MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SourcingAug 05, 2014
198-carat rough diamond surfaces in Lesotho
Gem Diamonds Ltd. made its largest gem-quality rough diamond find to date this year when it pulled a 198-carat piece of rough from its Letšeng mine in the Kingdom of Lesotho last month, the latest in a line of 100-carat-plus stones found this year.
This photo supplied by Gem Diamonds Ltd. shows the 198-carat rough diamond the mining company unearthed in late July at the Letšeng mine in Lesotho, a small country located within South Africa.
London--Gem Diamonds Ltd. made its largest gem-quality rough diamond find to date this year when it pulled a 198-carat piece of rough from its Letšeng mine in the Kingdom of Lesotho last month, the latest in a line of 100-carat-plus stones found this year.
Roughly the size of a large strawberry, the stone is a Type IIa diamond and is described by Gem Diamonds as an “exceptional white, high-quality diamond (that) displays no florescence.” A spokeswoman for the mining company said they cannot comment on what size of polished diamond the stone will yield nor the estimated price it will fetch.
However, Martin Potts, a mining analyst with London-based financial advisory firm finnCap, told National Jeweler that he has seen a photo of the stone and, even prior to cleaning, it looks “good.” He estimates the stone will sell for $12 million to $15 million.
He adds that it is the third largest rough diamond declared this year, topped only by the 258.69-carat stone Lucara Diamond Corp. sold in July from the Karowe Mine in Botswana and the 239-carat stone it is offering in its next tender. In addition, the 198-carat white diamond is the largest gem-quality stone to emerge from Letšeng since August 2011, when the mining company found a 553-carat rough diamond, Potts said.
The unearthing of this exceptional piece of rough is one of a number of diamonds larger than 100 carats found in 2014.
In addition to the two diamonds noted above, Gem Diamonds found a 162.06-carat Type IIa diamond and a 161.74-carat Type I stone earlier this year, also at Letšeng.
Petra Diamonds Ltd. discovered an exceptional 122.52-carat piece of blue rough at the Cullinan mine in South Africa in late spring, and Potts told Reuters at the time that this stone could set a new world record price for a rough diamond. A 507-carat white diamond sold for $35.3 million in February 2010 is the current rough world-record holder.
In addition to these four 100-carat-plus stones, Lucapa Diamond Co. announced in January that it found a 95.45-carat Type IIa diamond at its Lulo Diamond Concession in Angola.
Gem Diamonds bought Letšeng in 2006 and since that time the mine has produced of the 20 largest white gem-quality diamonds ever found. Commenting on this latest find, Gem Diamonds CEO Clifford Elphick said “The recovery of this large, high-quality white diamond
continues to support the Letšeng mine’s reputation as the most important source of exceptional quality large diamonds.”
The mining company operates Letšeng in a 70-30 partnership with the Lesotho government and also owns the Ghaghoo mine in Botswana.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
