Sourcing

3 Rough Auctions Total Nearly $24M for Alrosa

SourcingApr 01, 2021

3 Rough Auctions Total Nearly $24M for Alrosa

The sales included the 242-carat rough diamond that could yield a polished diamond worth as much as $8 million.

20210401_Alrosa 242 ct hero.jpg
This 242.31-carat rough diamond was one of three large stones Alrosa sold at its Jubilee Auction #100 in Dubai in March.
Moscow—Alrosa held three rough diamond auctions this spring that garnered a total of $23.9 million.

The Jubilee Auction #100—the 100th sale of special-size (10.8 carats and up) diamonds in the miner’s history—took place in Dubai and featured three big diamonds weighing 136.21 carats, 190.74 carats and 242.31 carats.

Alrosa told National Jeweler last month that it recovered the 242-carat diamond from the Nyurbinskaya kimberlite pipe in Yakutia in 2009 and has been holding onto it ever since.

It is the most significant rough diamond Alrosa has offered for sale in five years, with the opening price set at $8,900 per carat (about $2.2 million total). 

William Goldberg President Saul Goldberg estimated the rough stone could yield a polished diamond between 70 and 80 carats that could sell for as much as $8 million. 

Last week, Alrosa announced all three diamonds sold for $7.7 million to three companies from India and the United Arab Emirates after 26 rounds of “active bidding” that lasted nearly seven hours.  

It did not break down the sale price of each stone.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Alrosa’s other two recent rough diamond auctions garnered a total of $16.2 million. 

An online auction that included the option to see the goods in-person in Dubai amounted to $5.5 million, with 14 companies from Belgium, Israel, India and the UAE buying 30 lots weighing a total of 625 carats. 

An in-person auction of special-size diamonds held in Antwerp fetched $10.7 million, as 25 companies from Belgium, India and Israel acquired 132 lots weighing more than 2,200 carats.

“It is fitting that we are [seeing]this interest at this very moment, one year after diamond auctions and diamond trade as a whole were frozen,” by the coronavirus pandemic and resulting lockdowns, said Alrosa Deputy CEO Evgeny Agureev.  

“This is the best evidence that the diamond industry has successfully passed through unprecedented challenges and proved its resilience.”

The Latest

Peter Yantzer at a diamond cutting machine
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness

Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.

Buccellati Opera Tulle ring
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3

Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.

Lagos SML High Jewelry Bee Brooch
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden Globes

Our Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Gavel
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store Robberies

Trevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.

Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 Program
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now Open

The program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.

The Venetian Expo Las Vegas
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now Open

A new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Avocados From Mexico Golden Double Dip Chip
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden Chip

Avocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.

Marie Lichtenberg Lasso Locket Bracelets Campaign
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New Bracelets

The brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.

“My Next Question: The Podcast” graphic featuring Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.

Saks New York City holiday lights
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEO

The department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.

Colman Domingo
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand Ambassador

The award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.

Burnell’s Fine Jewelry Kristi Regan, Nathan Regan, Sean Hamlin, Erin Carson
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ Award

Edge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith, vice president of coaching strategy and development at the Edge Retail Academy
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026

In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.

Orr’s Jewelers David Gordon, Marcia Gordon, Aliza Gordon, Leslie Gordon
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip District

The family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.

Stock image of a gavel and books
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store Robbery

Ivel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.

Hana Kaneko rings
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter Event

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

MNQ FINAL - NJ web - 1872 x 1052 px.png
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the Podcast

A monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals

Lisa Manobal, Priyanka Chopra Jonas
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden Globes

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.

Peter Yanzter, former executive director of AGS Labs
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77

Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.

Macy’s New York Herald Square
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This Year

The store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.

Jewelers Mutual logo
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance Program

Through EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.

Kendra Scott CEO Chris Blakeslee
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO

Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.

Wrapped holiday present boxes
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard Say

The credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.

Christie’s Kimberly Miller
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for Luxury

Kimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.

Lionheart Serenity Opal Amulet Charm
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal Charm

The “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.

×

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