The Fascinating World of Rough Diamonds

When it comes to precious stones, few captivate the imagination and allure quite like diamonds. They are not merely glittering baubles but geological marvels, forged under intense pressure and heat deep within the Earth's crust over millions of years. Among the vast array of diamonds, rough diamonds stand out as raw, uncut gems that hold the promise of untold beauty and value.

In recent years, the discovery of extraordinary rough diamonds has captured headlines and sparked intrigue across the globe. One such remarkable find is the Lesedi la Rona, a breathtaking behemoth weighing a staggering 1,109 carats. This colossal gem, unearthed in Botswana, mesmerized the world when it fetched a jaw-dropping $53 million at auction. It reigns as the largest diamond found since 1905, a testament to the enduring allure and value of these precious stones.

An assortment of Diamonds

But the Lesedi la Rona is not the only gem to dazzle the world with its sheer magnitude and brilliance. In the rugged terrain of Lesotho, nestled high in the Maluti Mountains, lies the renowned Letseng diamond mine. Perched over 10,000 feet above sea level, Letseng holds the distinction of being the highest diamond mine in the world. Despite its lofty perch, Letseng has proven to be a treasure trove of extraordinary gems.

In August 2006, miners at Letseng unearthed a true marvel of nature – the Lesotho Promise. Weighing an impressive 603 carats, this flawless diamond captivated collectors and connoisseurs alike. Its pristine clarity and exquisite quality earned it a place among the world's most coveted gems. The Lesotho Promise fetched a remarkable $12.36 million at auction, underscoring the enduring allure and value of exceptional rough diamonds.

The allure of rough diamonds extends far beyond the confines of Earth, reaching into the vast expanse of the cosmos. In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics unveiled a cosmic marvel – BPM 37093, the largest diamond in the galaxy. This colossal gem, nestled within the heart of a burned-out star in the constellation Centaurus, weighs an astonishing 10 billion trillion trillion carats. Dubbed "Lucy" after The Beatles' iconic song, this cosmic diamond epitomizes the awe-inspiring wonders of the universe.

While the allure of rough diamonds may seem boundless, their journey from the depths of the Earth to the heights of human adornment is fraught with challenges and complexities. Mining rough diamonds requires navigating treacherous terrain and overcoming formidable geological obstacles. Yet, for those who dare to venture into the depths, the rewards can be truly extraordinary.

From the frigid tundra of Siberia to the sun-scorched plains of Africa, rough diamonds bear witness to the profound forces that shape our world. They are not merely glittering stones but timeless testaments to the resilience and beauty of the natural world. As we marvel at their brilliance and allure, let us never forget the remarkable journey that transforms rough diamonds into objects of desire and wonder.

Conflict Diamonds

What are conflict diamonds you may ask. The short answer is "Blood Diamonds". The long answer is way more complicated because of the circumstances surrounding its acquisition. The term - conflict diamonds - is predominantly used to highlight the negative ramifications of the diamond trade in areas where it's mined and sold to finance an insurgency. Wars funded by warlords from the sale of these diamond.

Thousands of lives are lost in Africa through conflict diamonds. Blood diamonds more often than not originate from areas controlled by factions opposed to legitimate governments that are recognized internationally. Countries like Sierra Leone, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Liberia are prime examples of countries ravaged by the trade in conflict diamonds resulting in the displacement and death of millions of people -normally mostly innocent.

It is very unfortunate that 65% of global diamond production is sourced from Africa but less than 10% of its value is returned for upliftment of its people. Case in point - the Jwaneng Diamond diamond mine in Botswana is the riches diamond mine in the world, producing in excess of 12 million carats annually but it Botswana remains a third world country with minimal growth and investment.

This is because the Botswana's government Debswana sells 75% of its diamond output to Anglo American / De Beers with only 25% taken up by the state-owned Okavango Diamond Company.

The "Lesedi La Rona" — which means "Our Light" in the Tswana - official language Botswana- was valued at $70 million.

The history of the diamond industry has been fraught with worker exploitation, environmental destruction, government corruption and squandering of revenues. And that's not even mentioning all the "blood diamonds" used to pay for civil wars in countries ranging from Sierra Leone to the Democratic Republic of Congo.