Black, Starr & Frost to Host Esperanza Diamond



The retailer is auctioning the diamond, estimated at $1 million, in an open bidding process

Black, Starr & Frost, the Newport Beach, Calif.–based retailer that JCK named one of America’s oldest retail jewelers, will showcase the Esperanza diamond (pictured, right) at its two locations this month.

The 4.6 ct. internally flawless, D color diamond is cut from the fifth-largest diamond ever discovered at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Ark.

Colorado visitor Bobbie Oskarson unearthed the original rough 8.52 ct. stone in June 2015. The diamond was cut into its finished state by veteran cutter Mike Botha at Stanley Jewelers in Little Rock, Ark. The cutting of the stone was streamed live on the Internet, and hundreds of people watched Botha work on the gem, which he shaped into a unique 147-facet teardrop-cut triolette. The diamond is set in a pendant designed by Ian Douglas of Inspired Jewelry Group.

“We are honored to display this precious and beautiful diamond,” said Black, Starr & Frost chairman Alfredo Molina. “In addition to its exquisite natural beauty, it showcases the talents of some of the industry’s top professionals.”

The stone will be on display at the retailer’s Newport Beach, Calif., location from Jan. 13 to Jan. 16 and at its Phoenix location from Jan. 20 to Jan. 23. After it leaves the Phoenix location, it can be seen at Molina Fine Jewelers, also in Phoenix.

Black, Starr & Frost will auction the diamond through an open bidding process, which is open until Feb. 15. The diamond is estimated at $1 million.

 

(Photo courtesy of Black, Starr & Frost)

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