From 108-Carat to Seven Legends: The Rebirth of a Pink Diamond

In 2023, news of a remarkable discovery reverberated through the coloured diamond market: the acquisition of an exceptionally large 108.39-carat pink rough diamond. Its size, colour potential, and geological significance immediately set it apart as one of the most intriguing stones to emerge in recent years. Two years later, its transformation has finally been revealed, and the result is nothing short of extraordinary.

Originally unearthed at the famed KAO Mine in Lesotho, the rough pink diamond has now given life to a suite of seven polished diamonds. Each stone represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship, proportion, and optical performance, the result of a meticulous planning and cutting process that demanded both technical mastery and artistic sensitivity.

Last month, the GIA highlighted these seven outstanding stones, marking the first public unveiling of the polished outcome. Their report documented the rarity of the gems and provided a glimpse into the evolution of the pink diamond from its raw crystalline state to its final refined beauty. The unveiling confirms what industry insiders had long anticipated: this was a once-in-a-generation rough that would produce a truly historic collection.

Anshul Gandhi, who first shared news of the acquisition in 2023, has now presented the completed transformation. The seven diamonds reveal an extraordinary range of saturation, symmetry, and internal clarity, showcasing the stone’s natural potential in its purest form. Each polished piece stands on its own as a masterpiece, yet together they form an exceptional family of jewels born from the same geological miracle.

What makes this narrative particularly compelling is not only the rarity of large pink diamonds but also the precision required to preserve colour intensity while maximising polished yield. Planning such a stone can take months, with cutters analysing every internal feature to determine how to unlock the maximum beauty within. The final result speaks for itself: seven stones that blend rarity, precision, and emotional resonance.

This unveiling also pays homage to the role of the GIA, whose early examination and public storytelling helped shape the narrative of the stone’s journey. Their documentation ensures that future collectors and historians will understand the legacy of the original rough as well as the polished creations it produced.

As the diamonds now enter the next chapter of their lives, whether into private collections or future public exhibitions, their story is already anchored in the history of contemporary coloured diamonds. What began as a 108.39-carat geological wonder has become a set of gems that embody both natural spectacle and human craftsmanship at its finest.

Images Credits: Gemological Institute of America