SourcingDec 12, 2023
India to Lift Ban on Rough Diamond ImportsSourcingDec 14, 2023
This 108-Carat Pink Diamond Is Beginning a New Chapter
The Choron Group has acquired the diamond, which Storm Mountain Diamonds recovered in Lesotho earlier this year.
Storm Mountain Diamonds recovered this more than 108-carat pink diamond from its Kao mine in Lesotho this spring. Last week, the mining company announced it had entered into agreement with Belgian company the Chrono Group to cut the diamond.
Maseru, Lesotho—Storm Mountain Diamonds announced it has entered into an agreement with the Choron Group to cut the 108.39-carat rough pink diamond it unearthed in March.
The yet-unnamed diamond was recovered from the Kao mine in the Kingdom of Lesotho and is one of the largest pink diamonds ever found, Storm Mountain Diamonds said.
Like many other pink stones from Kao, the diamond is a Type IIa stone, which the Gemological Institute of America describes as having an “exceptionally pure chemical composition” with “negligible amounts of nitrogen or boron.”
Choron said it is “delighted” to take on the responsibility of revealing the stone’s beauty.
It called the diamond its “latest and possibly greatest acquisition” in a post on LinkedIn.
“It is a privilege for Choron to unlock the secrets within this remarkable pink diamond and we look forward to revealing the story of this historic diamond,” Choron CEO Anshul Gandhi said.
“Our artisans will meticulously transform this rough diamond into an array of polished diamonds that will be remembered for generations to come.”
Founded in 1985, the Choron Group is headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium, and describes itself as a leading international diamond and jewelry group focused on the sourcing, assortment, and sale of rough diamonds; the manufacturing of exceptional rough diamonds; the sale of polished diamonds; and the wholesale distribution of jewelry.
It has procured rough diamonds from various major mining companies including De Beers and Sodiam, according to its website.
Robert Cowley, chairman of the board of directors of Storm Mountain Diamonds, said of the agreement, “[We] continue to consistently deliver extraordinary diamonds, and this diamond further cements the Kao mine as the primary producer of pink diamonds globally. We are thrilled to enter into this agreement with Choron and we look forward to the next chapter of this diamond’s story.”
The yet-unnamed diamond was recovered from the Kao mine in the Kingdom of Lesotho and is one of the largest pink diamonds ever found, Storm Mountain Diamonds said.
Another view of the 108.39-carat pink diamond mined earlier this year at the KAO mine in Lesotho
Like many other pink stones from Kao, the diamond is a Type IIa stone, which the Gemological Institute of America describes as having an “exceptionally pure chemical composition” with “negligible amounts of nitrogen or boron.”
Choron said it is “delighted” to take on the responsibility of revealing the stone’s beauty.
It called the diamond its “latest and possibly greatest acquisition” in a post on LinkedIn.
Choron said it plans to create multiple polished diamonds out of the 108-carat pink rough.
“It is a privilege for Choron to unlock the secrets within this remarkable pink diamond and we look forward to revealing the story of this historic diamond,” Choron CEO Anshul Gandhi said.
“Our artisans will meticulously transform this rough diamond into an array of polished diamonds that will be remembered for generations to come.”
Founded in 1985, the Choron Group is headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium, and describes itself as a leading international diamond and jewelry group focused on the sourcing, assortment, and sale of rough diamonds; the manufacturing of exceptional rough diamonds; the sale of polished diamonds; and the wholesale distribution of jewelry.
It has procured rough diamonds from various major mining companies including De Beers and Sodiam, according to its website.
Robert Cowley, chairman of the board of directors of Storm Mountain Diamonds, said of the agreement, “[We] continue to consistently deliver extraordinary diamonds, and this diamond further cements the Kao mine as the primary producer of pink diamonds globally. We are thrilled to enter into this agreement with Choron and we look forward to the next chapter of this diamond’s story.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
