Swiss jeweler, De Grisogono, purchased the rights to the world’s most expensive rough diamond, the Constellation. The Switzerland jeweler entered into an exclusive partnership with Dubai-based Nemesis International which bought the 813-carat diamond from Lucara DIamond Corporation for $63 million in May. It was recovered at the Karowe Mine in Botswana in November and cutting and polishing is scheduled to be completed by mid-2017. This may result in one of the world’s most flawless diamonds, according to De Grisogono.
John Leitao, the jeweler’s chief executive officer believes the purchase of the diamonds rights shows De Grisogono’s commitment to bringing unique stones from around the world to clients. Despite the challenging market environment, people will still cherish and value those objects which are truly unique and exclusive, such as an extraordinary piece of history.
The Constellation was outshone by the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona, which was discovered and announced in the same week. The Lesedi La Rona is a much larger diamond, which has not yet sold and remains in Lucara’s inventory. It is believed to fetch more than $70 million, but bids have failed to meet the reserve price.
De Grisogono has also bought the rights to market a 404-carat rough diamond from Nemesis International. The stone has been recovered by Lucapa Diamond Company at its Lulo mine.
Courtesy of: Rapaport