| The 813-carat Constellation Diamond has been brought to Israel to be laser cut, in the first stage of its processing since the diamond was discovered in Botswana's Karowe Mine by Canadian producer Lucara in 2015. The Constellation was brought to Israel for processing at the advanced Synova Laser MicroJet (LMJ) cutting facility located in the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE), reports the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI), noting that Israel's LMJ facility is the most technologically advanced worldwide. The LMJ technology enables maximum precision and minimum waste in diamond cutting, reducing damage to expensive rough stones and providing higher yields. The Constellation Diamond was sold for $63 million at a private Sotheby's auction last year to Dubai-based Nemesis International. Luxury jeweler de Grisogono has acquired the rough stone and will determine its final creation into polished diamonds. It is estimated that the 813-carat rough will yield two polished stones of 325-carat and 100-carat, of D color and flawless clarity, the larger of which is anticipated to be one of the world's biggest certified flawless diamonds. IDE President Yoram Dvash says, "Having the Constellation Diamond brought to Israel for laser cutting highlights Israel's role as the global technology capital of the diamond industry. This is the Diamond Exchange we strive for - innovative, creative and energetic." |