SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ NecklacesThe campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.
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.
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in ShanghaiIt will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious MetalsTwo suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
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.
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education ScholarshipsThe annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With JewelryThe jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 BoardSteven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
