A South African blue diamond of nearly 42 carats, unearthed from the world-famous Cullinan Mine in Gauteng, looks set to break value records. This is according to Petra Diamonds Limited, the company who recovered the rare blue diamond ‘of exceptional colour and clarity.’
Cited as one of the most significant finds ever, the South African blue diamond is also unique in that, from certain angles, it appears to be shaped like Africa. Moreover, experts in the field believe it will net $57.5 million (R905 million), or more, at sale … Â
RARE SOUTH AFRICAN BLUE DIAMOND
Petra Diamonds Limited says the South African blue diamond has been classified as a Type IIb stone. This places it in an ultra-rare category due to its boron and nitrogen content. According to the company’s release last week, it is still in the process of fully analysing the stone. In the meantime, it is assessing preferred sales methods, too.
For context, the South African blue diamond of 41.82 carats is extraordinarily large. It would weigh about 8.36 grams and measure approximately 25 mm in diameter. Furthermore, the average engagement ring diamond is one carat, making this stone at least 40-times larger by weight. Moreover, any diamond bigger than 40 carats is considered incredibly rare. Meaning they’re typically destined for museums or famous jewellery collections.
HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO THE LARGEST DIAMONDS EVER?
For reference, the world-famous original Cullinan Diamond was 3 106 carats. It is still the largest-ever, gem-quality rough diamond found. A larger one – Sergio – was discovered in Brazil but it wasn’t considered gem quality and was cut down for industrial use. The aforementioned Cullinan was cut into several pieces, two of which are now part of the British Crown Jewels displayed at the Tower of London.
- Cullinan I (Great Star of Africa) is 530.4 carats and is set in the Sovereign’s Sceptre.
- While Cullinan II is 317.4 carats and mounted in the Imperial State Crown.
Other notables that are larger than the South African blue diamond were unearthed in Botswana:
- Lucara Diamond Corp’s Karowe Mine discovery of 2 492 carats.
- Sewelo – 1 758 carats. Also unearthed at the Karowe Mine in Botswana.
- Lesedi La Rona – 1 109 carats. Discovered in 2015 at Karowe and purchased by Graff Diamonds.
WHAT NEXT FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN BLUE DIAMOND?
So, while not as prolific as Botswana’s Karowe, the Cullinan Mine can still stake claim to some of the rarest discoveries. These include the 12.03-carat Blue Moon of Josephine and the 15.10-carat De Beers Cullinan Blue, which sold for $57.5 million (R905 million) at auction back in 2022. The mine’s latest discovery is expected to trump the latter.
However, newly recovered South African blue diamond is still undergoing extensive analysis in rough form. Once experts have evaluated its internal structure, colour distribution and crystal orientation, a final cutting strategy will be determined.
But what do you think? How much will the rear South African blue diamond fetch when it finally goes on the market? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below …