CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.
IndependentsFeb 10, 2016
Esperanza Diamond on AGS Stores Tour
The 4.62-carat stone, found at the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, is in the middle of a three-month tour of American Gem Society-member stores.
Ian Douglas of Inspired Jewelry Group designed the pendant that holds the 4.62-carat Esperanza diamond, which has a unique 147-facet, teardrop-cut triolette shape.
New York--The Esperanza diamond is on the move.
The 4.62-carat stone, uncovered at Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park in June, is in the middle of a three-month tour across American Gem Society stores so members of the public can see it in person.
The Esperanza is thought to be the most valuable and one of the purest diamonds ever discovered in the United States, and is the fifth largest diamond ever found at the Crater of Diamonds park. In its rough form, the diamond weighed 8.52 carats, and was half the size of a quarter.
Mike Botha of Embee Diamonds cut the stone in-store at Stanley Jewelers Gemologist in North Little Rock, Ark. It took him 130 hours to cut and polish the stone and he used an 800-pound cutting table.
The D color, internally flawless diamond features a unique 147-facet, teardrop-cut triolette shape that is the first of its kind, created by Botha and inspired by the natural icicle shape of the rough diamond. Jeweler Ian Douglas of Inspired Jewelry Group designed the pendant that holds the Esperanza, and it draws attention to the fact that one end of the diamond is wider than the other.
The stone was on display at Summa Jewelers in St. Louis in November, followed by Stanley Jewelers Gemologist in December.
It just finished its residency at Black, Starr & Frost’s Newport Beach, Calif. location and now will be at the company’s Phoenix salon until Jan. 24.
From there, the Esperanza will travel to Molina Fine Jewelers in Phoenix from Jan. 27 to 31, Whiteflash in Houston from Feb. 3 to 7, and then Jacksonville, Fla.’s Underwood’s Jewelers from Feb. 10 to 14.
With an estimated value of $1 million, the diamond is available for purchase through an open bidding process through Black, Starr & Frost until Feb. 15.
Interested parties can contact Adam Graham, vice president and managing director for the Newport Beach Black, Starr & Frost salon. He can be reached at adam@blackstarrfrost.com or at 949-673-1771.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board ChairThe trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDGThe “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionThe ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History MuseumThe “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful JewelryFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ CollectionAfter experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For AuctionIt is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.
CrimeOct 27, 2025
Arrests Made in Louvre Jewel Heist One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.
MajorsOct 27, 2025
Target to Cut 1,800 Corporate JobsThe retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2025
Hill Management Group Hired to Help Atlanta Jewelry ShowHill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.
AuctionsOct 24, 2025
Bonhams Under New Ownership, Top Executives ReplacedLondon-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.
GradingOct 24, 2025
DMIA to Hold Diamond Testing Instrument DemoThe workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.
