Sourcing

See Lucara’s Latest Find, the 62-Carat Fancy Pink ‘Boitumelo’

SourcingJul 15, 2021

See Lucara’s Latest Find, the 62-Carat Fancy Pink ‘Boitumelo’

And hear one diamond industry analyst’s estimate of its potential value.

20210715_Lucara-header.jpg
Lucara recently uncovered the 62.7-carat fancy pink diamond “Boitumelo” in Botswana.
Vancouver, British Columbia—Lucara keeps raking in the big diamond finds, this time recovering a 62.7-carat fancy pink diamond from its Karowe mine in Botswana. 
 
It is the largest fancy pink gem to found in Botswana, according to the diamond miner, and one of the largest rough pink diamonds on record in the world. 
 
The stone has been named “Boitumelo,” which means joys in Setswana. 
 
Measuring 26 x 17 x 16 mm, it is described as a high-quality fancy pink Type IIa gem. 
 
Lucara uncovered it from the direct ore milling at the EM/PK(S) unit of the South Lobe, the site of many of its biggest finds. 
 
The company said a 22.21-carat fancy pink gem of similar quality was found during the same production period, as were two more pink gems of similar color weighing 11.17 carats and 5.05 carats. 
 
Asked if those additional small pink diamonds could’ve broken off from the same piece as the 62.7-carat diamond, a company spokesperson said: “As the diamonds all came from a similar production period it may be possible, but we cannot confirm this at this time. Further detailed analysis needs to be carried out to confirm if they did indeed originally stem from one diamond.”
 
Regarding the find, CEO Eira Thomas said, “Lucara is delighted to announce another historic diamond with the recovery of the Boitumelo, and very pleased to demonstrate the continued potential for large, colored diamonds from the South Lobe production.
 
“These remarkable pink diamonds join a collection of significant diamond recoveries in 2021 produced from the EM/PK(S), which forms a key economic driver for the proposed underground mine at Karowe.”

 Related stories will be right here … 

Other notable finds at Karowe include the 1,174.76-carat rough diamond of variable quality dug up last month, a 470-carat “top” light brown diamond in June, a 341-carat gem-quality diamond described as top white in color in January, and a 998-carat high white clivage diamond last November. 
 
It was also, of course, the recovery site of the now-well-known Lesedi La Rona.
 
Graff Diamonds, the London-headquartered company headed by billionaire diamantaire Laurence Graff, purchased the 1,109-carat rough for $53 million, or about $47,777 per carat, in 2017.
  
Diamond industry analyst and consultant Paul Zimnisky thinks this new 62.7-carat fancy pink rough diamond could outdo the Lesedi La Rona in value. 
 
He explained to National Jeweler in an email that while it it is difficult to say for sure until color and clarity have been established, based on the image supplied and Lucara’s initial evaluation, he believes “this could absolutely be an eight-figure diamond.”
 
Fancy color diamonds have been selling for a premium of late. 
 
Large fancy color stones with good color and quality are extremely rare and always in high demand, Zimnisky added, especially pinks and blues.
 
Pinks, reds, and violets will only be more so now that the Argyle mine has closed.
 
Notably, Petra Diamonds just sold an “exceptional” 39.34-carat blue diamond from South Africa to De Beers Group/Diacore International for $40.2 million, or $1 million per carat. 
 
Zimnisky also said he believes recovery of the 62.7-carat pink is “very important for the company,” because of what it could indicate about the site’s potential. 
 
It’s not clear if this 63-carat pink was broken as they also recovered a 22-carat, 11-carat, and 5-carat of similar color, but if it was, it could indicate that the orebody could host 100-plus-carat fancy colored stones, which is quite exciting.”

The Latest

Watches on a table next to a coffee cup
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24

The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.

Ophelia Eve Scroll Toggle Pendant
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your Secrets

The “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith, partner at The Retail Smiths
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher

Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.

GIA iD100®
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

Tiffany & Co. Nathalie Verdeille
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic Officer

In her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.

Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jacob & Co. The Godfather II Musical Watch
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch

“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”

Jesse Itzler
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote Speaker

Organizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.

TopImageCrop.jpg
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

Oris CEO Rolf Studer and Oris CFO Claudine Gertiser
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFO

The Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.

Hearts On Fire What’s Your Signature Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a Question

The “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.

American Gem Society Confluence Logo
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability Sessions

Rob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.

Dennis Buzz Busby and Randy Welch
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller Employees

The Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.

Isabel Delgado A necklace
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone

With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.

QVC Group logo
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into Question

The retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.

Headshot of National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace Culture

Smith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.

Retiring GIA CFO David Tearle and new GIA CFO John Cowley
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June

John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.

Gemology Geek Ignite collection tourmaline ring
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry Collection

Founder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.

Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book

“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.

Fope Golden Now Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden

“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.

Former Signet executive Kecia Caffie
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet Jewelers

Signet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.

Author Tanzy Ward and her book Precious Black Jewels The Bijou Material Culture of Black Victorians & Edwardians
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ Jewelry

The antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025

Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.

Screenshot of Taylor Swift's "Elizabeth Taylor" music video
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and Center

Iconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.

Neiman Marcus store in Fort Worth, Texas
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This Summer

The luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.

NouvelleBox logo
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer Ballroom

The NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.

Buddha Mama Moon Locket
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To Dallas

The one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.

Pandora distribution facility Canada
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff Concerns

The new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.

×

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