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

Emily P. Wheeler Ombré Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ Collection

The champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.

MRK x MFA Tsuba Charm Necklace Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New Charms

Kosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.

Stock image of a gavel and law books
CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s Murder

Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.

ja_fall_2024_by_headshot_stories_6824.jpg
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the Corner

The upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.

Zoë Kravitz Wearing Jessica McCormack Tempest Sapphire Pendant and Tempest Diamond Necklace
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ Collection

The brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.

Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Stuller 2025 S.E.R.V.E. Star Awards winners
MajorsOct 07, 2025
Stuller Names Its S.E.R.V.E Stars for 2025

Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.

All four models of Citizen’s new Rainell watch
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for Rain

Citizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.

gia-edu main image.png
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Online education from GIA experts.

Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster 1926
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s

The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.

Amit Pratihari GIA India
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing Director

Amit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.

DCWC 2025 Board of Directors
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West Coast

Members of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Wedding, Jacob & Co. Watch
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White Metals

Gomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.

HRD Antwerp CEO Paul De Wachter
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEO

Diamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.

Taylor Swift Kallati sapphire ring
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire Ring

Taylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”

Boucheron Quatre Sand Collection
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed Sand

Its “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.

Stock image of crime scene tape
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab

Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.

Neil Lane and Boucheron bow tie brooch
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art

“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.

Just Jules opal necklace
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful Show

The month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.

Peter Smith National Jeweler columnist
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-Reflection

Smith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.

Plah Black Swan Earrings
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From Vicenzaoro

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.

People shopping in a mall
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September

Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.

Gemfields rough emeralds
SourcingOct 01, 2025
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Falls 47%

Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.

Pandora executives Alexander Lacik and Berta de Pablos-Barbier
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO

Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.

Gavel near stacks of books
CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store Scam

Two men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.

Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell John Hardy Lovestruck Collection
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John Hardy

The “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.

Spinelli Kilcollin Market Highland Park
IndependentsSep 30, 2025
Spinelli Kilcollin Announces Residency in Dallas

The brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.

Nina Pugliese Henne Jewelers
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65

She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.

×

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