SourcingApr 06, 2021
Petra Finds 39-Carat Rough Blue Diamond at CullinanSourcingJun 01, 2021
Washington Man Finds 2-Carat Rough Diamond to Create His Own Ring
The discovery at Crater of Diamonds comes after Christian Liden spent five years panning for enough gold to make the band.
Christian Liden of Poulsbo, Washington, found a 2.20-carat light yellow diamond during a few-day visit to the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas.
Murfreesboro, Ark.—After years of gathering material to make his own engagement ring, one Washington man recently found a 2-carat diamond in Arkansas to top it off.
According to a release from the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, 26-year-old Christian Liden of Poulsbo, Washington, started by panning for gold around his home state.
He had gathered enough for the band after five years, and then embarked on a mining excursion to find the stones he’d set in it.
Liden and a longtime friend left their home state on May 1, taking with them mining equipment they had built themselves. They tested it at a Montana sapphire mine along the way.
Related stories will be right here …
According to a release from the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, 26-year-old Christian Liden of Poulsbo, Washington, started by panning for gold around his home state.
He had gathered enough for the band after five years, and then embarked on a mining excursion to find the stones he’d set in it.
Liden and a longtime friend left their home state on May 1, taking with them mining equipment they had built themselves. They tested it at a Montana sapphire mine along the way.
The pair arrived at Crater of Diamonds on May 7, spending an hour in the field that afternoon and returning early the next morning to mine all day, the park said.
Then, on his third day there, Liden was sifting when he spotted a big rough diamond.
“I was shaking so bad, I asked my buddy to grab it out of the gravel for me,” the park quoted Liden as saying.
He put it in a bag and took it to the park’s Diamond Discovery Center, where staff confirmed he had found a large yellow diamond.
The park described the 2.20-carat diamond as light yellow, triangular, and having a “sparkling, metallic luster.” Liden named it the “Washington Sunshine.”
He plans to mine for opals in Nevada next before returning to Washington, with the hopes of eventually being able to design an engagement ring for his future wife using the diamond and other gems collected on his cross-country adventure.
The 2.20-carat diamond is the largest to be found at Crater of Diamonds since last October, when a visitor uncovered a 4.49-carat yellow diamond.
Crater said 121 stones have been registered at the state park so far this year.
Then, on his third day there, Liden was sifting when he spotted a big rough diamond.
“I was shaking so bad, I asked my buddy to grab it out of the gravel for me,” the park quoted Liden as saying.
He put it in a bag and took it to the park’s Diamond Discovery Center, where staff confirmed he had found a large yellow diamond.
The 2.20-carat diamond, pictured here, has been name the “Washington Sunshine.”
The park described the 2.20-carat diamond as light yellow, triangular, and having a “sparkling, metallic luster.” Liden named it the “Washington Sunshine.”
He plans to mine for opals in Nevada next before returning to Washington, with the hopes of eventually being able to design an engagement ring for his future wife using the diamond and other gems collected on his cross-country adventure.
The 2.20-carat diamond is the largest to be found at Crater of Diamonds since last October, when a visitor uncovered a 4.49-carat yellow diamond.
Crater said 121 stones have been registered at the state park so far this year.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s DeskThe bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley AwardThe American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to TransformationThe “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement AwardJewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New PresidentMarlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
