SourcingMay 27, 2021
Last Lots: See the Diamonds in the Final Argyle Pink Tender
This 470-carat light brown diamond is the latest big find to come from Lucara’s Karowe mine in Botswana, making it the third diamond weighing more than 300 carats recovered by the mining company this year.
Vancouver, B.C.—The Karowe mine in Botswana has delivered another major diamond.
Lucara Diamond Corp. announced this week the recovery of a 470-carat “top” light brown diamond measuring 49 mm x 42 mm x 26 mm.
It was recovered from the open pit mine’s South Lobe, specifically the EM/PK(S) unit.
Lucara, which owns 100 percent of Karowe, noted it’s recovered a string of large gem-quality stones recently, including five others topping 100 carats: a 265-carat diamond, a 183-carat stone, a 161-carat diamond, a 116-carat diamond, and a 106-carat diamond.
It’s also recovered 13 stones recently weighing between 50 and 100 carats.
Of its entire May production, focused in the EM/PK(S) unit, 12.7 percent of total production weight were diamonds weighing 10.8 carats or more.
The new 470-carat find is the third diamond weighing more than 300 carats recovered this year, including a 341-carat diamond and a 378-carat stone, both discovered in January.
Last month, the miner announced it had secured $220 million in financing to take mining operations at Karowe underground and extend the mine’s life by about 20 years.
Important diamonds like the 1,109-carat “Lesedi La Rona” Graff purchased for $53 million and the 1,758-carat “Sewelô” diamond Louis Vuitton is turning into a jewelry collection were discovered at Karowe.
Lucara CEO Eira Thomas said, “The benefits of a South Lobe-dominated mine plan continue to be realized in 2021 and underpins our confidence in the ever-improving Karowe resource as we mine deeper in the open pit to 2026 and move into underground mining out to at least 2040.
“Both main rock types from the South Lobe continue to deliver large, high value diamonds, including six diamonds greater than 200 carats in the first five months of this year alone. Our operations remain safe, stable and strong, maintaining all COVID-19 protocols.”
Related stories will be right here …
Lucara Diamond Corp. announced this week the recovery of a 470-carat “top” light brown diamond measuring 49 mm x 42 mm x 26 mm.
It was recovered from the open pit mine’s South Lobe, specifically the EM/PK(S) unit.
Lucara, which owns 100 percent of Karowe, noted it’s recovered a string of large gem-quality stones recently, including five others topping 100 carats: a 265-carat diamond, a 183-carat stone, a 161-carat diamond, a 116-carat diamond, and a 106-carat diamond.
It’s also recovered 13 stones recently weighing between 50 and 100 carats.
Of its entire May production, focused in the EM/PK(S) unit, 12.7 percent of total production weight were diamonds weighing 10.8 carats or more.
The new 470-carat find is the third diamond weighing more than 300 carats recovered this year, including a 341-carat diamond and a 378-carat stone, both discovered in January.
Last month, the miner announced it had secured $220 million in financing to take mining operations at Karowe underground and extend the mine’s life by about 20 years.
Important diamonds like the 1,109-carat “Lesedi La Rona” Graff purchased for $53 million and the 1,758-carat “Sewelô” diamond Louis Vuitton is turning into a jewelry collection were discovered at Karowe.
Lucara CEO Eira Thomas said, “The benefits of a South Lobe-dominated mine plan continue to be realized in 2021 and underpins our confidence in the ever-improving Karowe resource as we mine deeper in the open pit to 2026 and move into underground mining out to at least 2040.
“Both main rock types from the South Lobe continue to deliver large, high value diamonds, including six diamonds greater than 200 carats in the first five months of this year alone. Our operations remain safe, stable and strong, maintaining all COVID-19 protocols.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe jewelry and accessories retailer said its stores will remain open during the proceedings.
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ CollectionDesigner Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.
Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami JewelerOmar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane KatrinaThe New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of CoverageLilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.
Events & AwardsAug 05, 2025
JA Announces Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship WinnersThe organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.
Events & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging DesignersThe winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.
TrendsAug 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: August’s Bright BaublesAs summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.
CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in QueensMoshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.
MajorsAug 04, 2025
Borsheims Welcomes New Assistant Facilities ManagerXavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet JewelersThe addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ NecklaceThe necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award WinnersJewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in AustinIts opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JulyRespondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.
EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LASenior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New DesignersThe first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.
