The Fascinating Tale of the Worlds Second Largest Diamond
The Fascinating Tale of the Worlds Second Largest Diamond
The story of the second-largest diamond in the world is intertwined with history, economics, and even a bit of royal intrigue. The diamond in question is the extraordinary Lesedi La Rona, a dazzling gem that, when discovered, drew almost as much attention as its larger counterpart, the Cullinan Diamond.
Lesedi La Rona, which means "Our Light" in the Tswana language, was unearthed in November 2015 at the Karowe mine in Botswana by Lucara Diamond Corporation. Weighing in at an astounding 1,109 carats, it’s like imagining an enormous rock frozen in time yet glittering with possibilities. Unlike the Cullinan, which was discovered in 1905, Lesedi La Rona faced a modern world eager for its sparkle and story. I remember following the news back when Lesedi La Rona was about to be auctioned in London. There was an air of suspense in the art world and beyond—would it shatter records? Would it go to a private collector or find its place under museum lights?
What stands out about Lesedi La Rona is not just its size but its journey post-discovery. Initially, it didn’t sell at the first auction. I recall reading a piece where someone compared it to a blockbuster movie that didn’t make it at the box office opening. However, in 2017, the diamond was sold to Graff Diamonds for a reported $53 million. It was a deal that had collectors and gemologists buzzing, and not just because of the price tag—the gem needed exceptional craftsmanship to unlock its potential.
Culturally, diamonds like Lesedi La Rona carry weight far beyond their physical properties. They symbolize power, opulence, and timeless beauty. But they also have tales wrapped in the layers of earth from which they come. Walking through a jewelry exhibition last year, I overheard someone remark about how these stones witness eras of humanity, from ancient geological formations to the polished halls of modern galleries. It's humbling to see how these stones connect us, bridging the gap between different times and cultures.
I often wonder about the craftsmanship and patience it takes to carve such a gem. The cutting and polishing of Lesedi La Rona were epic in their own right. Laurence Graff, known as a diamond purveyor to the rich and royal, oversaw this intricate process. The diamond, once completed, was cut into several smaller gems, but its story continues to illuminate the world of high jewelry.
The allure of the second-largest diamond is not just about its size. It's about the journey, the craftsmanship, and the countless hands that the stone passes through before it reaches its final destination. In a world so fast-paced, sometimes it’s inspiring to think about all the histories and hopes locked within a single piece of glittering carbon. The Lesedi La Rona isn’t just a diamond; it's a testament to nature’s magnificence and human ingenuity. As I reflect on it now, it’s a reminder that the most remarkable stories often lie beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered.
