Dubai: The most expensive natural rough diamond has come to Dubai.
Known as the Constellation, the colourless diamond is an impressive 812,77 carats which was acquired by Nemesis International based at the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) on behalf of the Geneva-based Jeweller de GRISOGONO. Valued at over $63 million (Dh231 million), the Constellation is deemed as most valuable rough diamond in recorded history.
At $77,649 per carat, the diamond has been categorised as the largest pure Type IaB diamond ever to be examined by the Gemological Institute of America. Type IaB is known within the industry to be the rarest type of natural diamond. Less than two per cent of the world’s production of gemstone quality diamonds have this level of colour and clarity.
The Constellation was discovered by the Lucara Diamond Corporation at their Karowe Mine in Botswana. It is the third largest diamond ever mined in recorded history.
“We are delighted to have been part of facilitating the acquisition of The Constellation, an incredible diamond, with de GRISOGONO. This transaction further highlights DMCC’s and Dubai’s prominent role as a global centre point for diamond trading, as we continue to connect all industry participants, including producing and consuming countries along the Silk Road,” Ahmad Bin Sulayem, executive chairman of DMCC and chair of the Kimberley Process, said during a press conference announcing the acquisition.
Nemesis International has partnered with the luxury jeweller de GRISOGONO for the cutting and polishing process of the diamond.
“I am thrilled to have the chance to work with such an incredible and important diamond as The Constellation. As a jeweller I am conscious of the extraordinary responsibility I have to the stone and to the team who have worked so hard to secure it,” Fawaz Gruosi, founder and executive board member of de GRISOGONO, said.
KEY FACTs
— The Constellation is a 812.77 carat diamond with a net weight of approximately 162 grams and a maximum dimension spanning over 64mm
— It is expected that this gemstone will give birth to the largest DColour, flawless, polished diamond, which is likely to weigh over
300 carats
— An estimated 20 billion cubic metres of earth was removed and processed before finding the Constellation diamond
