Israel to Laser Cut World’s Most Expensive Rough Diamond

(IDEX Online) – The 813-carat Constellation Diamond has been brought to Israel to be laser cut in the first stage of its processing.

The diamond was discovered in Botswana’s Karowe Mine by Canadian producer Lucara Diamond Corp in 2015.

The Constellation was brought to Israel for processing at the advanced Synova laser cutting facility located in the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE). Synova Laser MicroJet (LMJ) technology enables maximum precision and minimum waste in diamond cutting, reducing damage to expensive rough stones and providing higher yields, the IDE said in a statement. "Israel’s LMJ facility is the most technologically advanced worldwide and is operated by a team with unsurpassed expertise."

The Constellation Diamond, which may produce one of the world's largest certified flawless diamonds, was sold for $63 million through a private offering by Lucara to a number of its top clients and those who had the capability to purchase and polish the exceptional diamond.

The 1,109-carat Lesedi la Rona rough diamond, found in the same mine by Lucara, sold earlier this year for $53 million. 

Luxury jeweler de Grisogono has acquired the rough stone and will determine its final creation into polished diamonds. It is estimated that the 813-carat rough will yield two polished stones of 325-carats and 100-carats, of D color and flawless clarity, the larger of which will be one of the world’s biggest certified flawless diamonds. 

IDE President Yoram Dvash said, “Having the Constellation Diamond brought to Israel for laser cutting highlights Israel’s role as the global technology capital of the diamond industry. This is the diamond exchange we strive for – innovative, creative and energetic.”