Sourcing

Lucapa Says This 170-Carat Diamond Is the Largest Pink Found in 300 Years

SourcingJul 28, 2022

Lucapa Says This 170-Carat Diamond Is the Largest Pink Found in 300 Years

The type II diamond came out of the Lulo alluvial mine in Angola and will be sold via international tender.

Luanda, Angola—An alluvial diamond mine in Angola has yielded a 170-carat diamond said to be the largest pink diamond recovered in hundreds of years.

Lucapa Diamond Company Limited, Endiama E.P. and Rosas & Petalas, partners in operating the Lulo mine, announced the discovery Wednesday.

They’ve dubbed the stone “The Lulo Rose,” and claim it’s the largest pink diamond unearthed in 300 years, making its recovery a “significant day” for the Angolan diamond industry, said José Manuel Ganga Júnior, chairman of the board of Endiama, Angola’s state-run diamond company.

Lucapa said the last pink diamond to exceed the Lulo Rose in size was the rough that resulted in the 242-carat pink “Great Table Diamond,” which famous jeweler and traveler Jean-Baptiste Tavernier wrote about in 1642.

The Great Table did not survive.

According to Lang Antiques’ Antique Jewelry University, the diamond was involved in an “unrecorded accident” and had to be cut into two smaller stones, the 182-carat “Darya-ye-Noor” (also spelled “Darya-i-Noor”) and the 60-carat “Nul-ul-Ain.”

The Darya-ye-Noor is now part of the Iranian Crown Jewels and is currently held in the Central Bank of Iran in Tehran.

20220728_Lulo Rose and white diamond.jpg
“The Lulo Rose” next to an 80-carat white diamond also mined at Lulo (Photo courtesy of Lucapa Diamond Company Ltd.)

While the discovery of a 170-carat pink diamond is rare, The Lulo Rose is the 27th 100-carat-plus diamond recovered from Lulo since Lucapa and its partners began mining there in January 2015.

Lulo has produced Angola’s two largest diamonds on record, the biggest of which was the 404-carat “4th February Stone.”

Mined in February 2016, the Type IIa D-color stone sold the following month for $16 million, or nearly $40,000 per carat.

In a statement on the discovery of The Lulo Rose, Lucapa Managing Director Stephen Wetherall called the alluvial mine an “exceptional resource” that is “a gift.” 

“We are once again made very proud by yet another historic recovery,” he said. “We too look forward to our partnership progressing its exploration effort, where we are now bulk sampling the priority kimberlites, in search for the primary kimberlite sources of these exceptional and high-value diamonds.”

Lucapa said the company is not releasing any estimates on The Lulo Rose’s potential sale price. 

Sodiam E.P., Angola’s state-owned diamond marketing company, will sell the diamond via an international tender at a yet-to-be-determined date. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Robinson Pelham Fruits of Love Pear Earrings
CollectionsJun 13, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s Pear Earrings

Take a bite out of the 14-karat yellow gold “Fruits of Love Pear” earrings featuring peridots, diamond stems, and tsavorite leaves.

Three diamonds with diagrams
Events & AwardsJun 13, 2025
AGA to Host ‘Diamonds From Mine to Market’ Education Conference

The one-day virtual event will feature speakers from De Beers, GIA, and Gemworld International.

Ella Sophie
EditorsJun 12, 2025
15 Questions With Jewelry Photographer Ella Sophie

The California-based creative talks jewelry photography in the modern era and tackles FAQs about working with a pro for the first time.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

A pink gold Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph Ref. 2499
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Vintage Patek Philippe From the ‘50s Sells for $4M at Sotheby’s

Al Capone’s pocket watch also found a buyer, though it went for less than half of what it did at auction four years ago.

Weekly QuizJun 12, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Gabriel Love Foundation Logo
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2025
Gabriel Love Foundation Introduces Scholarship Honoring Elias Gabriel

The foundation has also expanded its “Stronger Together” initiative with Jewelers for Children.

Celine Assimon
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Former De Beers Exec Celine Assimon Joins Bonhams

Assimon is the auction house’s new chief commercial officer.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

De Beers CEO Al Cook speaking at JCK Las Vegas 2025
EditorsJun 11, 2025
Q&A: Al Cook on Differentiating Natural Diamonds, Traceability, and Tariffs

The De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”

Pandora Las Vegas ribbon cutting ceremony
MajorsJun 11, 2025
Pandora Bets on Las Vegas for First North American Flagship

The Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.

Tiffany Stevens
GradingJun 11, 2025
Tiffany Stevens Exits IGI, Lab Appoints New Board Leader

Industry veteran Anoop Mehta is the new chairman and independent director of the IGI board.

Lee Min Seo and Ianyan Jewelry
Events & AwardsJun 11, 2025
Kering Announces Winners of Sustainability-Focused Award

The winners of the inaugural “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” are student Lee Min Seo and China-based startup Ianyan.

Gresham grasshopper ring
AuctionsJun 10, 2025
Noonans to Auction 16th-Century Signet Ring

It's one of the “Gresham grasshopper” rings English financier Sir Thomas Gresham was known to gift to acquaintances or business associates.

Mary Chiam
CollectionsJun 10, 2025
Tabayer Names Mary Chiam as CEO

The brand also debuted its new “Zorae” collection featuring a talisman of protection and harmony inspired by a sheaf of wheat.

Lauren Johansen
MajorsJun 10, 2025
Lauren Johansen Joins Loudr

As Loudr’s new account manager, Johansen will partner with clients to craft and execute marketing strategies.

Lunar Rain cat locket
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
And the Winners of the 2025 Couture Design Awards Are …

Designers were recognized in 12 categories, from platinum to pearls, before the evening ended with a new, retail-focused award.

Nancy Astor tiara
AuctionsJun 09, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Sells for $1.2M

The rare turquoise and diamond jewel was the top lot at Bonhams’ June jewelry sale.

2025 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductees
IndependentsJun 09, 2025
Here Are the 2025 Retailer Hall of Fame Inductees

This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.

2025 CASE Award Submission Graphic
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025

The deadline to submit is June 16.

RDI Diamonds and Lavalier Personal Jewelry Insurance Logos
MajorsJun 09, 2025
RDI Diamonds Partners With Lavalier

The diamond wholesaler is working with the insurance provider to seamlessly offer personal jewelry insurance to RDI retailers’ clients.

Harwell Godfrey Granny Square Eleanor Necklace
CollectionsJun 06, 2025
Piece of the Week: Harwell Godfrey’s ‘Granny Squares Eleanor’ Necklace

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

 Laura Gallon Joaillerie “Dynasty” ring, Bijules “Compass” bolo tie, Löf “The Orbitalis” ring
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
The 12 Fresh Faces in Couture’s Design Atelier

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

Daymond John
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Vaishali Banerjee and Pallavi Sharma
MajorsJun 05, 2025
Platinum Guild International Updates Leadership Team

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Meredith Tiderington
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship Recipient

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

The Gemological Institute of America’s logo
Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown Diamonds

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

Exterior of the Venetian and the Las Vegas Sphere
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 Sessions

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

×

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