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.
SourcingDec 05, 2017
Graff Purchases ‘Peace Diamond’ for $6.5M
The government of Sierra Leone rejected a previous bid for $7.7 million from a different buyer.
The government of Sierra Leone rejected an original bid for $7.7 million from a private buyer for the 709-carat rough “Peace Diamond.” The stone was ultimately purchased by Graff Diamonds for $6.5 million.
New York--Laurence Graff of Graff Diamonds has purchased the “Peace Diamond,” Martin Rapaport announced at a press conference Monday.
He paid the government of Sierra Leone $6.5 million for the 709-carat stone, down from an earlier bid of $7.7 million from a private bidder, which had been rejected.
Rapaport said that he didn’t know how serious the original bid was, as it was made prior to his involvement with the sale, “but perhaps the government should have taken that offer.”
Still, he noted that it was far more prestigious for the one of the world’s foremost diamond houses to own the stone, rather than an unknown buyer.
“Laurence Graff usually doesn’t buy anything that isn’t D or E in color,” Rapaport continued, “but he believes this diamond is a special diamond because it’s going to help the poorest people in the world.”
Graff commented in a press release, “It is an honor to have acquired this magnificent rough diamond, and that its sale will directly benefit a country in desperate need. It is always special to be able to give back to the places that provide us with these beautiful stones."
The “Peace Diamond” is so called because when it was recovered by artisanal miners in Sierra Leone, they turned it into the government, which pledged to use half of the profits to help the people of Sierra Leone, with the other half going to the people who were responsible for finding it.
Rapaport Group facilitated the sale free of charge, in an effort to promote transparency in the Sierra Leone diamond industry.
“This is a historic moment,” said an emotional Rapaport, explaining that the sale of the Peace Diamond, which he called the “most transparent process ever,” legitimized the artisanal mining sector.
Several members of the Sierra Leonean government were present at the press conference, which was also being broadcast to press in the West African country.
He paid the government of Sierra Leone $6.5 million for the 709-carat stone, down from an earlier bid of $7.7 million from a private bidder, which had been rejected.
Rapaport said that he didn’t know how serious the original bid was, as it was made prior to his involvement with the sale, “but perhaps the government should have taken that offer.”
Still, he noted that it was far more prestigious for the one of the world’s foremost diamond houses to own the stone, rather than an unknown buyer.
“Laurence Graff usually doesn’t buy anything that isn’t D or E in color,” Rapaport continued, “but he believes this diamond is a special diamond because it’s going to help the poorest people in the world.”
Graff commented in a press release, “It is an honor to have acquired this magnificent rough diamond, and that its sale will directly benefit a country in desperate need. It is always special to be able to give back to the places that provide us with these beautiful stones."
The “Peace Diamond” is so called because when it was recovered by artisanal miners in Sierra Leone, they turned it into the government, which pledged to use half of the profits to help the people of Sierra Leone, with the other half going to the people who were responsible for finding it.
Rapaport Group facilitated the sale free of charge, in an effort to promote transparency in the Sierra Leone diamond industry.
“This is a historic moment,” said an emotional Rapaport, explaining that the sale of the Peace Diamond, which he called the “most transparent process ever,” legitimized the artisanal mining sector.
Several members of the Sierra Leonean government were present at the press conference, which was also being broadcast to press in the West African country.
“There’s a reason God gave diamonds to the poorest people in the world and made the richest people desire them.” -- Martin Rapaport
Chief Paul Saquee V of the Kono province where the diamond was found said, “I am very convinced that (we have extracted) the maximum benefits from this diamond. We encourage the diggers, the artisanal miners back home, instead of being ripped off in some dark corners when they find their diamonds that they … bring it to the government so they will get the maximum benefit.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Rapaport said the government received 59 percent, or $3.9 million, of the Peace Diamond’s profits in the form of taxes, to benefit the people of Sierra Leone. A total of $980,454 went to the Diamond Committee Development Fund, which will oversee infrastructure development projects specifically in the area where the diamond was recovered.
The remainder will be split among the five diggers who acquired the stone (Rapaport said they would earn roughly $200,000 each) and their boss, the Koryardu village chief Pastor Emmanuel Momoh.
Rapaport said that 70 companies saw the diamond, which is “very complicated to cut,” at the Israel Diamond Exchange, in Antwerp and in New York. Seven bids were ultimately made for the stone, the attributes of which haven’t been announced, though the diamond appears light yellow to the eye.
Rapaport has been vocal about the stone’s value surpassing that of its typical market value because of the good it will create in the lives of the people of Sierra Leone.
Chief Saquee called it a “first step” toward transparency and fairness. He also noted that a recently recovered 476-carat diamond had also been given to the government, rather than smuggled out of the country.
In the future, Rapaport hopes that more Sierra Leoneans will be able to benefit from the natural resources their country has to offer.
“There’s a reason God gave diamonds to the poorest people in the world,” he said, “and made the richest people desire them.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
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.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
