Thu, Jun 30, 2016
A colossal diamond from Botswana the size of a tennis ball failed to sell at a Sotheby’s auction in London, UK, yesterday.
The 1,109-carat Lesedi la Rona is said to be the largest rough diamond to be discovered in over a century and the largest rough diamond in existence.
Bidding reached $61 million, below the $70 million minimum Sotheby’s had hoped for.
The Lesedi la Rona – which means “Our Light” in the Tswana language spoken in Botswana – was uncovered by Lucara Diamond Corporation in November 2015. Around the size of a tennis ball, the rough diamond is of exceptional transparency and quality and around 2.5 to over 3 billion years old.
In terms of its size, the rough is exceeded only by the Cullinan Diamond, mined in South Africa in 1905.
The 3016.75-carat Cullinan Diamond produced nine major diamonds that are part of the historic Crown Jewels of the UK, including the Great Star of Africa – currently the largest top- quality polished diamond in existence, weighing 530.20 carats.
Sotheby’s had billed Lesedi la Rona’s discovery as “the find of a lifetime”.
-
Dubai artist's AR NFT mural sold for $56,000
Thu, Oct 14, 2021 -
Rarest Rolex at auction
Tue, Sep 21, 2021 -
Gharem’s Capital Dome to be offered at Dream Big II
Mon, Aug 2, 2021 -
Record-breaking Spring watch season for Christie’s
Thu, Jul 8, 2021 -
Sharjah Biennial to feature 30 commissions
Wed, May 19, 2021 -
Sky Moon Shines
Spring / Summer 2021 -
Monumental Monet
Spring / Summer 2021 -
Beeple Creates History with First 5000 Days
Spring / Summer 2021 -
Making a Moment for Humanity
Spring / Summer 2021 -
Art auctions to raise funds 100m meals drive
Wed, Apr 21, 2021 -
Christie’s Watches Dubai Edit achieves $14m
Sun, Apr 11, 2021 -
Christie’s offers 11 works by Naghis in Paris
Wed, Mar 31, 2021 -
Jafri's 'Journey of Humanity' earns $62m for charity
Tue, Mar 23, 2021 -
Spectacular light arts on show in Riyadh
Sun, Mar 21, 2021 -
Montblanc pays tribute to art of writing at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Thu, Feb 18, 2021