Rare 29-carat blue diamond uncovered

The 29.6-carat blue diamond, found in the Cullinan mine near Pretoria, South Africa, has been labelled by the mine’s owner, Petra Diamonds, to “be in a class of its own”.

In a company release, Petra described the stone as “an outstanding vivid blue with extraordinary saturation, tone and clarity, with the potential to yield a polished stone of great value and importance”.

As with all rare items, its value will depend largely on what buyers are prepared to pay; however, a 25.5-carat blue diamond was sold by Petra in April last year for $US16.9 million (AU$19.3 m). 

The company announced the diamond as one of the most exceptional stones discovered at Cullinan and said it underlined the importance of the mine to its operation and the industry at large. 

The Cullinan mine has a revered place in history as the home of the world’s largest diamond; a 3,106-carat stone that was eventually cut up with major pieces forming part of the British crown jewels. This latest find has reinforced its status.