IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
SourcingMar 02, 2021
This 242-Carat Rough Diamond Is Heading to Auction
Recovered in 2009, it’s the most significant stone offered for sale by Alrosa in five years.
Alrosa mined this 242-carat diamond at the Nyurbinskaya kimberlite pipe in Yakutia 12 years ago. It is going up for auction this month in Dubai. (Photo courtesy of Alrosa)
Moscow—Alrosa is marking its 100th auction of large diamonds with a rare gem indeed—a 242.31-carat chunk of rough that’s expected to sell for millions.
One of the largest gem-quality crystals mined by Alrosa in the last 20 years, the diamond is the centerpiece of the company’s upcoming sale in Dubai.
Alrosa told National Jeweler that it mined the 242-carat stone back in 2009, at the Nyurbinskaya kimberlite pipe in Yakutia. It has been in the miner’s collection ever since and is the most significant stone offered for sale by Alrosa in five years.
Normally, Alrosa cuts and polishes rare finds in-house, as it did with “The Spectacle” collection of natural color diamonds.
This year, the company decided to sell the 242-carat near-colorless diamond alongside two other large chunks of rough to mark its 100th auction of large diamonds.
It added: “We feel this milestone is especially important as exactly 12 months ago our entire industry faced the toughest call in its history,” referring to the decisions that had to be made around mining and production as COVID-19 swept the globe.
One of the largest gem-quality crystals mined by Alrosa in the last 20 years, the diamond is the centerpiece of the company’s upcoming sale in Dubai.
Alrosa told National Jeweler that it mined the 242-carat stone back in 2009, at the Nyurbinskaya kimberlite pipe in Yakutia. It has been in the miner’s collection ever since and is the most significant stone offered for sale by Alrosa in five years.
Normally, Alrosa cuts and polishes rare finds in-house, as it did with “The Spectacle” collection of natural color diamonds.
This year, the company decided to sell the 242-carat near-colorless diamond alongside two other large chunks of rough to mark its 100th auction of large diamonds.
It added: “We feel this milestone is especially important as exactly 12 months ago our entire industry faced the toughest call in its history,” referring to the decisions that had to be made around mining and production as COVID-19 swept the globe.
The opening price on the 242.31-carat diamond is $2 million, or about $8,900 per carat. The shape of the rough and the location of the inclusions mean it could be polished into an oval-shaped diamond of 70 to 80 carats. (Photo courtesy of Alrosa)
The 242-carat diamond is described as near colorless with a “minor” yellowish-greenish tone.
Alrosa experts noted that because of the diamond’s proportions and the distribution of inclusions, the rough lends itself to an oval-shaped diamond that could be, William Goldberg President Saul Goldberg estimated, 70 to 80 carats in size and sell for as much as $8 million.
“It’s not often that a colorless 242-carat piece of rough comes up for auction,” Goldberg said in a statement shared via email with National Jeweler.
“Without actually holding the rough in my hands and not knowing what shape it will be, it’s hard to know the exact value. However … with the current market for large diamonds being very strong, it could be worth up to $8 million. Large diamonds are selling for high prices today. People want big, beautiful diamonds, and it gets people very excited.”
Alrosa said the opening price on the stone is $8,900 per carat, which is about $2.2 million.
The Jubilee Auction #100 is scheduled to take place March 22. Viewings will take place March 14 to 21 at the Alrosa sales office in Dubai.
In addition to the 242-carat diamond, the sale also includes a 191.74-carat diamond, a 136.21-carat stone and a range of diamonds that are 10.8 carats or larger.
In addition to the 242-carat diamond, the sale also includes a 191.74-carat diamond, a 136.21-carat stone and a range of diamonds that are 10.8 carats or larger.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen JewelryVanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.
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.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
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.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See EventsWith more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.
MajorsNov 18, 2025
Lugano Diamonds Files for Bankruptcy, Looking for BuyerThe Chapter 11 filing follows the resignation of CEO Moti Ferder, who stepped down after an investigation into the company’s finances.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
A Giant, Bejeweled Moldy Berry Is on Display in LAThe artwork is part of an exhibition featuring works by Kathleen Ryan, an artist known for her gemstone-studded rotting fruit sculptures.
SourcingNov 18, 2025
Another Diamond Company CEO Steps DownMark Wall, president and CEO of Canadian mining company Mountain Province Diamonds, will vacate his position next month.
CrimeNov 17, 2025
Police Searching for 2 Suspects in Murder of Father, Son Jewelers Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alamo, were gunned down following an armed robbery at their jewelry store.
GradingNov 17, 2025
IGI Announces New President of North AmericaTiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.
