South African bling reaches new high

A large percentage of the world’s diamonds come out of our very own South Africa so it shouldn’t be surprising that a seven-carat blue diamond found near Pretoria has sold in Geneva for a record price of $9.5 million.

 

The diamond was found at the Cullinan diamond mine just outside of Pretoria. The mines owners, Petra Diamonds said that the price (which incidentally equals $1.3 million per carat) set a new record price per carat for any gemstone sold at auction, and, the highest price for a vivid blue diamond sold at auction. Although technically, the diamond wasn’t exactly found. It was cut from a bigger 26.58 carat rough stone that was found last year so really, it’s something of a second generation but that doesn’t take away from the amazing price paid for it, or its quality. The stone is considered to be an internally-flawless diamond, something no one should stick their nose up.

 

This isn’t the first time the mine has produced a famous gem. In 1905 the Cullinan diamond was discovered here and at 3106 carats, it is still the largest gem diamond ever found. Incidentally, two diamonds cut from the Cullinan diamond, the Great Star of Africa and the Lesser Star of Africa (two thumbs up for the creativity in those names), are in the British crown jewels.

 

Now where can I get in on a piece of this action?