Gem Diamonds Limited has announced that the exceptional quality 910 carat D colour Type IIa diamond recovered from the Letšeng mine in January 2018 achieved a price of US$40 million on tender in Antwerp on 12 March, 2018. 

Reflecting its significance, the diamond, which is the fifth largest gem quality diamond ever recovered, has been named The Lesotho Legend.  

The 910 carat Letšeng stone

Clifford Elphick, Gem Diamonds’ Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We are delighted with the outcome of the sale of this iconic diamond, which demonstrates the exceptional quality of The Lesotho Legend itself, as well as reaffirming the unique quality of the Letšeng diamond production.”

The exceptional quality 910 carat, D colour Type IIa diamond from the Letšeng mine in Lesotho, the highest dollar per carat kimberlite diamond mine in the world, was recovered at the beginning of the year. The diamond, the largest recovered from Letšeng, is believed to be the fifth largest gem quality diamond ever recovered.

Letšeng has of late being recovering large stones that are making Lesotho a diamond address and competing with Botswana.