A “high-quality” rough diamond that weighed in at 126 carats was recovered by Gem Diamonds at Letšeng mine after mining focus shifted from one section of the mine to what is considered a more lucrative area of the project.

The stone has been classified as D-color, type-IIa and is the most recent find in a string of large diamond discoveries at this particular mine. The mine in which the large diamond was excavated is known for producing high-value rough diamonds.

Just last month, the Gem company recovered a diamond pronounced 104.73-carats of D-color and type IIa as well as a 151.52-carat diamond of yellow color. Moreover, Gem Diamonds excavated three D-color, type IIa rough diamonds that weighed in at 80.58 carats, 98.42 carats and 114 carats respectively in April and May.

In Gem Diamonds’ second quarter, they refocused recovery efforts on the higher-grade K6 portion of Letšeng’s main pipe, which enables them to excavate larger diamonds at a higher rate, picking up effectivity from the company’s 2016 slowdown (revenues decreased by 22%), according to an explanation by the company back in May.

J Thomson Custom Jewelers watches for trends and fluctuations regarding diamond recovery efforts around the globe in order to provide their customers with the latest information on diamond discoveries. This allows customers to request custom pieces made with specially-chosen diamonds.

Photograph by Rapaport News