



Above: At 3,106 carats, the Cullian Diamond was the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found but the biggest polished stone produced from it, the Great Star of Africa - 530 carats - is a teardrop shape.
Above: The Koh-i-noor is a round cut but at 105 carats it is smaller than the potential size of the new find. It originated in India but was seized by Britain as a spoil of war in 1849. It supposedly brings good luck to female owners and misfortune or death to any male who wears or owns it.
A bit about the Letšeng Mine in Lesotho:
Above: aerial view of the Letšeng pit
Letšeng Diamonds Proprietary Limited is owned 70% by Gem Diamonds and 30% by the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho. Operated by De Beers between 1977 and 1982, Letšeng reopened operations in 2004 and was acquired by Gem Diamonds in 2006.
The average elevation at the mine is 3,100m above mean sea level, making it the highest diamond mine in the world. The mine consists of two adjacent primary near vertical kimberlite pipes the Satellite and Main, with confirmed vertical depths of 495m and 655m respectively. The average grade of these resources is 1.72 carats per hundred tons (cpht). With approximately 14% of all stones being larger than 10.8 carats (ct), the production profile is more akin to that of an alluvial than kimberlite mine.
The average price per carat achieved at Letšeng in 2007 was US$1 997 per ct, relative to an industry average of US$81 per ct. As such Letšeng is a remarkable mine producing some of the world’s remarkable diamonds including large gem quality diamonds that sell for the highest per carat price of any kimberlite mine.
Above: drilling at night at the Letšeng' mine
Historically 81% of Letšeng's revenue is from large diamonds (+10.8 ct) and 90% of the diamonds recovered are gem quality with a significant proportion graded as D colour.
Some of the world's largest diamonds have been produced at Letšeng. Of note is the 601ct Lesotho Brown in the mid 1960s (world’s 16th largest diamond ever recovered), the 603ct Lesotho Promise recovered in August 2006 (15th largest diamond) and the 493ct Letšeng Legacy recovered in September 2007 (18th largest recovered).
Above: the Promise Diamond, 603 carats, also mined from Letšeng.
Above: the Letšeng Legacy Diamond, 493 carats
Letšeng Diamonds markets all its diamonds through a tender process in Antwerp. The Lesotho Promise sold by Gem Diamonds in Antwerp for US $12.4 million and the Letšeng Legacy for US $10.4 million.
"This crisis is different. There is a lot of work, but shortage of workers. We are willing to pay more to hire them," said the diamond industrialist.
Surat's diamond polishing units wore a deserted look just a few months back. Now, at least 30 per cent of them have started functioning again. But a sizable chunk of the four lakh workers who were laid off earlier, have not returned, as they have found jobs elsewhere.
"We are making all attempts to bring back workers from their native places," said diamond unit owner, Harsh Sanghvi.
What has led to this turn around in fortunes is with most polished diamond stocks exhausted, there is now demand for more. Industrialists are buying rough diamonds as prices have bottomed out. And the recovery of the stock markets, has helped increase cash flow.
"The local situation has improved considerably and the demand too has increased. People can now say 'Diamonds are Forever'," said regional chairman, GJEPC, Chandrakant Sanghvi, .
With the diamond industry showing signs of glitter again, Surat once again has a chance to get back on the diamond industry's map. But only if its lifeblood - the workers, return home to their highly skilled jobs.
Exposing the highest level of Swiss craftsmanship and precision, Le Million is present also in the Guiness Book as the most expensive phone worth 1 million Euros (approx. 1,437,000 US dollars).
Tiffany & Co. Sapphire and Diamond Owl Brooch
This adorable brooch by Tiffany & Co. shows so much more than school spirit. This brooch oozes class (thanks to the simple, but still adorable, design), fashion sense (owls are so in right now), and luxury (what part of“Tiffany & Co.” did you not understand?).
A Diamond anniversary ring is the most perfect gift for the promise you had made with your partner. There is no other glittering way to celebrate the anniversary - a Diamond ring is a symbol of enduring everlasting relation.
Diamond anniversary rings are different from other diamond rings. Diamond anniversary rings usually have larger number of diamonds than other rings. There are many options for one to choose. The most preferred anniversary diamond ring is one with three stones- the three stones represent the past, present and the future together. Diamond anniversary rings are also known as ‘eternity ring.’ Presently there are hundreds of varieties of diamond anniversary rings. One has to choose the best for the special ones. Even there are variety shapes of diamond anniversary rings.
Unlike other occasions for anniversaries both the partners can be gifted with diamond rings. There are even options to make you own design for your special ones.
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