Nov 6th, 2012

Millennium Star

The Millennium Star is a famous diamond owned by De Beers. At 203.04 carat, it is the world’s second largest known top-color (D), internally and externally flawless, pear-shaped diamond.

The diamond was discovered in the Mbuji-Mayi district of Zaire (Democratic Republic of the Congo) in 1990 in alluvial deposits; uncut, it was 777 carat.

This diamond was purchased by De Beers during the height of the country’s Civil War (before the Kimberley Process) that took place in the early to mid-nineties. It took a team of cutters and polishers over three years to produce this classic pear form.

 

On the Kimberley Process, Civil War & Conflict Diamonds- this particular specimen which was acquired during the DRC Civil War in the 90’s is a prime example of a Conflict Diamond- and the need for the Kimberley Process to continue ensure that diamonds such as this will never be used to fund conflict, strife or illegitimate regimes- as is the case in Zimbabwe.

 

Sources:

Wikipedia

Famous Diamonds