PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
SourcingMar 11, 2014
Arkansas diamond park yields large white
The Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas continues to be a source of relatively large rough finds for visitors, including this 2.89-carat white diamond dubbed the “Jax Diamond,” which was unearthed by Brandon Kalenda last week.
Brandon Kalenda found this 2.89-carat white diamond at the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas last week. He has named it the “Jax Diamond” after his son, Jackson.
Murfreesboro, Ark.--A family trip that included a quick stop at Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park proved fruitful for one man last week.
After Brandon Kalenda’s mother-in-law saw the park on an episode of TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting, she decided that the family should take a visit there and talked them all into it.
While traveling through Arkansas last week on a journey from Louisiana to Minnesota, they stopped to enjoy the park and look through the 37 1/2-acre search area when Kalenda unearthed a 2.89-carat white diamond.
He named his find the “Jax Diamond,” after his infant son, Jackson, and told the park staff that he plans to keep the stone.
Park Interpreter Margi Jenks said, “No two diamonds in the rough are alike. This is a triangular-shaped diamond with a metallic appearance, and it’s about the size of an English pea.”
She added that Kalenda, who lives in Maurepas, La., had watched the Discovery Channel’s Gold Rush television show before and figured diamond hunting was similar to looking for gold and that diamonds could be found in little pockets of rocks.
“Sure enough, Brandon found his diamond after searching for about 20 minutes in the Fugitt’s Bank area of the park’s search area,” Jenks said. “We encourage park visitors to look for pockets or layers on the surface of gravel, and search there. That’s exactly what Brandon was doing.”
Jenks also noted that conditions are perfect right now for diamond hunting, as park staff plowed the diamond search field at the end of January and a quarter of an inch of rain fell on Sunday, which helps dirt slide off the diamonds and expose them.
Crater of Diamonds is the only diamond-producing site open to the public in the world. So far in 2014, 51 diamonds have been found.
RELATED CONTENT: Diamond park compiles 2013 stats
Last year, visitors to the park uncovered a total of 453 diamonds, 19 of which weighed more than one carat and six of which were more than two carats.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
SurveysOct 07, 2024
Hill & Co.’s New ‘Business of Jewelry Report’ Is OutThe first in what is slated to be a series of in-depth reports from the consulting company, it focuses on shortening supply chains.
WatchesOct 04, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Clocks Another Acquisition—HodinkeeThe company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.
