The largest uncut existing diamond in the world, thought to be worth more than 70 million dollars, will be put under the hammer on 29th June in London, Sotheby's auction house announced on Wednesday.
It will be on display for several days in Antwerp.
This uncut stone, named “Lesedi La Rona”, was unearthed nine months ago in Botswana, by the Canadian diamond-mining extraction company Lucara Diamond Corporation.
“It is a 1,109-carat diamond. It is the largest diamond unearthed for more than 100 years.” So stated David Bennett, the Global Chairman of Sotheby's jewellery division on Wednesday in New York on Wednesday, when unveiling the stone.
He added that it was the first time that an uncut diamond of this size had been offered for auction.
It will be exhibited in New York until Sunday, before returning to Europe, going via Antwerp before glistening on display at Sotheby's in London from 18th to 28th June.
The historic record for the largest diamond in the world is still held by the legendary 3,016.75-carat “Cullinan”, unearthed 1905 in South Africa. This was cut into nine diamonds to form part of the British Crown Jewels.
Once acquired, the gem in question may be broken up to be used for making jewellery or, on the other hand, be left just as it is for a private collection.
(Source: Belga)
