A diamond the size of a tennis ball, likely the second largest diamond ever discovered, is set to be auctioned at a public sale in London at the end of June. The Daily Mail has initially estimated the price of this diamond to be at least £50 million ($72 million). The diamond, named Lesedi La Rona (officially: Karowe AK6), weighs 1,109 carats, approximately 222 grams. Its size is roughly that of a tennis ball, and it was found by the Canadian company Lucara in Botswana last November. Fox News quoted David Bennett, the head of the London auction house, stating, 'Frankly, Lesedi La Rona is exceptional, and finding it is something that may happen once in a lifetime.' Mr. Bennett mentioned that no uncut gem of this size, weight, and value has ever been offered at a public auction before. The highest price ever paid for a diamond was $48 million for the 'Blue Moon' diamond, purchased by Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau as a gift for his seven-year-old daughter. The Associated Press listed five large diamonds that have been discovered and are known to us: Cullinan; 3,106 carats (620 grams) discovered in South Africa in 1905; Lesedi La Rona's cut (Exclusivo) 995 carats, also found in South Africa in 1893; the Star of Sierra Leone, slightly smaller than 'Exclusivo,' found in Sierra Leone in 1972; and the fifth largest diamond on the 'King of Diamonds' list, known as the 'Imperial,' which is 890 carats and was discovered in the Republic of Congo in 1980.
The 'Second' Largest Diamond in the World to be Auctioned
A massive diamond, Lesedi La Rona, is set to be auctioned in London with an estimated value of at least £50 million. This diamond, discovered in Botswana, is notable for its size and uncut state, making it a rare find in the gem market. Its auction could set new records for diamond sales.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
A massive diamond named Lesedi La Rona, weighing 1,109 carats, is set to be auctioned in London with an estimated value of at least £50 million. This diamond is notable for being one of the largest ever discovered and is uncut, making it a rare find in the gem market.
- Lesedi La Rona is likely the second largest diamond ever discovered.
- The diamond was found in Botswana by Lucara Diamond Corporation.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Diamonds are highly valued gemstones, often associated with wealth and luxury. The discovery of large diamonds can significantly impact local economies and the global gem market.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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