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
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
Weekly QuizDec 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
