Sourcing

Lesotho Mine Yields 108-Carat Pink Diamond

SourcingApr 24, 2023

Lesotho Mine Yields 108-Carat Pink Diamond

Awaiting a name, the rare gem is one of the largest pink diamonds ever recovered.

20230421_108Pink-4.jpg
Storm Mountain Diamonds recovered this 108.39-carat rough pink diamond from its Kao mine in Lesotho last month, the largest pink diamond ever unearthed at the mine.
Maseru, Lesotho— Storm Mountain Diamonds recently announced the recovery of a 108.39-carat rough pink diamond from its Kao mine in the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Unearthed at the end of March and described by the company as a fancy intense pink, it is one of the largest pink diamonds ever recovered, the company said. It is substantially larger than the 47.81-carat “Pink Eternity” mined last fall, which previously held the record as the largest pink diamond unearthed at the Kao mine.

Like many other pink stones from Kao, the 108-carat diamond is a rare Type IIa stone. GIA describes Type IIa diamonds as having an “exceptionally pure chemical composition” with “negligible amounts of nitrogen or boron.”

The Lesotho Minister of Natural Resources Mohlomi Moleko said the stone is one of the most significant diamonds found to date in Lesotho.

Other notable stones recently recovered from the Kao mine include the 25.97-carat “Pink Dawn” in 2021, the 21.86-carat “Pink Palesa” in 2021, the 29.59-carat “Rose of Kao” in 2018, and the 36.06-carat “Pink Storm” in 2013.

Storm Mountain Diamonds said the new diamond has not been named, but there is a list of names submitted by the mining team in Lesotho up for selection.

20230421_108Pink-2.jpg
The Lesotho Minister of Natural Resources said this rough pink diamond is "one of the most significant diamonds found to date in Lesotho.”


Storm Mountain Diamonds has operated the Kao kimberlite diamond mine since 2010. Jointly owned by Storm Mountain Diamonds Ltd. and the Government of Lesotho, it is located in the Butha-Buthe District of Lesotho.

The kimberlite pipe is the fourth largest in southern Africa and the largest in Lesotho, which is home to a few diamond mines including Letšeng, known for its output of large diamonds.

The Kao mine sits at 2,500 meters above sea level and is one of the world’s highest gemstone operations, according to the Storm Mountain Diamonds website

Discovered by Colonel Scott and his exploration team in the 1950s, Kao showed potential as a diamondiferous mine, though the grade and value of the diamonds were initially low.

Artisanal miners and organized cooperatives mined it until 2006, when Kao Diamond Mines Ltd. acquired the mining lease from the Lesotho government. 

The company struggled with poor production, exporting only about 7,000 carats over three years, and eventually liquidated in 2009, with Storm Mountain Diamonds coming onto the scene the following year.

 Related stories will be right here … 

While the miner has yet to share when or how this newly discovered pink diamond will be sold, it’s an interesting time for the pink diamond market.

Nearly a decade ago, the 36-carat “Pink Storm” that put Kao on the map as a serious pink diamond producer sold for $15.4 million, or about $426,000 per carat.

Pink diamond sales have trended upward from there, but auction prices have fluctuated.

In 2022, the 11.15-carat internally flawless “Williamson Pink Star” set a new price-per-carat record when Sotheby’s Hong Kong sold it for $57.7 million, or $5.2 million per carat.

The following month at Christie’s Geneva, the “Fortune Pink,” an 18.18-carat fancy vivid pink, sold for considerably less, topping out at $28.8 million, or around $1.5 million per carat.

Now, many eagerly await to see the figure garnered by “The Eternal Pink,” the 10.57-carat internally flawless, fancy vivid purplish pink diamond that will headline Sotheby’s June 8 jewelry auction in New York. 

Mined in Botswana in 2019, the diamond is projected to sell for at least $35 million, or $3.3 million per carat, the highest price-per-carat estimate placed on a diamond or gemstone offered at auction, according to the auction house.

Sotheby’s described it as “arguably the most significant pink diamond to ever appear at auction.” 

The Latest

Lewis Heyman
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement Plans

He retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.

CCWW Designs Multiple Shell Charm Necklace
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm Necklace

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.

The Plumb Club board members
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board Members

The organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.

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.

Jewelry industry veterans Brad Campbell and John Liebler
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team

Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.

Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Silver, Gold, and Bronze Medals for Italy Olympic Winter Games
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes Unity

The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.

vimeo screenshot.png
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up!

Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025

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.

Guinness
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGov

Globally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.

Gina Ferranti
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59

The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.

Jewelers of America Learning Workship Logo
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This Fall

A new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.

Gold bracelets and bangles
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers List

The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.

Buccellati Opera high jewelry bracelet
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1

It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.

Rolex Datejust ref. 16233
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

Jean Dinh Van Orgue Ring
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With Exhibition

The auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.

Jake Duneier and Danielle Duneier
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth Generation

Jake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.

Boucheron Impermanence Boucheron Dragonfly Earrings and Wisteria Hair Piece
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s Impermanence

The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

James Avery Cedar Park
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More States

The Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.

Eric Ford, Couture’s new brand director and former fine jewelry buyer at Neiman Marcus
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director

Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.

Bench jeweler holding a ring and a tool
MajorsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic Manufacturing

In addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.

Guzema Celestial Blue
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone Jewelry

The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.

Nanis Mykonos Store Exterior and Interior
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First Store

The seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.

Long’s Jewelers Summer of Love promo
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s Jewelers

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.

The Edge and The Edge Retail Academy Logos
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in September

Its sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.

Miseno Arco Earrings
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ Earrings

For its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.

James Avery Texas charm
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief Efforts

The jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.

Kelly Osbourne Engagement Ring
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as Honey

Inspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.

×

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