost 100 years ago.

The diamond became the subject of international attention in October 1926, when it was stolen during an overnight raid on the château. What followed was a remarkable episode involving an amateur thief, a concealed gemstone and an unexpected discovery that sounds more like a fictional detective story than a real historical event.

According to contemporary accounts, the stolen diamond was hidden inside a hollowed out apple. The thieves reportedly took refuge in a hotel, where a hungry maid unknowingly helped bring the mystery to an end. When she bit into the apple, the concealed diamond was discovered, allowing the precious stone to be recovered only weeks after the theft.

The story has endured for generations, adding another extraordinary chapter to the history of a diamond that had already survived revolution, royal ownership and the passage of time.

Why Natural Pink Diamonds Are So Exceptional

Pink diamonds occupy a special position in the world of natural gemstones. Unlike colourless diamonds, whose value is influenced by factors such as carat weight, colour, clarity and cut, fancy coloured diamonds are assessed with particular emphasis on the characteristics and intensity of their colour.

Natural pink diamonds are exceptionally rare. Their colour is generally associated with complex changes in the diamond’s crystal structure rather than the presence of a simple colouring element. The precise mechanisms responsible for pink colouration are not fully explained by conventional trace element analysis alone.

This geological rarity, combined with the limited supply of exceptional stones, has helped establish natural pink diamonds as some of the most sought after gemstones in the international market.

The closure of Australia’s Argyle mine in 2020 was particularly significant for the pink diamond trade. The Western Australian mine had become one of the world’s most important sources of pink diamonds, producing stones that ranged from delicate pastel pinks to highly saturated colours. With production having ceased, the availability of newly mined Argyle pink diamonds is limited to existing inventories and previously recovered material.

However, not all pink diamonds originate from Argyle, and the value of an individual stone depends on its own characteristics, provenance and market demand.

Exceptional natural pink diamonds have achieved extraordinary prices at auction. In 2017, the 59.60 carat Pink Star sold for approximately US$71.2 million, establishing a record for a diamond sold at auction. Although that stone was substantially larger than the nine carat Grand Condé, the result demonstrates the remarkable prices that exceptional natural coloured diamonds can command.

Identification: The Science Behind a Unique Diamond

The Grand Condé’s return to public display also highlights an important aspect of modern gemmology: establishing the identity of a valuable gemstone.

According to the museum, extensive academic research has been undertaken to study the diamond’s properties and establish characteristics that can help distinguish it from other stones. The exhibition also includes previously unseen archival material relating to the diamond’s history and theft.

For a historically important gemstone, identification involves more than recording its weight and appearance. Detailed examination may include measurements, proportions, internal characteristics, inclusions and other physical features that contribute to an individual stone’s identifying profile.

Depending on the gemstone and the available evidence, advanced analytical techniques may also help establish whether a diamond is natural or laboratory grown and identify characteristics relevant to its origin or treatment history.

It is important to distinguish between identifying a diamond and establishing its historical provenance. Gemmological testing can provide valuable evidence about the stone itself, while archival records, historical inventories, ownership documents and other independent evidence help establish its journey through history.

Together, these disciplines can provide a more complete picture of an exceptional diamond.

At the Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia (DCLA), the examination and identification of diamonds are central to understanding what a stone is, what characteristics it possesses and how those characteristics should be documented.

For owners who want to establish the identity and characteristics of a diamond, professional examination can help distinguish natural diamonds from laboratory grown stones and document relevant gemmological features. Learn more about DCLA’s diamond laboratory services and the role independent diamond expertise can play in understanding and documenting valuable gemstones.

For collectors, jewellers and owners of important diamonds, reliable identification can be an essential part of preserving a stone’s identity and supporting informed decisions about its care and ownership.

Protecting Treasures in an Age of High Profile Thefts

The exhibition also comes at a time when security at major cultural institutions has attracted renewed international attention. High profile jewellery thefts, including the reported daylight robbery at the Louvre in Paris, have highlighted the challenges museums face when protecting objects of exceptional financial, historical and cultural importance.

The Grand Condé’s history offers a striking reminder that security risks are not new. Almost 100 years ago, a relatively unsophisticated theft was enough to remove a royal diamond from its display. Its eventual recovery depended not on advanced surveillance technology or sophisticated forensic systems, but on an extraordinary coincidence.

Today, the protection of important gemstones can involve detailed documentation, secure display systems, controlled access, insurance arrangements and scientific examination. A well documented gemstone can be easier to distinguish from a substitute or disputed object, although identification records alone cannot guarantee recovery following a theft.

For museums and private collectors alike, preserving a gemstone’s identifying characteristics and documenting its history are important parts of protecting an asset that may be impossible to replace.

For jewellery owners, understanding exactly what they possess is an important first step. DCLA provides diamond expertise to help establish a stone’s characteristics and support appropriate documentation. Further information is available through the DCLA website.

From Royal Collections to the Modern Diamond Industry

The Grand Condé’s documented history reaches back to the eighteenth century. The Château de Chantilly records its appearance in a 1740 inventory prepared following the death of Louis Henri de Bourbon, Prince of Condé.

The diamond later became part of the collection of Queen Marie Amélie of Bourbon-Sicily, the wife of King Louis Philippe I of France. It subsequently passed to her son, Henri of Orléans, Duke of Aumale, who bequeathed it to the Institut de France.

The Institut de France now owns the Château de Chantilly and its extensive collections of artworks, manuscripts and historic objects, including the Grand Condé.

Its survival across centuries illustrates how diamonds can acquire significance far beyond their original purpose as gemstones. Their importance may come to encompass royal history, family inheritance, artistic appreciation, scientific interest and cultural heritage.

A Diamond Is More Than Its Carat Weight

The Grand Condé is a reminder that the significance of a diamond cannot always be expressed through a price per carat.

Its nine carats are only one part of the story. Its unusual colour, historical associations, documented ownership and remarkable recovery all contribute to its importance. The diamond’s cultural value is inseparable from the events and people connected with it.

For the wider diamond industry, this is an important distinction. Two diamonds of similar weight can differ enormously in rarity, appearance, identification characteristics, provenance and desirability. A reliable assessment requires an understanding of the individual stone rather than a reliance on size alone.

At DCLA, diamond examination and certification help provide a clearer understanding of a stone’s characteristics. For anyone seeking professional information about a diamond they own or are considering purchasing, visit DCLA’s diamond laboratory website to learn more about its services.

As the Grand Condé returns to public view at the Château de Chantilly, visitors have an opportunity to appreciate both its physical beauty and the extraordinary events that have shaped its place in history.

Nearly a century after it disappeared into a hollowed out apple, the diamond’s story continues to capture the imagination. It is a remarkable example of how a natural gemstone can become a lasting historical treasure, valued not only for its rarity, but also for the story it carries through generations.

Rare Orangey Pink Diamond to Take Centre Stage at Christie’s Geneva Auction

 

A remarkable 14.63 carat fancy orangey pink natural diamond is set to be one of the highlights of Christie’s upcoming Geneva jewellery auction, with the David Morris ring carrying an upper estimate of approximately US$2.6 million.

The exceptional stone will be offered as part of Christie’s Exceptional Jewels & Objects of Elegance: A Connoisseur’s Collection, taking place in Geneva on November 10, with an accompanying online auction running from November 5 to 17.

The private collection comprises almost 300 lots and includes important jewellery from internationally recognised maisons including Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari and Graff, alongside Art Deco vanity cases and finely crafted gold objects.

Why are natural pink diamonds pink?

Pink diamonds are among the most intriguing of all natural diamonds because, unlike many other coloured diamonds, their colour is not easily explained by the presence of a specific trace element.

The colour of a natural pink diamond is generally associated with changes in the diamond’s crystal structure that occurred deep within the Earth during its formation. Diamonds are made from carbon atoms arranged in an exceptionally precise crystal lattice. In some diamonds, geological forces cause distortions within that lattice.

These microscopic structural distortions affect the way light passes through the diamond, producing the remarkable pink colour that makes these stones so desirable.

When the colour moves towards orangey pink, the diamond displays a combination of pink and orange body colour. The precise appearance can vary considerably from one diamond to another, ranging from delicate pastel tones to highly saturated and vivid colours.

This is one reason every exceptional natural coloured diamond is effectively unique.

For more information about diamond structure, properties and the differences between natural and laboratory-grown diamonds, see DCLA’s guide to What Is a Diamond? Natural vs Laboratory-Grown – Structure, Science and Pricing.

Why are pink diamonds so rare?

Natural diamonds occur in many parts of the world, but diamonds with a strong and attractive natural pink colour are extraordinarily uncommon.

Diamonds are formed under immense pressure and temperature deep within the Earth’s mantle and can take billions of years to reach the surface through geological processes. Only a very small proportion develop the particular crystal characteristics responsible for a natural pink colour.

Importantly, pink diamonds are not confined to one location. Natural pink diamonds have been discovered in diamond-producing regions around the world. However, the supply of fine-quality pink diamonds is exceptionally limited.

The rarity becomes even greater when factors such as carat weight, colour intensity, clarity, cut and overall beauty are taken into account.

A large pink diamond with strong colour and good clarity is therefore extraordinarily difficult to find.

DCLA has explored the extraordinary rarity of large natural diamonds in its article Nature vs Technology: Why Large Natural Diamonds Are Exceptionally Rare, explaining why increasing diamond size results in dramatically greater natural scarcity.

Size changes everything

With coloured diamonds, rarity increases dramatically as size increases.

A small natural pink diamond may already be a scarce gemstone, but a large stone with an attractive, saturated colour can be in an entirely different category.

The 14.63 carat diamond being offered in Geneva is therefore significant not simply because it is pink, but because of its combination of natural colour, substantial size and orangey pink appearance.

At more than 14 carats, the stone belongs to a category where the number of comparable natural diamonds available to the market is extremely small.

This scarcity is one of the fundamental reasons exceptional pink diamonds can command prices far beyond those of similarly sized colourless diamonds.

Natural colour is the key

The distinction between a natural coloured diamond and a treated or laboratory-grown diamond is particularly important when discussing rare pink diamonds.

A natural pink diamond has acquired its colour through the geological processes that formed the stone over an immense period of time. The colour is part of the diamond’s natural characteristics.

Modern technology can produce laboratory-grown diamonds and can also alter the colour of diamonds through various treatments. These stones can be beautiful in their own right, but they are fundamentally different from a rare natural coloured diamond.

For an important natural coloured diamond, independent examination and documentation are therefore critical.

DCLA explains the importance of determining diamond origin in its article Natural or Laboratory-Grown? How Can You Tell What Diamond Is in Your Ring?, which explains why visual examination or a basic diamond tester cannot reliably establish whether a diamond is natural or laboratory-grown.

The challenge of grading coloured diamonds

Coloured diamonds are assessed differently from traditional colourless diamonds.

The colour itself is a major component of the stone’s rarity and desirability, with factors including hue, tone and saturation playing an important role.

Two diamonds of exactly the same carat weight can therefore have dramatically different values because their colours differ in strength, distribution and attractiveness.

For a buyer or collector, establishing whether the colour is natural, determining the characteristics of the diamond and confirming any treatments is essential.

At the Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia (DCLA), diamonds undergo detailed examination using advanced laboratory technology. DCLA states that every diamond is screened for known treatments, tested to establish whether it is natural or man-made, and graded according to International Diamond Council (IDC) rules.

Learn more about the DCLA Diamond Grading and Certification Process.

Why independent certification matters

With an exceptionally rare coloured diamond, establishing exactly what the stone is becomes particularly important.

A DCLA diamond grading report provides a technical breakdown including carat weight, colour, clarity, measurements, stone type, treatments or enhancements, cut, symmetry, polish, transparency and fluorescence.

For rare natural coloured diamonds, documentation can therefore become an important part of the stone’s history and provenance.

DCLA’s Diamond Grading Report service provides independent documentation of the diamond’s characteristics.

Why exceptional pink diamonds command exceptional prices

The market for the finest natural pink diamonds is ultimately driven by a simple combination:

Nature created very few of them, and the world’s supply cannot simply be increased.

A large, naturally coloured pink diamond with attractive colour, good clarity and excellent cutting represents the convergence of several rare characteristics.

This scarcity is particularly important in today’s diamond market. While laboratory-grown diamonds can be produced using controlled manufacturing processes, the supply of large, exceptional natural diamonds remains limited by geology.

DCLA’s research into the changing natural diamond market notes that large, rare and unusually coloured natural diamonds continue to command strong premiums because of their exceptional rarity and provenance.

The Christie’s Geneva offering demonstrates the continuing fascination with these extraordinary natural treasures. While the US$2.6 million upper estimate is substantial, the importance of the stone extends beyond its auction price.

It is a reminder that in the world of natural diamonds, rarity is not simply about size. It is about how many times nature was able to create the right combination of colour, structure, clarity, size and beauty.

And when that combination occurs naturally, there may be very few comparable diamonds anywhere in the world.

DCLA — Independent Diamond Expertise

For consumers, collectors, jewellers and insurers, independent examination can provide confidence that a diamond is accurately identified and documented.

Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia (DCLA) is Australia’s internationally accredited diamond certification laboratory, providing independent grading and testing of natural and laboratory-grown diamonds in its Sydney laboratory.

DCLA — Where nature’s rarest diamonds meet independent science.

Rare Half-Pink 37.4-Carat Diamond Unearthed in Botswana

A remarkable two-coloured natural diamond has been discovered in Botswana, astonishing experts with its size and formation. The gem half pink and half colourless weighs an impressive 37.41 carats and measures approximately 24.3 x 16 x 14.5 millimetres, according to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

The GIA describes the stone as having formed in two distinct geological stages. Sally Eaton-Magaña, Senior Manager of Diamond Identification at the GIA, explained that the pink section likely began as colourless before undergoing plastic deformation possibly caused by a mountain-forming event millions of years ago. This natural deformation altered the crystal lattice, giving rise to the diamond’s vivid pink hue. The colourless section, in contrast, appears to have formed later under more stable conditions.

Pink diamonds are among the rarest gems on Earth, prized for their beauty and scientific intrigue. Unlike coloured diamonds that owe their hue to trace elements or radiation exposure, pink diamonds result from structural distortions within the crystal lattice. This phenomenon must occur under highly specific pressure and temperature conditions too little deformation and the diamond remains colourless; too much and it turns brown.

“It’s a geological balancing act like Goldilocks,” noted Curtin University geologist Luc Doucet, referencing the fine threshold that determines a diamond’s colour outcome.

What makes this new discovery even more extraordinary is its size. While other bi-coloured diamonds have been documented, they are typically no larger than 2 carats. The 37.4-carat specimen from Botswana represents a significant leap in both scale and scientific importance.

The diamond was unearthed at Lucara Diamond Corporation’s Karowe mine, one of the world’s most productive sources of exceptional diamonds. The Karowe mine has previously yielded some of the most celebrated finds in modern history, including the 2,488-carat “Motswedi” diamond, the second-largest rough diamond ever recovered, and the 62-carat “Boitumelo” pink diamond.

This latest discovery further cements Botswana’s position at the forefront of the global diamond industry and provides scientists with another remarkable glimpse into the complex natural processes that create the Earth’s most coveted gemstones.

Source: DCLA

$20 Million ‘Glowing Rose’ Pink Diamond to Headline Sotheby’s Geneva Auction

A rare 10.08-carat fancy vivid pink diamond ring, named The Glowing Rose, is set to take centre stage at Sotheby’s upcoming High Jewellery sale in Geneva on 12 November. Expected to achieve around USD 20 million, the stone represents one of the most important pink diamonds to reach the auction block in recent years.

This exceptional cushion brilliant-cut diamond crafted by luxury jeweller Boodles originates from a 21-carat rough unearthed in Angola in 2023. Its vivid, pure pink hue and balanced proportions exemplify the rarest qualities of natural fancy coloured diamonds. According to Sotheby’s, it is only the third cushion cut vivid pink diamond over 10 carats to appear at auction within the past decade.

The cushion cut, recently popularised by Taylor Swift’s engagement ring, has become increasingly sought after among collectors for its romantic and timeless appeal.

Sotheby’s has a strong record of achieving exceptional results for vivid pink diamonds. In 2022, the auction house sold the Williamson Pink Star an 11.15 carat, fancy vivid pink, internally flawless diamond for USD 57.7 million in Hong Kong. The following year, a 10.57 carat vivid purplish-pink diamond fetched USD 34.8 million in New York. Earlier this year, Sotheby’s Geneva achieved USD 21.5 million for the Mediterranean Blue, a 10.03-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.

“With the continued global demand for rare coloured diamonds, we are delighted to present The Glowing Rose,” said Jessica Wyndham, Head of High Jewellery at Sotheby’s Geneva. “Following the remarkable success of the Mediterranean Blue, this sale offers collectors another extraordinary opportunity to acquire a truly exceptional gem.”

Before its appearance in Geneva, The Glowing Rose will be showcased in Singapore and Taipei, giving collectors and connoisseurs a preview of one of the year’s most significant pink diamonds.

DCLA notes that fancy vivid pink diamonds remain among the most coveted and valuable gems in the world, combining extraordinary rarity with strong global demand from collectors and investors alike.

Lucara Recovers Rare 37-Carat Pink Diamond from Karowe

Lucara Diamond Corp. has announced the recovery of a rare and unusual pink diamond from its Karowe mine in Botswana.

The 37.42-carat stone, classified as a Type IIa, was unearthed in August and is described as near-gem quality with a distinctive bicoloured appearance. While the majority of the diamond displays an intense pink hue, part of the stone appears partially colourless an exceptionally rare feature.

HB Antwerp, Lucara’s cutting and technology partner, described the discovery as “a rare and remarkable find.” Oded Mansori, co-founder of HB Antwerp, noted:
“This stone has the potential to become one of the most important pink diamonds ever polished. Its intensely rich coloration is a testament to the geological uniqueness of the Karowe mine, and our expertise in the manufacturing process will ensure its vibrant colour is maximised.”

The recovery underscores Karowe’s reputation as a consistent source of exceptional diamonds. Also in August, Lucara recovered a 1,019.85-carat non-gem-quality diamond, the third stone of more than 1,000 carats to be found at Karowe in 2025. This brings the total number of diamonds over 1,000 carats from the mine to nine.

Both diamonds were recovered from the EM/PK(S) section of the deposit using Lucara’s Mega Diamond Recovery (MDR) unit, an advanced X-ray transmission system installed in 2017 to identify and preserve large stones. The MDR is credited with detecting several of Karowe’s most significant recoveries, including the 2,492-carat diamond discovered in August 2024—the second-largest rough diamond ever found.

Meanwhile, Lucara has announced a $10 million drawdown from its $63 million standby loan facility with Nemesia, its largest shareholder, to address short-term funding needs for the Karowe underground expansion project. The $683 million project, now scheduled for completion in the first half of 2028, is expected to extend the mine’s life to at least 2040.

Lucara President and CEO William Lamb said the arrangement reflects the company’s commitment to financial prudence while advancing the underground project.
“This funding mechanism demonstrates the continued confidence and support of our major shareholders in Lucara’s long-term strategy and in the exceptional value potential of the Karowe mine, including the ongoing recovery of some of the world’s most significant diamonds.”

Source: DCLA

Sotheby’s to Sell 31.86 carat Pink Diamond in Abu Dhabi

Sotheby’s is to offer for sale the largest fancy vivid orangy pink diamond ever graded, at a debut event in Abu Dhabi in December.

The pear-shaped gem, known as the Desert Rose, weighs 31.86 carats and is expected to fetch $5m to $7m.

It is the jewelry highlight of Sotheby’s inaugural Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Week of exhibitions, sales, masterclasses and panel discussions.

The Desert Rose is part of a single-owner collection of watches and jewelry, including vintage and contemporary signed pieces, that is estimated to raise more than $20m in total.

Among the watch highlights is an exceptionally rare Rolex “Oyster Albino” Daytona, reference 6263, produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with an estimate of $500,000 to $1m.

Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Week takes place from 2 – 5 December on Saadiyat Island, just off the Abu Dhabi coast.

It coincides with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and features auctions of collector cars, real estate, and international fine art exhibitions.

Source: DCL

The Kao Legend Collection: A Rare Suite of Pink Diamonds from Lesotho

The Kao Legend Collection represents an extraordinary achievement in diamond cutting and curation. Cut from a single 108.39-carat pink diamond crystal unearthed at the renowned Kao Mine in Lesotho, this suite features seven magnificent pink diamonds each documented in detail by the GIA Monograph.

At the heart of the collection lies the Kao Legend, a 20.49-carat diamond graded Fancy Intense Purplish Pink by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The accompanying diamonds in the collection range in colour from Fancy Intense Purplish Pink to Faint Pink, showcasing a delicate and rare spectrum of pink hues.

What sets this collection apart is not only its shared origin and harmonious beauty but also the diamonds’ classification. All seven are Type IIa diamonds known for their exceptional chemical purity and rarity, comprising less than 2% of all natural diamonds. Type IIa pink diamonds are especially coveted for their remarkable clarity and vibrant colour saturation.

The Kao Mine, one of Lesotho’s most prominent diamond sources, has established a reputation for yielding high-quality pink diamonds. Alongside the Kao Legend, the mine also produced the celebrated Pink Eternity, a 47.80-carat gem of international acclaim.

For gemmologists and collectors alike, the Kao Legend Collection exemplifies nature’s artistry and the pinnacle of diamond excellence.