888.88-ct Black Diamond Unveiled in Dubai

(IDEX Online) - An 888.88-carat fancy black diamond, fashioned from a 1,138-carat rough stone, has been unveiled, for the first time, in Dubai.

The diamond, named Infinity, was presented by Antwerp-based Diamond Trading NV at the Dubai Diamond Conference on October 26,

The stone originates from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and was acquired by veteran diamond buyer Andrew Coxon on behalf of De Beers in 1975.

In 2013, the Gemological Institute of America examined the crystal and documented it as the largest single-crystal natural diamond it had examined and reported on up to that time.

But it has only recently been cut and polished. The transformation into the finished stone took place between 2022 and 2024, almost five decades after the original acquisition.

Daniel De Belder, co-managing director of Diamond Trading NV, said: "It is a black diamond. It carries features that are witnesses of the eruptive process, when it came from 150km deep down to the surface.

"We adapted the plan and the manner in which we shape it to what nature is. We did not try to erase the traces of this very dramatic and fast transit from deep in the earth."

The Dubai Diamond Conference, organized by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), also saw the launch of The Swiss Parallel, a report examining lessons from the Swiss mechanical watch industry's development of enduring consumer appeal and investment value.

DMCC also announced an education partnership with HRD Antwerp. The agreement will bring professional courses in diamond grading, gemology and jewelry design to the UAE, with successful participants receiving diplomas issued by HRD Antwerp.

Pic show Infinity, fashioned between 2022 and 2024 from a 1,138-carat rough diamond acquired by De Beers in 1975.