The Earth Star
The Earth Star was cut from a rough gem weighing 248.9 carats
found in the Jagersfontein Mine on May 16th, 1967. It traveled right through the
recovery process until it appeared on the grease table in the recovery plant.
Not surprisingly its appearance caused a commotion at the mine and to many in
the diamond industry because too because among the numerous fine diamonds found
at Jagersfontein, there had been few brown gems. In all its long existence, the
mine had never been known for producing large stones of this color. Moreover
this specimen came from the 2500-foot level of the mine workings, which is
exceptionally deep in a volcanic diamond-bearing pipe for a gem of this size to
be found in.
Baumgold Bros. of New York purchased the stone and cut it into a
pear shape weighing 111.59 carats, then the largest faceted brown diamond in the
world. The diamond was found to have a greater degree of brilliance than is
usually seen in a gem of such a strong color: the combination of color and
brilliance led to Joseph Baumgold naming it the Earth Star. The diamond returned
to South Africa in 1971 for display at the exhibition held to commemorate the
100-year anniversary of the discovery of the Kimberly Mine. The diamond would
later be bought in 1983 for $900,000 by Stephen Zbova of Naples, Florida.
Sources: Famous Diamonds by Ian Balfour and Diamonds - Famous, Notable
and Unique by GIA.