Lesedi La Rona is the second largest diamond ever mined from the earth's interior. In size, it is second only to the famous Cullinan (3106 carats), found in South Africa in 1905. Lesedi La Rona was discovered in the Karowe mine in Botswana, and its name translated from the local language means "Our light". Mining company Lucara Diamond Corp. tried to sell the diamond at Sotheby's in June 2016, but the estimate of $ 70 million was frighteningly high. The following year, Lesedi La Rona was acquired by Lawrence Graff for $ 53 million.
“The stone itself will tell you the necessary cut. We will act with the utmost care and care in order to preserve its unique gemological properties”- this is how the new owner commented on his further actions.
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It took a year and a half to analyze the structure of the crystal, to separate and cut all 67 fragments (part of the diamond rock was transferred to the Smithsonian Institution). The largest of these is a 302.37-carat emerald-cut square diamond. It is recognized as the most significant cut diamond that has been certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA): the stone was awarded the highest characteristics of color and clarity. The remaining 66 diamonds, which range in weight from less than 1 carat to 26 carats or more, have also been certified by the GIA.
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“Cutting a diamond of this size is a true art of sculpture,” admitted Lawrence Graff. “And this is the most risky art form, because you have no room for error - it cannot be corrected.”>
