De Grisogono hopes to turn the “world’s most expensive rough diamond” into the world’s largest flawless stone

Swiss jeweler de Grisogono has acquired the Constellation, which it bills as the world’s most expensive rough diamond.

It paid $63 million for the 813 ct. rough stone, which was discovered by miner Lucara Diamond Corp. at its Karowe mine in Botswana.

The company predicts that, when the diamond is finally cut, it will become the world’s largest flawless diamond. The cutting is due to be completed by the middle of next year.

This is de Grisogono’s second major purchase this year. Earlier this year, the jeweler purchased a 404 ct. rough diamond from Nemesis International, which also sold the 813 ct. stone.

The Constellation was found at the same mine in the same week as the even bigger 1,109 ct. Lesedi la Rona, which many expected would claim the mantle of the world’s most expensive rough stone. Though bidding reached $61 million, it failed to sell this year at Sotheby’s.

A company called the statement a “ground-breaking moment in its journey to become one of the world’s leading high jewelry and watch brands.”  

A company representative did not answer a request for additional information. 

(Photo courtesy of de Grisogono)

Rob Bates

JCK News Director