World’s most expensive rough diamond taken to Israel for laser cutting

The 813-carat Constellation Diamond has been taken to Israel to be laser cut, in the first stage of its processing since its discovery in Botswana’s Karowe Mine by Canadian producer Lucara in 2015.

The Constellation was taken to a facility in the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE), where Synova Laser MicroJet (LMJ) technology enables maximum precision and minimum waste in diamond cutting, reducing damage to expensive rough stones and providing higher yields.

The stone was sold for $63m (£47.5m) at a private Sotheby’s auction last year to Dubai-based Nemesis International, making it the most expensive rough diamond sold in recent years.

Earlier this year Lucara mined the 1,109-carat Lesedi la Rona rough diamond, found in the same mine and sold earlier this year for $53m (£39.9m). Luxury jeweler de Grisogono acquired the rough stone and will determine its final creation into polished diamonds.

It is estimated that the 813-carat rough will produce two polished stones of 325-carat and 100-carat, of D color and flawless clarity, the larger of which will be one of the world’s biggest certified flawless diamonds.

Yoram Dvash, IDE president, said: “Having the Constellation Diamond brought to Israel for laser cutting highlights Israel’s role as the global technology capital of the diamond industry. This is the Diamond Exchange we strive for – innovative, creative and energetic.”