Graff Diamonds acquires 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona diamond for a price of $53 million.
The Lesedi La Rona, a historic and exceptionally large diamond weighing 1,109 carats, has found a new home under the care of Graff Diamonds. Originally discovered in Botswana in 2015, this second-largest gem-quality diamond in the world has now been transformed into a masterpiece.
After an unsuccessful auction at Sotheby’s in London in June 2016, the Lesedi La Rona was privately sold to Graff Diamonds for approximately $53 million. The diamond has since been polished into the world’s largest square emerald cut diamond and renamed the Graff Lesedi La Rona.
This polished stone is considered one of the most valuable and remarkable gems in existence due to its size, flawless clarity, and colorlessness. Graff Diamonds' work on cutting and shaping the Lesedi La Rona has positioned them as a milestone in high jewelry design and craftsmanship.
William Lamb, president and CEO of Lucara Diamond Corporation, expressed satisfaction with finding a buyer who will take the diamond through its next stage of evolution. Laurence Graff, founder and chairman of Graff Diamonds, expressed excitement about the purchase and promised to respect the diamond's properties.
Graff Diamonds plans to continue showcasing the Graff Lesedi La Rona as a record-breaking and iconic gem. The company's work on cutting and shaping the Lesedi La Rona has already set new standards in the diamond world, both for its size and quality. The Graff Lesedi La Rona is expected to become a legendary piece comparable to historic stones like the Cullinan, which yielded gems featured in the British Crown Jewels.
There is also an anticipation in the trade that the polished stone will be used in extraordinary high-value jewelry creations that emphasize its unique attributes and rarity. The future evolution of the Graff Lesedi La Rona will be closely followed by high jewellery aficionados worldwide.
It's worth noting that Graff Diamonds has a history of buying large diamonds. In May 2017, they purchased a 373-carat rough diamond believed to be a fragment of the Lesedi La Rona for $17.5 million.
The discovery of the Lesedi La Rona was a significant event for Lucara Diamond Corporation, which operates the Karowe mine in Botswana where the diamond was unearthed. The sale of the Lesedi La Rona to Graff Diamonds was announced with a photo on Lucara Diamond Corp.'s website.
In summary, the Lesedi La Rona has moved from a rough giant to a polished masterpiece under Graff Diamonds’ ownership. It is set to remain a monumental symbol of diamond excellence with ambitious plans for display, valuation, and integration into exclusive jewelry collections.
- Graff Diamonds is offering a membership program for individuals interested in the lifestyle associated with owning rare gemstones, providing exclusive access to workshops and courses in gemmology.
- As part of their commitment to preserving the beauty and value of the Graff Lesedi La Rona, Graff Diamonds has announced the launch of home-and-garden collection pieces showcasing smaller replicas of the famous diamond, allowing the public to bring a piece of diamond history into their homes.
- Graff Diamonds' success in acquiring and crafting the Lesedi La Rona has not only solidified their reputation as a pioneer in high jewelry design but also opened doors for collaborations with renowned designers to create luxurious, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces that mirror the splendor of the Graff Lesedi La Rona.
