Diamonds.co.nz Blog

On a recent diamond buying trip a 1ct round diamond was selected fresh out of production. Our DTC Sightholder checks and grades a diamond at least three times during the cutting process. They had agreed on G colour and SI2 clarity. We selected the diamond as we liked the SI2 and agreed with the colour grading as G.

We then submitted the diamond to a very well known international diamond grading laboratory. We received a phone call about three weeks later with the results and it had been graded E colour and SI1 clarity. We declined the diamond as we would not want a diamond that is so far out to be in stock. The difference in quality is huge and equates to a lot of money.

Someone will end up purchasing this diamond on the market as an E SI1 when the true quality is G SI2. This is the danger when you buy a diamond on a grading report basis only and do not view the diamond or get a second opinion. Always view the actual diamond before you purchase.

Let the buyer beware.

Regards,

Diamonds.co.nz

On Monday the 8^th of September 2008, Letseng diamond mine in Lesotho Southern Africa has discovered the largest rough diamond of the year. The rough is the 20^th biggest in history and weighs 478cts.

The discovery of the 478ct D colour diamond rough is said to have the potential to yield one of the largest D colour Flawless clarity round polished diamond in history.

“Preliminary examination of this remarkable diamond indicates that it will yield a record breaking polished stone of the very best colour and clarity,” said Clifford Elphick, CEO and chairman of Gem Diamonds.

Letseng diamond mine in 2004 officially restarted production after being idle for 20 years. Since reopening Letseng has become known for consistently producing large high value gem quality stones. The mine has produced four of the world’s 20 largest rough diamonds, including the 603ct Lesotho Promise, ranked the 15^th biggest diamond found.