CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
SourcingOct 18, 2017
Sierra Leone’s 709-Carat Peace Diamond Going to Auction
The government of Sierra Leone will auction off one of the world’s largest rough stones with the help of Rapaport Group.
Half of the profits of the sale of the "Peace Diamond" will benefit the people of Sierra Leone.
New York--The government of Sierra Leone will auction off a 709-carat rough diamond, dubbed the “Peace Diamond,” with the help of Rapaport Group.
Rapaport has been appointed as sales agent of the stone, which was discovered by artisanal miners in the village of Koryardu in Sierra Leone’s Kono district.
It is the third-largest diamond found in Sierra Leone to date and the 14th largest in the world.
The stone will be auctioned off in New York City on the evening of Monday, Dec. 4.
The Peace Diamond is so called because over half of its sales value will benefit the community where it was discovered, as well as the people of Sierra Leone, with the other half going directly to the diggers who recovered it and their boss, village chief Pastor Emmanuel Momoh.
“Thousands of artisanal miners are looking to see how they can improve their lives,” said Momoh during a press conference held via video from Israel and Sierra Leone on Tuesday. “This diamond is going to be the bridge to build the lives of artisanal miners.
Abdulai Bayraytay, a spokesperson for the president of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ernest Bai Koromo, spoke about the broad implications of the stone, and how its sale would show the world that, “We still have very clean diamonds in Sierra Leone, we have peace diamonds in Sierra Leone and we have diamonds that will transform the lives of people in this country as long as they pass through legal channels that Sierra Leone prides itself on.”
Martin Rapaport, chairman of the Rapaport Group, noted that his company is facilitating the sale of the stone at no charge to the government of the Sierra Leone.
“This is a beautiful diamond, not just because of its physical characteristics but because the money will create tremendous benefits for people who don’t necessarily have clean water, education or electricity,” Rapaport said. “Calling this diamond the Peace Diamond is very significant because it’s much more than just a diamond. It’s the hope and dream of thousands of people in Sierra Leone.”
Rapaport went on to emphasize that the goals of the sale were to be transparent, competitive, to receive fair market value for the stone, to benefit the people of Sierra Leone, encourage artisanal sector formalization and create legitimate artisanal distribution.
“We’re creating legitimacy where before there were a lot of questions as to what comes
out of Sierra Leone and out of the artisanal sector,” Rapaport added.
Chief Paul Saquee V of the Kono province hoped the sale of the Peace Diamond would show artisanal miners that they will be properly compensated by bringing forth their finds.
“My dream has always been for this country, especially artisanal miners to benefit from the diamonds…they acquire,” Saquee said. “We now have an opportunity for a diamond found in Sierra Leone, instead of being bought in some dark corner room in someone’s office, for it to be placed in public tender. This is going to encourage other artisanal miners to bring forth their diamonds instead of smuggling them or instead of getting robbed by unscrupulous businessmen that pass for dealers.”
The Peace Diamond is currently being shown to interested parties at the Israel Diamond Exchange.
On Oct 30, it will be on view in Belgium, before moving to New York on Nov. 13.
Rapaport was unable to comment on characteristics of the stone, noting that opinions from various diamond experts differed on the best way to cut the Peace Diamond, and what polished stones it will yield, though he said that all polished stones would be certified polished Peace Diamonds.
“This is probably one of the most complicated diamonds in the world, with many different opinions of what can come out of this diamond physically,” he explained.
He said that interested buyers are bringing diamond experts with them for individual assessment.
While there is no minimum bid for the stone, Rapaport said that an offer of approximately $7.77 million had been rejected, though ultimately, the stone’s value is enhanced by its “spiritual sparkle,” or the transparent manner in which it has come to auction and by the way it will help the people of Sierra Leone.
Chief Paul Saquee V of the Kono province hoped the sale of the Peace Diamond would show artisanal miners that they will be properly compensated by bringing forth their finds.
“My dream has always been for this country, especially artisanal miners to benefit from the diamonds…they acquire,” Saquee said. “We now have an opportunity for a diamond found in Sierra Leone, instead of being bought in some dark corner room in someone’s office, for it to be placed in public tender. This is going to encourage other artisanal miners to bring forth their diamonds instead of smuggling them or instead of getting robbed by unscrupulous businessmen that pass for dealers.”
The Peace Diamond is currently being shown to interested parties at the Israel Diamond Exchange.
On Oct 30, it will be on view in Belgium, before moving to New York on Nov. 13.
Rapaport was unable to comment on characteristics of the stone, noting that opinions from various diamond experts differed on the best way to cut the Peace Diamond, and what polished stones it will yield, though he said that all polished stones would be certified polished Peace Diamonds.
“This is probably one of the most complicated diamonds in the world, with many different opinions of what can come out of this diamond physically,” he explained.
He said that interested buyers are bringing diamond experts with them for individual assessment.
While there is no minimum bid for the stone, Rapaport said that an offer of approximately $7.77 million had been rejected, though ultimately, the stone’s value is enhanced by its “spiritual sparkle,” or the transparent manner in which it has come to auction and by the way it will help the people of Sierra Leone.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
Weekly QuizOct 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John HardyThe Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
IndependentsOct 21, 2026
Gardner-Collier Jewelry to Close After 9 Decades in BusinessThe family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.
CollectionsOct 21, 2026
Helzberg, Nordstrom Carrying New Jewelry Collection From Off-WhiteThe collection centers designs with clean geometric lines, chunky sculptural pieces, and recognizable details from the luxury fashion brand.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Gemfields’ Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Earns $52MThe miner said it saw particularly strong prices for larger, fine-quality rubies at the sale.
CrimeOct 20, 2026
Security Guard Charged With Murder in Shooting at Texas MallThe guard opened fire on a man who was smashing a jewelry display case at La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth last week, police said.
IndependentsOct 20, 2026
David Gardner’s Jewelers Unveils Newly Expanded, Revamped ShowroomThe Texas jeweler added 2,000 square feet to its reimagined showroom, complete with a new design studio and an event space.
SourcingOct 20, 2026
The $50M Victoria’s Secret ‘Fantasy Bra’ By The NumbersJacob & Co.'s diamond masterpiece is the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever worn on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.
CollectionsOct 20, 2026
Mignon Faget’s Collection Chooses Handmade Over AIThe “Atelier” collection was inspired by the tools, rituals, and objects in an artist’s studio as a quiet rebuttal to an automated world.
MajorsOct 19, 2026
The Knot to Acquire Rival Wedding Planning Platform ZolaThe pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.
SourcingOct 19, 2026
Jewelry Design Competition Show Airs in Thailand"The Secret Gems" features eight Thai jewelry brands paired with a team of young craftspeople who create jewelry together to win challenges.
CollectionsOct 19, 2026
John Hardy Enters the Medallion Chat With Talisman Collection The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.
IndependentsOct 19, 2026
The Stories of 5 Jewelers Celebrating Their Centennials in 2026Independent jewelers from New Mexico to New Jersey answer the question: What has kept your store in business for 100 years?
SurveysOct 16, 2026
How Inflation, Gas Prices Will Affect Holiday Sales The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.
CollectionsOct 16, 2026
Christina Puchi’s Earrings Hold the UniverseOur Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.
IndependentsOct 16, 2026
Reeds Jewelers Expands, Relocates FlagshipThe New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.
