A rare 29.6-carat blue diamond that could be worth millions of pounds has been discovered in South Africa.
Petra Diamonds said the “exceptional” acorn-sized diamond was unearthed at the Cullinan mine near Pretoria.
Previous notable finds at the mine include the Cullinan Diamond in 1905, described as the largest rough gem diamond ever recovered, at 3,106 carats; a 25.5-carat blue diamond in 2013, sold for $16.9m (£10.2m); and the Star of Josephine in 2008, sold for $9.49m.
Petra’s chief executive, Johan Dippenaar, said the latest discovery could outstrip recent finds. “By some margin … this is probably the most significant stone we’ve ever, in terms of blue stones, recovered,” he said.
Cailey Barker, an analyst at the brokers Numis, said the diamond could fetch $15m-$20m at auction.
Source: The Guardian
The Mysteries of February’s Gemstone, Amethyst
Did you know there are still color-changing aspects of amethyst that scientists still haven’t figured out? Spiritually, its an extremely powerful gem, hailing from the quartz family.
Here’s some more info that you may not know (from Gemstone.org)
For many thousands of years, the most striking representative of the quartz family has been a jewel coveted by princes both ecclesiastical and secular. Moses described it as a symbol of the Spirit of God in the official robes of the High Priest of the Jews, and the Russian Empress Catherine the Great sent thousands of miners into the Urals to look for it. In popular belief, the amethyst offers protection against drunkenness – for the Greek words ‘amethystos’ mean ‘not intoxicated’ in translation. A more apt stone for the month of February, particularly if there is to be plenty going on in the way of carnival celebrations, could thus hardly be wished for.
Apart from these powers, gemstone therapists say that the amethyst has a sobering and cleansing effect. Amethyst has also been said to quell excessive stomach acid and, according to Hildegard von Bingen, served to combat insect bites and beautify the skin.
Style 102013MS
14kt Rose Gold Pear Shape Morganite And Amethyst Leverback Earrings
14kt rose gold leverback earrings each featuring a 14x10mm genuine pear shape morganite surrounded by approximately .63ct t.w. round amethyst.
Price: $1,325.00
