Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Lucara in ‘No Rush’ with its 1,111-Carat Find
The huge rough diamond, which was discovered last month at a mine in Botswana, still is in the process of being evaluated.
New York--It took the Asschers more than six months of study before they figured out where exactly to strike the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond.
So it makes sense that even in this era of instant gratification and nonstop news updates, Lucara is taking its time with the 1,111-carat diamond it recovered from the Karowe Mine in Botswana a little more than two weeks ago.
On Wednesday, Lamb told National Jeweler that the $60 million figure is an estimate from analysts that is based on the 342-carat diamond Lucara sold in July for $20.5 million, or about $60,000 a carat.
If the 1,111-carat diamond fetched the same per-carat price it would go for $66.7 million, but Lamb said he doesn’t think the two stones are comparable--the 1,111-carat diamond has more historical significance and, most likely, will yield larger single stones once cleaved.
That, however, remains to be seen.
Lamb said his company still is in the process of evaluating the diamond, which is being kept in an undisclosed location.
Because of its size, the stone has had to go through the cleaning process several times, and they are still working to determine how exactly they are going to analyze it--by sight, by machine or a combination of both.
Until then, Lamb is reticent to give specific estimates on how much they will ask for the diamond or to whom it could be sold. He said many steps still have to be taken before the company reaches the stage where they know exactly what they will do with the stone.
“Everybody thinks we are just going to rush out and put it on tender,” Lamb said. “(But) internally it’s really only been two weeks and we are in no rush to sell the stone.”
The Latest

The 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.

The West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.


JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

Located on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.

The online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.

Working with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.

Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.