Star Diamonds Unearths 478 Carat Diamond Oct.2008

Possible Record-Breaker

Mining company Gem Diamonds said it has unearthed a 478-ct. diamond that could yield one of the largest flawless D color round polished diamonds in history.

The diamond was discovered in the Letšeng Mine in the southern African country of Lesotho. The mine is operated as a partnership with the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho.

The diamond was transferred to Antwerp where it underwent analysis, Gem Diamonds said in a statement. It was determined to be a type II D color diamond. The company added that the diamond is of "outstanding clarity with no inclusions visible in its rough form."

The diamond, which is yet to be named, ranks as the 20th largest rough diamond ever to be recovered.

It is the third significant recovery from the Letšeng Mine in as many years, following the 603-ct. Lesotho Promise and the 493-ct. Letšeng Legacy recovered in 2006 and 2007 respectively. Including the 601-ct. Lesotho Brown, recovered in 1960, the Letšeng Mine has now produced four of the world’s 20 largest rough diamonds and the three largest diamonds recovered this century. v