PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
SourcingMay 24, 2016
122.52-carat blue diamond unearthed in S. Africa
Petra Diamonds has announced the recovery of another big blue rough diamond, this one a 122.52-carat stone found at its Cullinan mine.
London--Friday the 13th wasn’t an unlucky day for Petra Diamonds Ltd.
On Friday, the company announced the recovery of another big blue rough diamond, this one a 122.52-carat stone found at the Cullinan mine in South Africa, which is considered one of the world’s top sources of blue diamonds.
The mine has produced the largest rough gem diamond on record to date, the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond.
Petra did not make any definitive statements about the stone’s quality, stating only that it would require further analysis to assess its potential value and optimal route to market. Because of this, the mining company said it does not expect to sell the diamond before the close of its fiscal year on June 30.
Petra acquired the Cullinan mine in 2008. Since that time, it has produced four rough blue diamonds that were 25 carats or larger.
In 2008, the same year it purchased the mine, Petra recovered a 39.9-carat piece of blue rough which sold for $8.8 million, or $220,551 per carat.
The 7-carat fancy vivid blue diamond sold at Sotheby’s in 2009 for $9.49 million, or $1.35 million per carat, and named the “Star of Josephine” was cut from a 26.6-carat piece of rough recovered at Cullinan.
In addition, the mine produced a 25.5-carat stone that sold for $16.9 million, or $663,144 per carat, in 2013 and a 29.6-carat rough blue diamond that sold in February 2014 for $25.6 million, or $862,780 per carat.
Based in London, Petra is a publicly traded diamond mining company listed on the London Stock Exchange. In addition the Cullinan mine, the company has five other producing mines in South Africa: the Finsch, Koffiefontein, Kimberley Underground and Helam. In addition, Petra operates the Williamson mine in Tanzania and maintains an exploration program in Botswana.
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.
