Graff unveils ‘world’s largest’ square emerald cut diamond

Multinational jeweller Graff has unveiled the world’s largest square emerald cut diamond, named the Graff Lesedi La Rona.

The 302.37 carat gem is the largest highest colour, highest clarity diamond ever certified by the GIA, and according to the group required over 18 months of “meticulous craftsmanship” and marks an “historic moment” in diamond history.

The group said initial analysis of the stone concluded that a 300 carat principal diamond “simply wasn’t achievable”. However, founder Laurence Graff, said he was “convinced that it could be possible” and he set the challenge to the team of expert gemmologists and highly skilled polishers.

A statement by the group read: “Upon sending this masterpiece of technical audacity and diamond artistry to the GIA for certification, it was confirmed that Laurence Graff’s challenge had not only been met, but exceeded.

“The Graff Lesedi La Rona weighed an awe-inspiring 302.37 carats and was a top D colour, with exceptional clarity and both excellent polish and symmetry.”