Lucara has done it again. For the fourth time in eight years, the mining company has unearthed a 1,000-carat-plus diamond at its Karowe Mine in Botswana.
![](https://thejewelerblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/08/lucara1080.1.jpg?w=575)
Described as a Type IIa top white gem of high quality, the 1,080-carat oblong gem was recovered by Lucara’s MDR (Mega Diamond Recovery) XRT circuit, a system that uses advanced technology to identify 100-carat-plus diamonds.
By monitoring the rocky material for X-ray luminescence, atomic density and transparency, the new technology can identify and isolate large diamonds before they go through the destructive crushing process.
The newest find measures 82.2mm (3.24 in) by 42.8mm (1.69 in) by 34.2mm (1.34 in).
“Lucara is extremely pleased to be reporting the recovery of another large, high-quality gem diamond in excess of 1,000 carats in size,” noted Lucara CEO Eira Thomas. “As we progress mining deeper in the open pit and transition to underground mining, exclusively in the South Lobe, the preponderance of large, high value stones is increasing, consistent with the resource model and underpins the strong economic rationale for investing in the underground expansion that will extend the mine-life out to at least 2040.”
Of the top seven diamonds ever discovered, six were sourced in Botswana and five of those came from the Karowe Mine. Other notable Karowe finds include the 1,758-carat Sewelô (2019), 1,174-carat unnamed (2021), 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona (2015) and the 998-carat unnamed (2020). In 2021, Debswana’s Jwaneng mine in Botswana produced a 1,098-carat gem.
At the top of the list is the 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond, which was discovered in South Africa in 1905.
Interestingly, after the Cullinan was unearthed, it took the world’s mining companies 110 years to discover another rough diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats. From 2015 to 2023, that feat has been accomplished five times due to the new technology aimed at protecting extremely large diamonds.
It’s too early to tell what will become of Lucara’s 1,080-carat high-quality gem, but it’s fun to imagine the size of the finished diamonds that may emerge from the rough.
British jeweler Graff purchased the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona for $53 million in 2017 and eventually transformed it into one principle square emerald-cut stunner that’s believed to be the largest D-flawless gem ever certified by the Gemological Institute of America. The rough gem also yielded 66 “satellite” stones ranging in size from 22 carats to just under 1 carat.
Gems cut from the Cullinan Diamond included the Cullinan I (530.20 carats), Cullinan II (317.4 carats) and seven others ranging from 94.4 carats to 4.39 carats.
Lucara owns 100% of the Karowe mine, which has been in production since 2012.
Credit: Image courtesy of Lucara Diamond Corp.
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💎 Step back in time with Elliott's Jewelers at our August Estate Jewelry Event! From August 22nd to 24th, explore exquisite, historical pieces from our collection. Preview our treasures here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and reserve your private viewing appointment between 9:30 am and 5:00 pm. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of history! 👑 🕰️
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🌟 Uncover the history and beauty of estate jewelry at Elliott's Jewelers this August! Join us for our exclusive Estate Jewelry Event from August 22nd-24th. Dive into our vault here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and select pieces to view at your private appointment. Book now to secure a spot from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm each day and make history part of your style! 🕰️✨
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Book an Appointment At Elliott’s Jewelers, you can be sure that you are getting the best possible appraisal for your jewelry. Our jewelry experts are trained and certified in jewelry appraisal, and ...1 CommentComment on Facebook
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🌟 Step into a world of timeless elegance with our August Estate Jewelry Event at Elliott's Jewelers! 📅 Mark your calendars: August 22nd-24th. Immerse yourself in the stories of exquisite pieces from our vault. To make this experience truly personal, we are scheduling exclusive appointments from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm each day.
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💎 Discover timeless treasures at our August Estate Jewelry Event! Join us from August 22nd-24th at Elliott's Jewelers. Each piece has a unique story waiting to be part of yours.
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Elliott's Jewelers wishes you and your family a Happy 4th of July! We will be closed on Thursday, July 4th. Elliott's Jewelers was thrilled to be part of Mitch and Lauren Fussell's love story. Do you have an Elliott's Jewelers story too? Let's celebrate by sharing it with us so we can continue making history together! Your stories inspire us every day. 🎆
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