SourcingJun 01, 2021
Washington Man Finds 2-Carat Rough Diamond to Create His Own RingSourcingOct 04, 2021
Arkansas Park Yields Nearly 4.5-Carat Diamond
A California woman found the yellowish stone and named it Lucy. Here’s what inspired the name.
PHOTO A California woman found this 4.38-carat at the Crater of Diamonds State Park on Sept. 23. It is the largest diamond found at the park so far this year, and the biggest find by a visitor since October 2020.
PHOTO Noreen Wredberg of Granite Bay, California found the diamond and named it Lucy, after her husband’s kitten.
Murfreesboro, Ark.—A California woman with a penchant for national parks unearthed the largest diamond found yet this year in Arkansas.
The Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro announced recently that Noreen Wredberg of Granite Bay, California found a 4.38-carat diamond after less than an hour of searching on Sept. 23.
Park Superintendent Caleb Howell described the stone as being “about the size of a jellybean.” It is pear shaped in its rough form with a light yellow hue that Howell described as “lemonade yellow.”
According to information provided by the park, Wredberg, who is retired, spends her leisure time traveling around the country visiting national parks with husband Michael.
They were in nearby Hot Springs, Arkansas when they decided to make a slight detour south to visit the Crater of Diamonds, which Wredberg had seen featured on a TV show.
Wredberg found the diamond on a sunny morning following several days of heavy rain, which creates optimal conditions for finding diamonds, particularly big ones, the park said.
“Many visitors surface search for diamonds after a good rain,” said Park Interpreter Waymon Cox, who noted that more than an inch of rain fell at the park between Sept. 19 and 21.
“The soil had dried a little, and the sun was out when Mrs. Wredberg visited two days later. She was in just the right place to see her diamond sparkle in the morning sunlight.”
Wredberg told the park she might have her diamond cut, depending on its worth.
Every visitor who finds a diamond at the Crater has the opportunity to name it; Wredberg is calling her diamond Lucy.
For many, the first thing that comes to mind when they hear the word “Lucy” and “diamond” is the famous Beatles song. But Wredberg named her stone after her husband’s kitten, which is gray with hints of yellow in her fur similar to the diamond.
Diamonds were first discovered on the land that is now the Crater of Diamonds State Park in 1906 by the farmer who owned the land, John Huddleston. Attempts were made to mine the site commercially over the years.
It was during one of these attempts that the park yielded its largest recorded find, a 40.23-carat white diamond dubbed the Uncle Sam.
Cutters turned the diamond into a 12.42-carat emerald cut. A private collector paid $150,000 for the diamond in 1971.
The Crater became a state park in 1972. The diamonds found there are mostly white, brown, and yellow, in that order.
EditorsAug 10, 2015
Why there are diamonds in ArkansasMore on Sourcing
The Latest
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
