kristin
02-06-2007, 10:59 AM
Letseng Produces Another Giant, This Time a D Color 216 carater
(February 6, '07, 5:12 Edahn Golan)
The Letseng Diamond Mine has produced another exceptionally large gem, a 216-carat, D color, diamond. With the exception of a gletz, it was graded flawless The stone, together with a 54.9 carat diamond and a 30 carat D / flawless diamond, is in Antwerp where it will be tendered.
In August, a 603-carat white diamond was recovered at Letseng, which is operated by Gem Diamonds and the Lesotho government. The diamond was sold for $12.36 million to Safdico, owners of Graff Jewellers.
According to a Gem Diamonds spokesperson, the gem will either be sold together with other mine production in a regular six-week sale, or, because of its unique size, separately.
Gem Diamonds CEO Clifford Elphick said that he is confident of Letseng's potential.
Lesotho's Minister of Natural Resources, Dr Khaketla added he is delighted that Letseng achieves strong production figures and excellent prices for its diamonds.
De Beers operated the Letseng mine from 1977 to 1982 when it was closed with less than 10 percent of the open pit mineable ore having been treated. After being reopened and operated by JCI Ltd, Gem Diamonds took the helm in 2006.
The mine is owned 70 percent by Gem Diamonds and 30 percent by the Lesotho government.
(February 6, '07, 5:12 Edahn Golan)
The Letseng Diamond Mine has produced another exceptionally large gem, a 216-carat, D color, diamond. With the exception of a gletz, it was graded flawless The stone, together with a 54.9 carat diamond and a 30 carat D / flawless diamond, is in Antwerp where it will be tendered.
In August, a 603-carat white diamond was recovered at Letseng, which is operated by Gem Diamonds and the Lesotho government. The diamond was sold for $12.36 million to Safdico, owners of Graff Jewellers.
According to a Gem Diamonds spokesperson, the gem will either be sold together with other mine production in a regular six-week sale, or, because of its unique size, separately.
Gem Diamonds CEO Clifford Elphick said that he is confident of Letseng's potential.
Lesotho's Minister of Natural Resources, Dr Khaketla added he is delighted that Letseng achieves strong production figures and excellent prices for its diamonds.
De Beers operated the Letseng mine from 1977 to 1982 when it was closed with less than 10 percent of the open pit mineable ore having been treated. After being reopened and operated by JCI Ltd, Gem Diamonds took the helm in 2006.
The mine is owned 70 percent by Gem Diamonds and 30 percent by the Lesotho government.