Dominion Recovers 553ct. Yellow Diamond

RAPAPORT... Dominion Diamond Mines has unearthed the largest knowngem-quality diamond found in North America, it said last week. The company recovered the 552.74-carat yellow diamond in Octoberat its Diavik mine in Canada's Northwest Territories. It beats theprevious record the 187.7-carat Diavik Foxfire set at the same mine in 2015. The stone, which is about the size of a chicken's egg, was passingthrough the initial screening process at Diavik's recovery plant when workersdiscovered it, Dominion said. The company won't sell it in its rough form, andinstead plans to select a partner in the coming weeks to cut and polish it. Itwill ultimately sell the polished under the Canadamark program, which certifiesthat diamonds originated in Canadian mines, and are natural and untreated. "This incredible discovery showcases what is trulyspectacular about Canadamark diamonds," said Dominion chairman Kyle Washington."The color and texture of the diamond are a unique example of the journey thatnatural diamonds take from their formation until we unearth them. Our Diavik minehas produced some of the most beautiful diamonds in the world, and this onecertainly tops the list." Dominion owns 40% of the Diavik mine, with RioTinto holding the remaining 60%.Image: The 552.74-carat yellow diamond. (Dominion Diamond Mines)