Sourcing

Graff Cut This 302-Carat Diamond from Lesedi La Rona

SourcingApr 10, 2019

Graff Cut This 302-Carat Diamond from Lesedi La Rona

Lesedi La Rona was the 1,109-carat rough diamond discovered in Botswana almost four years ago.

20190410_Graff_header.jpg
This 302.37-carat square-shaped emerald-cut diamond is the biggest of the 67 stones cut by Graff from Lesedi La Rona, the second largest rough diamond ever found.

New York—Graff has unveiled the principal polished diamond cut from Lesedi La Rona, the 1,109-carat chunk of rough discovered in Botswana in 2015.

It is a square emerald-cut stone that weighs 302.37 carats and is the largest diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America as being of highest color, D, and “highest clarity.” A Graff spokeswoman could not confirm the diamond’s exact clarity grade by press time Wednesday.

The stone, which has been named the Graff Lesedi La Rona, also holds the distinction of being the largest square emerald-cut diamond in the world, the company said.

Laurence Graff (no relation to author), who’s become known as the modern-day Harry Winston for handling many of the largest and most spectacular diamonds of the last century, called crafting the Graff Lesedi La Rona “an honor.”

“This diamond, our diamond, is beyond words,” he said.


Laurence Graff, founder of Graff Diamonds International Ltd., holding the 302.37-carat Graff Lesedi La Rona. The diamond took more than 18 months to make, from planning to final polishing.


Workers for Lucara Diamond Corp. found the 1,109-carat rough diamond (originally 1,111 carats before cleaning) at the Karowe mine in November 2015.

A naming contest open to all Botswana citizens was held a few months later and Thembani Moitlhobogi submitted the winning moniker, which means “Our Light” in Tswana, the official language of Botswana.

Lucara put the stone up for auction at Sotheby’s in June 2016 but bidding failed to reach the reserve price of $70 million, so the stone went unsold until Graff stepped forward in September 2017. The company paid $53 million, or about $48,000 per carat, for Lesedi La Rona.

Chipping Away
Before he even purchased the diamond, Graff had some idea how cutting the Lesedi La Rona would go.

In May 2017, the London-based diamantaire bought a 373.72-carat chunk of rough thought to have chipped off Lesedi La Rona, so he knew the stone could result in “sensational” polished diamonds.

Even so, Lesedi La Rona’s size presented a challenge to Graff’s gemologists because they had never analyzed a stone of that size. Lesedi La Rona is the second largest gem-quality rough diamond on record, topped only by the 3,106-carat Cullinan, which was discovered in 1905.

The tennis ball-sized diamond was too big for the company’s existing equipment, so a scanner had to be custom built with brand new imaging software.

Using the
new software, the gemologists mapped the stone’s imperfections to plot which cuts would yield the largest and highest clarity diamonds possible, and received a challenge from their boss that was thought impossible when first examining the stone: find a way to create a 300-carat polished diamond from Lesedi La Rona.

WATCH: The Cutting of Lesedi La Rona
{youtube}3LSHnLj-utw{/youtube}
The analysis continued for months before gemologists moved forward with a plan for cutting and polishing the diamond. Laurence Graff described the task of cutting a diamond of this size as “the riskiest form of art.”

“You can never add and you can never cover up a mistake, you can only take away,” he said. “You have to be careful, and you have to be perfect.”

The initial cutting was done with lasers, while the following shaping and faceting was done by hand. The company said polishing the table facet alone took “hundreds of hours.”

All told, a little more than 18 months elapsed between the time Graff bought the diamond in September 2017 and when his gemologists and craftsmen finished polishing its final facets.


The 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona in its rough state. Though it cannot be proven beyond doubt, GIA researchers strongly believe that the diamond weighed more than 2,700 carats at one point, as it is thought the 812.77-carat “Constellation” along with a 373-carat rough and 296- and 183-carat chunks all broke off this same stone.

Neither the asking price for the Graff Lesedi La Rona nor its current location are being disclosed.

Fragments from the cutting of the stone were donated to the Smithsonian Institute to help its advanced diamond research, as the Lesedi La Rona has been identified by GIA as being a “superdeep” diamond, a stone that, like blue diamonds, formed three times deeper in the earth than other diamonds.

The Graff Lesedi La Rona is one of 67 diamonds cut from the 1,109-carat rough, the first of which were unveiled late last year.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Jane Taylor letter pendants
TrendsJun 01, 2023
See 50+ Jewels Debuting at Couture in Las Vegas

The industry’s most influential contemporary designers are showcasing their latest jewelry designs.

35-carat lab-grown diamond created by Maitri
Lab-GrownJun 01, 2023
35-Carat Lab-Grown Diamond Going on Display in Vegas

Created by Maitri Lab-Grown Diamonds and graded by IGI, it’s slightly bigger than the record-setting lab-grown diamond GIA just examined.

Bottom Line Marketing Chief Growth Officer Gus Garcia and CEO Jackie Brooks
MajorsJun 01, 2023
Bottom Line Marketing Announces Restructured Leadership, New Service Offerings

The marketing agency has integrated its first C-suite.

LAB230043_Dossier_NJ_1872x1052_V1.jpg
Brought to you by
The Next Step for GIA Diamond Reports

The most trusted diamond report, available in print or the GIA App.

20230306_JohnnyCupcakes.jpg
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2023
Meet JCK’s 2023 Keynote Speaker

The jewelry trade show also will debut educational content centered around social media.

Weekly QuizMay 25, 2023
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Lauren K gold and gemstone rings
TrendsMay 31, 2023
Here’s a Sneak Peek of New Jewelry to Check Out at JCK

Luxury kicks off today, with the full show in swing on Friday.

A pearl pendant and a pearl ring
CollectionsMay 31, 2023
Verragio’s Debut Fine Jewelry Collections Honor Company Heritage

One of the three new collections was inspired by the legend of a woman who traded her mansion to Cartier for two strands of natural pearls.

Cover-WN19-Back-&-Front_V5-RGB-(1)_Community.jpg
Brought to you by
Beyond Borders: Crucial Factors in Colored Stone Origin Determination

Navigate origin determination with Continuing Education seminars offered by the GIA Alumni Collective™.

Rob Ballew
MajorsMay 31, 2023
Signet Jewelers Names New Head of Investor Relations

Rob Ballew will be tasked with communicating the jewelry giant’s plans and financial performance to investors.

Mobile mock-up screens of the new LUX Digital Vault app from Jewelers Mutual Group
MajorsMay 31, 2023
Jewelers Mutual Launches App for Retailers, Introduces New Brokerage

With the app, customers receive a 15-day insurance offer on new purchases while their coverage needs are being evaluated.

Rendering of Lightbox lab-grown diamond store in House of Showfields
Lab-GrownMay 30, 2023
Lightbox Is Testing Out a Trendy Concept Shop in Brooklyn

It is in House of Showfields, a bazaar-style retail space in the borough’s Williamsburg neighborhood.

Attendees at the JCK Las Vegas show
Events & AwardsMay 30, 2023
These Are the Can’t-Miss JCK Talks Education Sessions

From consumer trends to retail technology, these are the JCK Talks sessions that should be on attendees’ radar.

Constance “Connie” Barber Mellon’s David Webb Elephant Clip-Brooch
AuctionsMay 30, 2023
Sotheby’s to Auction Mellon Family Jewelry

Signature pieces from Cartier and David Webb will appear in the June jewelry auction.

Georgie Gleim, Shelly Sergent, and Molly Peterson
Events & AwardsMay 30, 2023
24 Karat Club of Southern California Recognizes 3 Honorees

They will be celebrated at the annual dinner dance and gala in the fall.

Historic and modern photos of diamond grading GIA
GradingMay 26, 2023
State of the Diamond Industry: AI and the Future of Diamond Grading

Gemologists have long used machines in diamond grading but technology has made it possible for them to “learn” how to do it on their own.

Supplier Spotlight Webinar John Pollard and Garry Holloway
Recorded WebinarsMay 26, 2023
Watch: Diamond Cut Quality: The Final Frontier Part 2

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by IGI

My Next Question webinar series episode on selling lab-grown diamonds
Recorded WebinarsMay 26, 2023
Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds: What It’s Like to Sell Both

Watch retailers Jeffery Bolling and Bobby Bengivengo discuss employee training, customer education and the sticky subject of future value.

Models wearing Calvin Klein watches and jewelry
FinancialsMay 26, 2023
Movado Sales Slip in Q1 Amid Inflation Woes, Tough Comps

The company has plans to revamp the Movado brand and offer less expensive watches this year.

Bulgari necklace set with 118.35-carat unheated Sri Lankan sapphire
AuctionsMay 26, 2023
Piece of the Week: A Bulgari Sapphire and Diamond Necklace

Set with a 118-carat unheated Sri Lankan sapphire, it just sold for $3.4 million at Phillips jewelry auction in Hong Kong.

noamcarver-videoimage.png
Supplier BulletinMay 25, 2023
RAE Fine Jewelry Collection Debuting at JCK Luxury 2023

Sponsored by Noam Carver

Graphic of phishing scheme
TechnologyMay 25, 2023
State of Retail: Why Jewelers Need to Invest in Cybersecurity Now

As cybercrime incidents threaten the industry, jewelers need to know what they’re up against and the best ways to protect their businesses.

Louis Anthony Jewelers remodeled exterior
IndependentsMay 25, 2023
Louis Anthony Jewelers Is Remodeling and Expanding

The Pittsburgh jeweler is redoing the lighting and showcases, and adding a full hospitality bar as well as new shop-in-shops.

Stanley Zale new principal consultant Hill & Co.
MajorsMay 25, 2023
Stanley Zale Joins Hill & Co. as Principal Consultant

Zale has more than 40 years’ experience in the diamond industry, including 17 years as Stuller’s VP of diamonds and gemstones procurement.

 Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada sign
Events & AwardsMay 24, 2023
New To-Dos in Las Vegas During Jewelry Market Week 2023

The Strip is full of new restaurant and entertainment offerings.

State Property necklace, Briony Raymond two-stone ring, and Emily P. Wheeler earrings
TrendsMay 24, 2023
State of Design: The Jewelry Design Trends to Know Now

National Jeweler’s senior editor covering fashion, trends, and design highlights the latest looks in the market.

A text conversation between a chatbot and a human
EditorsMay 24, 2023
How Jewelers Can Make the Most of ChatGPT

From what ChatGPT is to how to use it, this is the explainer tailored to jewelers.

127-carat Type IIa pear brilliant-cut Light of Peace diamond
AuctionsMay 23, 2023
Christie’s to Auction 127-Carat ‘Light of Peace’ Diamond

The D-color, internally flawless, Type IIa stone will be offered without reserve.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy