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
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lecturers.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
Weekly QuizApr 02, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff ConcernsThe new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.
TrendsApr 02, 2026
Michelle Yeoh Fronts New Mikimoto Campaign The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.
GradingApr 02, 2026
GIA Debuts New Campus in TaiwanIt is the only GIA school to offer the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in Chinese.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
DCA Launches ‘Second Spark’ Workforce InitiativeThe initiative connects veterans and parents returning to the workforce with careers in jewelry retail.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Hoover & Strong Names New National Sales RepresentativeThe wholesale manufacturer and precious metals refiner has appointed Michael Angelo as its new national sales representative.
