At the time when the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) hosted the Middle East China Diamond and Jewellery Summit during November 8-9, 2008, a 478 carat white diamond was displayed in a historic unveiling occasion. The diamond was recovered at Letšeng Mine in Lesotho, during September 2008.
Upon scrutiny by experts who used the sophisticated diamond analysis and mapping technology owned by Gem Diamonds Technology DMCC, the diamond indicates the possibility of yielding a D colour flawless round brilliant diamond of up to 150 carats, (making it the largest diamond of its kind in history), or a D flawless diamond of up to 300 carats, the largest D flawless polished diamond since the production of the British Crown Jewels.
The unveiling ceremony was hosted by Ahmed bin Sulayam, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (“DMCC”) and Clifford Elphick, Chairman of Letšeng Diamonds. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC, said: “Indeed, Dubai will add yet another success story to its growing list, because today the Emirate has become the official naming ground for this 478-carat stone.”
The Government of Lesotho, has named the diamond as ‘Leseli La Letšeng’ which translates as ‘Light of Letšeng’. The Letšeng Mine is owned in partnership by Gem Diamonds and the Government of Lesotho.