The Famos Earth Star Diamond 111.59 Carats Polished.
by Sharon Sion
Discovery: The Earth Star Diamond was discovered on May 16, 1967, at the Jagersfontein mine in South Africa.
Size and Characteristics: The Earth Star Diamond is notable for its impressive size, weighing 248.9 carats (nearly 50 grams). What makes it particularly intriguing is its rich and intense brown color, which is not common among large diamonds. Brown diamonds, also known as chocolate or cognac diamonds, can vary in shade, and those with a deep and attractive hue are highly sought after.
Polish: The Diamond was polished in Louis and Jack Baumgold's factory in New York into a 111.59-carat pear shape. Or just over 22 grams. With a strong brown color and extraordinary brilliance. One of only three such stones weighing over 100 carats to ever go up on the block.
Sale: The diamond was bought in 1983 for $900,000. It was sold again in 2022 by Sotheby's for just $693,000, very much below its $1.5 million to $2.5 million estimate.
