As demand for sustainable and ethically sourced gems continues to rise, lab-grown diamonds have emerged as a captivating alternative. Lab-grown diamonds are charming both consumers and experts alike with their affordability and sustainable allure. Jasnoor Kaur brings you the report on the growing popularity of these lab creations.

Lab-grown diamonds: The future of sustainable luxury

Britain is all set to welcome its new Monarch. London is bustling with excitement for the coronation of King Charles III. King Charles will be crowned at Westminster Abbey on May 6. The coronation will see the 74-year-old crowned with a solid gold crown made in 1661. The St Edward's Crown is adorned with precious stones. One of the world's largest diamonds is also adorned in this crown known as the Star of Africa. Some South Africans are now calling for Britain to return the diamond which is set in the royal sceptre.

South Africans want UK to return diamond set in crown jewel ahead of King Charles III's coronation

British Museum, even after being the world's largest museum, is still called the 'museum of stolen goods'. A variety of reasons support this fact. UK is often criticised for not returning the goods to their respective owners. And now, before the coronation of King Charles, some South Africans believe, that it's time for UK to return world's largest diamond. For details, watch the video.

South Africans sign petition to bring back diamond from UK

<p>A company VD Global in Surat city of the Indian state of Gujarat found a "diamond within a diamond", a rarest of all finds till now. The 0.329-carat diamond has been given the moniker "Beating Heart" by the company, who&nbsp;suggested the name based on the first feelings upon witnessing the stone.</p>

<p>The stone is now included among rare diamonds, along with Matryoshka diamond, according to the Gem &amp; Jewellery Export Promotion Council. For those who are unaware, Russian diamond miners had found a diamond that had another diamond locked up inside of it, much like a Matryoshka doll.&nbsp;It was first of such rare diamonds that had been discovered in Siberia, Russia.&nbsp;Matryoshka diamond remained the first such diamond in the history of world diamond mining until 2019.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-train-carrying-hazardous-material-derails-in-maine-due-to-track-washout-582858">US: Train carrying hazardous material derails in Maine due to track washout</a></p>

<p>The latest finding from India's Gujarat is distinctive. This diamond has a smaller diamond caught inside of it, a rare of its type. Surat has one of the world's largest diamond processing centers. Here, many world's diamonds are cut and polished.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The stone was part of a package of roughs. V D Global discovered the 0.329 carat D-colored diamond sometime in October 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"While examining roughs at our Surat facility, we found this rare piece of diamond that had another smaller piece trapped inside, but moving freely, which we had never come across earlier," said media reports quoting Vallabh Vaghasiya, chairman of V D Global. “We named it 'Beating Heart' based on our initial feelings upon seeing the unique stone,” Vaghasiya added.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-army-and-rsf-clashes-leave-27-dead-including-3-un-staffers-dozens-injured-582861">Sudan: Army and RSF clashes leave 56 civilians, dozens of fighters dead</a></p>

<p>A De Beers Group Sightholder, VDG Global is a diamond manufacturer with operations in Surat and Mumbai with a worldwide business presence. The company informed De Beers and the stone was taken to the company's laboratory in Maidenhead, UK, for further testing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Preliminary analysis, optical and scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and fluorescence and phosphorescence imaging were only a few of the tests carried out using the tools created by De Beers Group Institute (DBGI).</p>

<p><strong>Watch | What is next in Syrian Civil War?; The rapid development of AI | This World</strong></p>

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<p>De Beers Institute of Diamonds (DBID), part of De Beers Group, recently announced the find and claimed that it is now part of the small group of rare diamonds.</p>

<p>"I have never seen anything like the 'Beating Heart' during my three decades in the diamond sector. Using the expertise of De Beers Group, we can shed light onto the formation and structure of this natural specimen and share these insights with a wider community of diamond professionals," Samantha Sibley, technical educator, De Beers Group Ignite told media outlets.&nbsp;</p>

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A company VD Global in Surat city of the Indian state of Gujarat found a "diamond within a diamond", a rarest of all finds till now. The 0.329-carat diamond has been given the moniker "Beating Heart" by the company, who suggested the name based on the first feelings upon witnessing the stone.

A company VD Global in Surat city of the Indian state of Gujarat found a "diamond within a diamond", a rarest of all finds till now. The 0.329-carat diamond has been given the moniker "Beating Heart" by the company, who suggested the name based on the first feelings upon witnessing the stone. The stone is now included among rare diamonds, along with Matryoshka diamond, according to the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council. For those who are unaware, Russian diamond miners had found a diamond that had another diamond locked up inside of it, much like a Matryoshka doll. It was first of such rare diamonds that had been discovered in Siberia, Russia. Matryoshka diamond remained the first such diamond in the history of world diamond mining until 2019. Also Read | US: Train carrying hazardous material derails in Maine due to track washout The latest finding from India's Gujarat is distinctive. This diamond has a smaller diamond caught inside of it, a rare of its type. Surat has one of the world's largest diamond processing centers. Here, many world's diamonds are cut and polished. The stone was part of a package of roughs. V D Global discovered the 0.329 carat D-colored diamond sometime in October 2022. "While examining roughs at our Surat facility, we found this rare piece of diamond that had another smaller piece trapped inside, but moving freely, which we had never come across earlier," said media reports quoting Vallabh Vaghasiya, chairman of V D Global. “We named it 'Beating Heart' based on our initial feelings upon seeing the unique stone,” Vaghasiya added. Also Read | Sudan: Army and RSF clashes leave 56 civilians, dozens of fighters dead A De Beers Group Sightholder, VDG Global is a diamond manufacturer with operations in Surat and Mumbai with a worldwide business presence. The company informed De Beers and the stone was taken to the company's laboratory in Maidenhead, UK, for further testing. Preliminary analysis, optical and scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and fluorescence and phosphorescence imaging were only a few of the tests carried out using the tools created by De Beers Group Institute (DBGI). Watch | What is next in Syrian Civil War?; The rapid development of AI | This World × De Beers Institute of Diamonds (DBID), part of De Beers Group, recently announced the find and claimed that it is now part of the small group of rare diamonds. "I have never seen anything like the 'Beating Heart' during my three decades in the diamond sector. Using the expertise of De Beers Group, we can shed light onto the formation and structure of this natural specimen and share these insights with a wider community of diamond professionals," Samantha Sibley, technical educator, De Beers Group Ignite told media outlets. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India gets its own 'Matryoshka' diamond in the form of this rarest of rare find in Gujarat

Britain is set to show-off the Koh-i-noor as part of its nation's crown jewels. The nation will also stage the history of the controversial diamond. For how long will the UK remain in its colonial hangover? Mohammed Saleh reports.

Gravitas: UK to show koh-i-noor as 'symbol of conquest'

<p>A visitor discovered a diamond at an Arkansas state park and dubbed it "Bud". "That's for 'Big, Ugly Diamond,'" stated David Anderson, who was the lucky tourist to discover the gem in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.</p>

<p>The 3.29-carat brown diamond was discovered by Anderson at Crater of Diamonds State Park on March 4. Every day, one or two diamonds are discovered by visitors in the park which the authorities allow them to keep.</p>

<p>The man found the gem on a Saturday trip when he was visiting the park's 37.5-acre diamond searching zone, said the park officials in a press release on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"At first I thought it was quartz but wondered why it was so shiny. Once I picked it up, I realised it was a diamond,” Anderson said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-near-perfect-crime-diamonds-still-remain-missing-in-brussels-heist-as-four-more-acquitted-570048">A near-perfect crime? Diamonds still missing in Brussels heist as four more acquitted</a></p>

<p>Anderson added that he has been visiting the park since the first time he heard about it on TV in 2007. "After I found my first diamond, a 1.5-carat white, I was hooked," he stated, adding that since then he has been able to find more than 400 diamonds.</p>

<p>Among his diamond collections are a 3.83-carat yellow diamond which he found in 2011 and a 6.19-carat white diamond which was discovered by him in 2014.</p>

<p>Like other visitors, Anderson said that he also plans to sell the diamond he has recently found to the jewellers in his area.</p>

<p>Park Interpreter Tayler Markham said that the rare stone was "about the size of an English pea, with a light brown colour and octahedron shape".</p>

<p>The rounded and smooth edges of the recent diamond discovered by Anderson are typical, considering the "resorption" during the eruption because the diamonds of the park came to the surface.</p>

<p>This is the largest diamond found in the park since September 2021, when a visitor discovered a 4.38-carat yellow diamond. This year, visitors have so far found 124 diamonds at the Crater of Diamonds State Park.</p>

<p>Visitors in the park are allowed to rent sifting and digging tools, and free identification for minerals and rocks discovered in the park is offered by the park rangers.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Koh-i-noor diamond a 'symbol of conquest' in new display of Crown Jewels</strong></p>

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<p>Since 1906, people have found more than 75,000 diamonds in the park. Among those, around 35,000 were discovered by the people after the region was converted into a state park in 1972.</p>

<p>The site is also the same place where researchers discovered the largest diamond ever found in the country. Experts had unearthed a white diamond with a pink cast, which weighed around 40.23 carats, in 1924 from the site.</p>

<p>The diamond, dubbed the "Uncle Sam", has been put on display at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC.</p>

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A visitor discovered a diamond at an Arkansas state park and dubbed it "Bud". "That's for 'Big, Ugly Diamond,'" stated David Anderson, who was the lucky tourist to discover the gem in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

A visitor discovered a diamond at an Arkansas state park and dubbed it "Bud". "That's for 'Big, Ugly Diamond,'" stated David Anderson, who was the lucky tourist to discover the gem in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The 3.29-carat brown diamond was discovered by Anderson at Crater of Diamonds State Park on March 4. Every day, one or two diamonds are discovered by visitors in the park which the authorities allow them to keep. The man found the gem on a Saturday trip when he was visiting the park's 37.5-acre diamond searching zone, said the park officials in a press release on Wednesday. "At first I thought it was quartz but wondered why it was so shiny. Once I picked it up, I realised it was a diamond,” Anderson said. ALSO READ | A near-perfect crime? Diamonds still missing in Brussels heist as four more acquitted Anderson added that he has been visiting the park since the first time he heard about it on TV in 2007. "After I found my first diamond, a 1.5-carat white, I was hooked," he stated, adding that since then he has been able to find more than 400 diamonds. Among his diamond collections are a 3.83-carat yellow diamond which he found in 2011 and a 6.19-carat white diamond which was discovered by him in 2014. Like other visitors, Anderson said that he also plans to sell the diamond he has recently found to the jewellers in his area. Park Interpreter Tayler Markham said that the rare stone was "about the size of an English pea, with a light brown colour and octahedron shape". The rounded and smooth edges of the recent diamond discovered by Anderson are typical, considering the "resorption" during the eruption because the diamonds of the park came to the surface. This is the largest diamond found in the park since September 2021, when a visitor discovered a 4.38-carat yellow diamond. This year, visitors have so far found 124 diamonds at the Crater of Diamonds State Park. Visitors in the park are allowed to rent sifting and digging tools, and free identification for minerals and rocks discovered in the park is offered by the park rangers. WATCH | Koh-i-noor diamond a 'symbol of conquest' in new display of Crown Jewels Since 1906, people have found more than 75,000 diamonds in the park. Among those, around 35,000 were discovered by the people after the region was converted into a state park in 1972. The site is also the same place where researchers discovered the largest diamond ever found in the country. Experts had unearthed a white diamond with a pink cast, which weighed around 40.23 carats, in 1924 from the site. The diamond, dubbed the "Uncle Sam", has been put on display at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Visitor discovers 'Big Ugly Diamond' in US state park

<p>The Qatar royal family's rival members are fighting over the largest cut blue diamond of the world in London's High Court, as one party forcing for sale of an opulent 70-carat “Idol’s Eye” gemstone for an amount of $10 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The diamond, which was once owned by the Ottoman Empire's sultan, has been the issue of contention in the lawsuit filed by a conglomerate which Qatar's art collector Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah al-Thani runs, called Qipco.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the case, the defendant is Elanus Holdings Limited, which is based in Guernsey and controlled by the late Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed al-Thani's heirs, who had led the acquisition of the extensive national art collection of Qatar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Qipco, which is a private company that sponsors the UK’s Royal Ascot horse races, filed a case forcing Elanus to sell the diamond called “Idol's Eye” for a price of $10 million at least as per the terms of a 2014 contract signed between the entities.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ|</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-corruption-scandal-eu-parliament-to-lift-immunity-of-two-meps-548934">Qatar corruption scandal: EU parliament to lift immunity of two MEPs</a></p>

<p>The lawsuit is based on the deal signed in May 2014 under which Elanus was supposed to hand over “Idol’s Eye” to Qipco as a loan for 20 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the agreement, Qipco has the right to purchase the jewel, if Elanus is willing to sell it. The price of the diamond would be $10 million or the average of the two valuations quoted by major auction houses, whichever figure is higher.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per Qipco, Elanus is controlled by the family of the late Sheikh Saud through the Lichtenstein-registered Al-Thani Foundation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH|&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Rare tornado hits Qatar, moves across desert</strong></p>

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<p>As per the lawsuit, in February 2020, Qipco was notified by Al-Thani Foundation's Swiss-based lawyer Dr Dieter Neupert, through a letter, that the family was willing to sell the “Idol’s Eye”.</p>

<p>However, the same month, Qipco was sent another mail saying they did not wish to sell it anymore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the email, Neupert wrote, “Due to the coronavirus, the Family does not want to sell,” he wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Qatar royal family's rival members are fighting over the largest cut blue diamond of the world in London's High Court, as one party forcing for sale of an opulent 70-carat “Idol’s Eye” gemstone for an amount of $10 million.

The Qatar royal family's rival members are fighting over the largest cut blue diamond of the world in London's High Court, as one party forcing for sale of an opulent 70-carat “Idol’s Eye” gemstone for an amount of $10 million. The diamond, which was once owned by the Ottoman Empire's sultan, has been the issue of contention in the lawsuit filed by a conglomerate which Qatar's art collector Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah al-Thani runs, called Qipco. In the case, the defendant is Elanus Holdings Limited, which is based in Guernsey and controlled by the late Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed al-Thani's heirs, who had led the acquisition of the extensive national art collection of Qatar. Qipco, which is a private company that sponsors the UK’s Royal Ascot horse races, filed a case forcing Elanus to sell the diamond called “Idol's Eye” for a price of $10 million at least as per the terms of a 2014 contract signed between the entities. ALSO READ| Qatar corruption scandal: EU parliament to lift immunity of two MEPs The lawsuit is based on the deal signed in May 2014 under which Elanus was supposed to hand over “Idol’s Eye” to Qipco as a loan for 20 years. As per the agreement, Qipco has the right to purchase the jewel, if Elanus is willing to sell it. The price of the diamond would be $10 million or the average of the two valuations quoted by major auction houses, whichever figure is higher. As per Qipco, Elanus is controlled by the family of the late Sheikh Saud through the Lichtenstein-registered Al-Thani Foundation. WATCH| WION Climate Tracker: Rare tornado hits Qatar, moves across desert As per the lawsuit, in February 2020, Qipco was notified by Al-Thani Foundation's Swiss-based lawyer Dr Dieter Neupert, through a letter, that the family was willing to sell the “Idol’s Eye”. However, the same month, Qipco was sent another mail saying they did not wish to sell it anymore. In the email, Neupert wrote, “Due to the coronavirus, the Family does not want to sell,” he wrote. (With inputs from agencies)

Qatari royals battle over ‘Idol’s Eye’ diamond in London court

Pink diamonds are being auctioned in Hong Kong. The 11 carat Williamson diamond is expected to fetch millions of dollars when it goes under the hammer, here's our report.

Rare pink diamond to be auctioned in Hong Kong

<p>The death of Queen Elizabeth II has sparked a national debate in South Africa over the possession&nbsp;of the largest known clear-cut diamond, the Great Star of Africa.</p>

<p>Calls are now being made to the Royal Family to return the African nation’s precious diamond—also known as Cullinan l—which is currently mounted on a royal sceptre belonging to the Queen.</p>

<p>Since the death of the Queen, calls have intensified in the African nations, former colonies of the British Empire, seeking reparations and return their precious jewels that were looted during the British Empire’s rule, reports CNN.</p>

<p>Cullinan l, which was cut from a larger diamond, was mined in South Africa in 1905. The diamond in its natural form weighed around 3,106 carats, of which 500 carats were cut to make the Great Star of Africa diamond.</p>

<p>The diamond was presented to King Edward VII—the British monarch at the time—in 1907, two years after it was unearthed in a private mine in South Africa’s old Transvaal province, according to the Royal Collection Trust, which oversees the royal collection of the British royal family.</p>

<p>"The Cullinan Diamond must be returned to South Africa with immediate effect," activist Thanduxolo Sabelo&nbsp;told the Sunday Times newspaper.</p>

<p>"The minerals of our country and other countries continue to benefit Britain at the expense of our people,” he added.</p>

<p>African Transformation Movement (ATM) MP Vuyo Zungula went a step further seeking a revamp of the constitution that de-links British Magna Carta and that South Africa should leave the Commonwealth.</p>

<p>“SA should now leave the Commonwealth, demand reparations for all the harm done by Britain, draft a new constitution based on the will of the people of SA not the British Magna Carta, and demand the return of all the gold, diamonds stolen by Britain,” the lawmaker was quoted as saying by the newspaper.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, over 6,000 people have signed a petition calling for the Great Star of Africa to be returned and put in a South African museum, according to local media.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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The death of Queen Elizabeth II has sparked a national debate in South Africa over the possession of the largest known clear-cut diamond, the Great Star of Africa.

The death of Queen Elizabeth II has sparked a national debate in South Africa over the possession of the largest known clear-cut diamond, the Great Star of Africa. Calls are now being made to the Royal Family to return the African nation’s precious diamond—also known as Cullinan l—which is currently mounted on a royal sceptre belonging to the Queen. Since the death of the Queen, calls have intensified in the African nations, former colonies of the British Empire, seeking reparations and return their precious jewels that were looted during the British Empire’s rule, reports CNN. Cullinan l, which was cut from a larger diamond, was mined in South Africa in 1905. The diamond in its natural form weighed around 3,106 carats, of which 500 carats were cut to make the Great Star of Africa diamond. The diamond was presented to King Edward VII—the British monarch at the time—in 1907, two years after it was unearthed in a private mine in South Africa’s old Transvaal province, according to the Royal Collection Trust, which oversees the royal collection of the British royal family. "The Cullinan Diamond must be returned to South Africa with immediate effect," activist Thanduxolo Sabelo told the Sunday Times newspaper. "The minerals of our country and other countries continue to benefit Britain at the expense of our people,” he added. African Transformation Movement (ATM) MP Vuyo Zungula went a step further seeking a revamp of the constitution that de-links British Magna Carta and that South Africa should leave the Commonwealth. “SA should now leave the Commonwealth, demand reparations for all the harm done by Britain, draft a new constitution based on the will of the people of SA not the British Magna Carta, and demand the return of all the gold, diamonds stolen by Britain,” the lawmaker was quoted as saying by the newspaper. Meanwhile, over 6,000 people have signed a petition calling for the Great Star of Africa to be returned and put in a South African museum, according to local media. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Calls grow in South Africa seeking return of 500-carat diamond from UK

What if we told you that diamonds indeed rain from the skies? Yes, you heard that right! Scientists said that diamonds could be literally pouring from the skies in many planets across the universe and couple of these planets are in our neighborhoods.

Is it raining diamonds on Neptune & Uranus? | 'Diamond rain' common on distant planets?

<p>In collaboration with a colleague from the University of Adelaide, three James Cook University academics have discovered metamorphic diamonds in rocks close to Australia’s northeast coast. Alexander Edgar, Ioan Sanislav, Paul Dirks, and Carl Spandler explain how they discovered the small diamonds in their research, which was published in the journal Science Advances. They also explain why they think the discovery will help shed light on Australia’s early history and creation.</p>

<p>Diamonds that have undergone metamorphism only occasionally develop in very specific locations. They range in size from microscopic to nanoscale. The rare diamonds are formed at subduction zones, where the pressure of opposing plates grinding against one another over millions of years creates diamonds that are so small that they cannot be seen with the human eye. On Earth, they have only ever been discovered in six other locations. The Clarke River Fault, which formed when crustal blocks were forced together some 500 million years ago, was the site of the majority of them that the researchers discovered in their current investigation.</p>

<p>When one of their students mentioned some rock formations they had seen that appeared to have been exposed when one of the tectonic plates pushed them above the surrounding ground, the researchers started looking into the rocks along the fault line.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-tiny-turtle-rescued-from-sydney-beach-pooped-pure-plastic-for-six-days-502056">Watch | Tiny turtle&nbsp;rescued from Sydney beach pooped 'pure plastic'&nbsp;for six days</a></p>

<p>According to the researchers, the diamonds they saw were the first to be discovered in the Terra Australis Orogen’s Gondwana-Pacific region. Additionally, they assert that since metamorphic diamonds can only be made under extremely precise circumstances, research into them and the places where they are found may help uncover additional details about how Australia was formed.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In collaboration with a colleague from the University of Adelaide, three James Cook University academics have discovered metamorphic diamonds in rocks close to Australia’s northeast coast.

In collaboration with a colleague from the University of Adelaide, three James Cook University academics have discovered metamorphic diamonds in rocks close to Australia’s northeast coast. Alexander Edgar, Ioan Sanislav, Paul Dirks, and Carl Spandler explain how they discovered the small diamonds in their research, which was published in the journal Science Advances. They also explain why they think the discovery will help shed light on Australia’s early history and creation. Diamonds that have undergone metamorphism only occasionally develop in very specific locations. They range in size from microscopic to nanoscale. The rare diamonds are formed at subduction zones, where the pressure of opposing plates grinding against one another over millions of years creates diamonds that are so small that they cannot be seen with the human eye. On Earth, they have only ever been discovered in six other locations. The Clarke River Fault, which formed when crustal blocks were forced together some 500 million years ago, was the site of the majority of them that the researchers discovered in their current investigation. When one of their students mentioned some rock formations they had seen that appeared to have been exposed when one of the tectonic plates pushed them above the surrounding ground, the researchers started looking into the rocks along the fault line. Also Read: Watch | Tiny turtle rescued from Sydney beach pooped 'pure plastic' for six days According to the researchers, the diamonds they saw were the first to be discovered in the Terra Australis Orogen’s Gondwana-Pacific region. Additionally, they assert that since metamorphic diamonds can only be made under extremely precise circumstances, research into them and the places where they are found may help uncover additional details about how Australia was formed. (with inputs from agencies)

Rare metamorphic diamonds discovered could reveal early history of Australia

<p>Miners in Angola have made the biggest pink diamond discovery in 300 years. They found a rare and pure pink diamond, the Australian site operator said on Wednesday (July 27). It's being considered the largest pink diamond ever discovered,weighing 170 carat. Being called The Lulo Rose, it was found at the Lulo mine in the nation’s diamond-rich northeast, as per a statement from the Lucapa Diamond Company. The Angolan government, a partner in mind, applauded the historic discovery of the Type IIa diamond, one of the purest and rarest varieties of natural stones. The diamond will likely be sold at a spectacular price in an international tender.</p>

<p>Mineral Resources Minister Diamantino Azevedo of Angola stated, “This record and spectacular pink diamond recovered from Lulo continues to showcase Angola as an important player on the world stage,” AFP reported.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sothebys-may-be-liable-for-4million-for-missing-diamonds-after-being-accused-of-giving-them-to-a-stranger-500720"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Sotheby's may be liable for $4million for missing diamonds after being accused of giving them to a ‘stranger’</strong></a></p>

<p>Earlier, similar pink diamonds have been sold for record-breaking amounts, even though The Lulo would need to be cut and polished to realise its full value- a process that can cause a stone to lose half of its weight.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-queen-marie-antoinettes-diamond-bracelets-up-for-grabs-at-geneva-auction-411740"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;French queen Marie-Antoinette's diamond bracelets up for grabs at Geneva auction</strong></a></p>

<p>The stone 59.6 carat Pink Star was purchased for 71.2 million US dollars in Hong Kong in the year 2017. It is still the costliest diamond that has been sold. Chow Tai Fook, a jewellery company won the offer. Henry Cheng Kar-Shun, the company’s chairman, phoned in the offer. But this isn’t the first time the Pink Star was listed for sale. It was purchased by New York-based diamond cutter Isaac Wolf in 2013 for a record of $83 million at Sotheby’s auction in Geneva, CNN reported.</p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Miners in Angola have made the biggest pink diamond discovery in 300 years. They found a rare and pure pink diamond, the Australian site operator said on Wednesday (July 27).

Miners in Angola have made the biggest pink diamond discovery in 300 years. They found a rare and pure pink diamond, the Australian site operator said on Wednesday (July 27). It's being considered the largest pink diamond ever discovered,weighing 170 carat. Being called The Lulo Rose, it was found at the Lulo mine in the nation’s diamond-rich northeast, as per a statement from the Lucapa Diamond Company. The Angolan government, a partner in mind, applauded the historic discovery of the Type IIa diamond, one of the purest and rarest varieties of natural stones. The diamond will likely be sold at a spectacular price in an international tender. Mineral Resources Minister Diamantino Azevedo of Angola stated, “This record and spectacular pink diamond recovered from Lulo continues to showcase Angola as an important player on the world stage,” AFP reported. Also read | Sotheby's may be liable for $4million for missing diamonds after being accused of giving them to a ‘stranger’ Earlier, similar pink diamonds have been sold for record-breaking amounts, even though The Lulo would need to be cut and polished to realise its full value- a process that can cause a stone to lose half of its weight. Also read | French queen Marie-Antoinette's diamond bracelets up for grabs at Geneva auction The stone 59.6 carat Pink Star was purchased for 71.2 million US dollars in Hong Kong in the year 2017. It is still the costliest diamond that has been sold. Chow Tai Fook, a jewellery company won the offer. Henry Cheng Kar-Shun, the company’s chairman, phoned in the offer. But this isn’t the first time the Pink Star was listed for sale. It was purchased by New York-based diamond cutter Isaac Wolf in 2013 for a record of $83 million at Sotheby’s auction in Geneva, CNN reported. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

Angola miners discover a rare and pure pink diamond, likely biggest in 300 years

<p>A state appellate court in New York has ruled that Sotheby’s may be responsible for $4 million for missing diamonds after the auction house was accused of giving them to ‘a stranger’ in a lawsuit. The diamonds were allegedly handed to Sotheby’s for appraisal in April 2019, and M&amp;L Financial was exploring a future consignment, as per the lawsuit filed by M&amp;L Financial. A few months later, M&amp;L said that Sotheby’s allegedly informed the business that it had given the diamonds to a representative of the organisation that loans the gems from M&amp;L as collateral. Since then, the jewels have vanished, CNN reported.</p>

<p>The diamonds had been owned by Jona Rechnitz, a well-known political fundraiser in New York and Hollywood, who operates Jadelle Jewelry and Diamonds of Beverly Hills. As per the lawsuit, Rechnitz delivered the stones to M&amp;L because he owed the company a huge debt. Furthermore, Sotheby’s said that Rechnitz informed the auctioneer that an agent was coming to collect the diamonds. The agent then arrived at Sotheby’s to take up the jewelry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-producer-russia-thwarts-move-to-redefine-conflict-diamonds-488790">Top producer Russia thwarts move to redefine 'conflict diamonds'</a></strong></p>

<p>In 2020, a lawsuit was filed by M&amp;L against Sotheby’s, claiming that the diamonds shouldn’t have been given to a representative. The business also claimed that Rechnitz had recommended Sotheby’s and later found that Rechnitz was friends with Quin Bruning, the auctioneer’s jewellery specialist.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Initially, a lower court determined that Sotheby’s was right to give the items to a representative since Jadelle was mentioned as a co-consignor along with M&amp;L Financial on the contract. However, the California Court of Appeals dissented on July 14 and allowed M&amp;L to proceed with the breach of contract lawsuit against Sotheby’s.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/diamond-city-of-india-loses-its-sheen-as-ukraine-war-disrupts-supply-chains-491987">‘Diamond city’ of India loses its sheen, as Ukraine war disrupts supply chains</a></strong></p>

<p>M&amp;L claimed that after vocally objecting to the incorrect wording and insisting that only financial business (M&amp;L Financial) be included and not executive Bruning in the Consignor’s name, Sotheby’s still signed the contract. However, the latter denies that any such matter was brought up.</p>

<p>The Court of California Appeals said that “There was no agreement yet that Sotheby's definitely would auction the diamonds for M&amp;L, but a potential auction was the point of Sotheby's involvement. Sotheby's breached this agreement by giving the diamonds to [a] stranger,” CNN reported.</p>

<p>However, Sotheby’s in a statement said, “regards the allegations in the complaint as baseless and riddled with untruths and mischaracterizations. We will continue to vigorously defend this in court."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A state appellate court in New York has ruled that Sotheby’s may be responsible for $4 million for missing diamonds after the auction house was accused of giving them to ‘a stranger’ in a lawsuit.

A state appellate court in New York has ruled that Sotheby’s may be responsible for $4 million for missing diamonds after the auction house was accused of giving them to ‘a stranger’ in a lawsuit. The diamonds were allegedly handed to Sotheby’s for appraisal in April 2019, and M&L Financial was exploring a future consignment, as per the lawsuit filed by M&L Financial. A few months later, M&L said that Sotheby’s allegedly informed the business that it had given the diamonds to a representative of the organisation that loans the gems from M&L as collateral. Since then, the jewels have vanished, CNN reported. The diamonds had been owned by Jona Rechnitz, a well-known political fundraiser in New York and Hollywood, who operates Jadelle Jewelry and Diamonds of Beverly Hills. As per the lawsuit, Rechnitz delivered the stones to M&L because he owed the company a huge debt. Furthermore, Sotheby’s said that Rechnitz informed the auctioneer that an agent was coming to collect the diamonds. The agent then arrived at Sotheby’s to take up the jewelry. Also read | Top producer Russia thwarts move to redefine 'conflict diamonds' In 2020, a lawsuit was filed by M&L against Sotheby’s, claiming that the diamonds shouldn’t have been given to a representative. The business also claimed that Rechnitz had recommended Sotheby’s and later found that Rechnitz was friends with Quin Bruning, the auctioneer’s jewellery specialist. Initially, a lower court determined that Sotheby’s was right to give the items to a representative since Jadelle was mentioned as a co-consignor along with M&L Financial on the contract. However, the California Court of Appeals dissented on July 14 and allowed M&L to proceed with the breach of contract lawsuit against Sotheby’s. Also read | ‘Diamond city’ of India loses its sheen, as Ukraine war disrupts supply chains M&L claimed that after vocally objecting to the incorrect wording and insisting that only financial business (M&L Financial) be included and not executive Bruning in the Consignor’s name, Sotheby’s still signed the contract. However, the latter denies that any such matter was brought up. The Court of California Appeals said that “There was no agreement yet that Sotheby's definitely would auction the diamonds for M&L, but a potential auction was the point of Sotheby's involvement. Sotheby's breached this agreement by giving the diamonds to [a] stranger,” CNN reported. However, Sotheby’s in a statement said, “regards the allegations in the complaint as baseless and riddled with untruths and mischaracterizations. We will continue to vigorously defend this in court." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sotheby's may be liable for $4million for missing diamonds after being accused of giving them to a ‘stranger’

Macroeconomic and geopolitical tensions are impacting many industries in the world but there are some sectors that are still positive and optimistic about growth prospects. One such company is global diamond giant De Beers. WION's Business Editor Sumit Chaturvedi spoke to Mark Jacheet, CEO, De Beers Brands on diamond industry.

Cautiously optimistic about growth of diamond industry, says Mark Jacheet

<p>The Gujarat Diamond Workers' Union has asked Gujarat's chief minister for a 10-billion-rupee ($128-million) relief package for workers who have lost their jobs as diamond supply chains have been disrupted due to the Russia-Ukraine war.</p>

<p>As reported by AFP, Union vice-president Bhavesh Tank said, "If the situation does not improve in the coming days, our workers will be compelled to commit suicide. Surat has given the world so much. Surat has scrubbed diamonds for the entire world but our diamond workers are now getting scrubbed."</p>

<p>"We can only pray to God that the war will end. If the war does not end, we don't know how bad things will get," he added.</p>

<p>Originally founded as a port city at the mouth of the Tapi river, Surat earned a reputation as the "Diamond City of India" in the 1960s and '70s. Some 90 per cent of the world's diamonds are cut and polished in the bustling industrial city and elsewhere in the western state of Gujarat.</p>

<p>Traders in Surat's crowded Mahidharpura market openly trade diamonds worth millions of dollars on the streets each day, carrying the precious gems loose in paper wrappings.</p>

<p>"If it doesn't go through Surat, a diamond is not a diamond," said Chirag Patel, CEO of Chirag Gems.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;Illegal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/illegal-afghan-migrants-deported-to-afghanistan-by-turkey-491967">Afghan migrants deported to Afghanistan by Turkey</a></p>

<p>Russian mining giants like Alrosa traditionally accounted for over a third of India's rough diamonds, but supply has all but stopped because of Western sanctions.</p>

<p>For Chirag Gems, Russia was even more important, accounting for half the 900 "roughs" that his firm turns into dazzling gems that sell anywhere from $150 to $150,000.</p>

<p>"We are not getting goods from Russia because the payments system is stuck due to the war," Patel, 32, told AFP, saying he is trying to bridge the gap with supplies from South Africa and Ghana.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Gujarat Diamond Workers' Union has asked Gujarat's chief minister for a 10-billion-rupee ($128-million) relief package for workers who have lost their jobs as diamond supply chains have been disrupted due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

The Gujarat Diamond Workers' Union has asked Gujarat's chief minister for a 10-billion-rupee ($128-million) relief package for workers who have lost their jobs as diamond supply chains have been disrupted due to the Russia-Ukraine war. As reported by AFP, Union vice-president Bhavesh Tank said, "If the situation does not improve in the coming days, our workers will be compelled to commit suicide. Surat has given the world so much. Surat has scrubbed diamonds for the entire world but our diamond workers are now getting scrubbed." "We can only pray to God that the war will end. If the war does not end, we don't know how bad things will get," he added. Originally founded as a port city at the mouth of the Tapi river, Surat earned a reputation as the "Diamond City of India" in the 1960s and '70s. Some 90 per cent of the world's diamonds are cut and polished in the bustling industrial city and elsewhere in the western state of Gujarat. Traders in Surat's crowded Mahidharpura market openly trade diamonds worth millions of dollars on the streets each day, carrying the precious gems loose in paper wrappings. "If it doesn't go through Surat, a diamond is not a diamond," said Chirag Patel, CEO of Chirag Gems. Also Read: Illegal Afghan migrants deported to Afghanistan by Turkey Russian mining giants like Alrosa traditionally accounted for over a third of India's rough diamonds, but supply has all but stopped because of Western sanctions. For Chirag Gems, Russia was even more important, accounting for half the 900 "roughs" that his firm turns into dazzling gems that sell anywhere from $150 to $150,000. "We are not getting goods from Russia because the payments system is stuck due to the war," Patel, 32, told AFP, saying he is trying to bridge the gap with supplies from South Africa and Ghana. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘Diamond city’ of India loses its sheen, as Ukraine war disrupts supply chains

<p>Russia, supported by Belarus, Central African Republic, Kyrgyzstan and Mali, has torpedoed a Western-backed proposal to discuss whether its diamonds are funding war ahead of an international conflict diamond meeting in Botswana, letters seen by Reuters show.</p>

<p>The rift in the Kimberley Process (KP), which certifies rough diamond exports, risks paralyzing the body which makes decisions by consensus.</p>

<p>The letters, which have not been previously reported, show a dispute over a proposal by Ukraine, the European Union, Australia, Britain, Canada, and the United States to discuss&nbsp;Russia's invasion of Ukraine and whether to broaden the KP's definition of conflict diamonds to include state actors at its June 20 - 24 meeting in Botswana.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-howitzers-among-other-nato-weapons-destroyed-in-western-ukraine-488535">Russia: Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny moved to 'strict-regime' penal colony</a></strong></p>

<p>The United States and Britain have already placed sanctions on&nbsp;Russia's Alrosa, the world's largest producer of rough diamonds, which accounted for around 30% of global output last year, and is partly state-owned.</p>

<p>A draft agenda dated May 20 included an hour-long slot to discuss the issue, but the item was removed after objections from&nbsp;Russia, Belarus, Central African Republic (CAR), Kyrgyzstan, and Mali. "We find ourselves at an impasse," Botswana's KP chair Jacob Thamage told participants, who include 85 nations, industry representatives, and civil society organisations in a June 9 letter urging them to find common ground.</p>

<p>The KP defines conflict diamonds as gems used to fund rebel movements seeking to undermine legitimate governments.</p>

<p>Officially labelling&nbsp;Russian diamonds "conflict diamonds" would require widening the definition. The KP Civil Society Coalition has been calling&nbsp;for such a change for years, along with some KP member countries.</p>

<p>The certification scheme, designed to eliminate the trade in so-called "blood diamonds", was set up in 2003 in the wake of devastating civil wars in Angola, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, which were largely financed by the illicit diamond trade.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine-Russia conflict: EU leaders take night train to Kyiv</strong></p>

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<p>Russia's KP delegate said in a May 20 letter that the situation in Ukraine has "no implications" for the Kimberley Process and is "absolutely beyond the scope" of its certification scheme. Belarus, CAR, Kyrgyzstan and Mali all similarly argued that the proposal was "political" or outside the scope of the KP, and that its inclusion on the agenda was inappropriate.</p>

<p>All four countries have backed&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;in recent United Nations General Assembly votes. War-torn CAR is the only country in the world currently under a partial KP embargo for rough diamond exports.&nbsp;Russia, with which it has close trade and security ties, has worked to lift those restrictions.</p>

<p>Mali also has close ties with&nbsp;Russia. Hundreds of&nbsp;Russian military contractors have deployed there since the beginning of this year to help the government fight insurgents.</p>

<p>"If the Kimberley Process is to be a credible guarantor that diamonds exported with a KP certificate are actually conflict-free, it cannot refuse to consider the valid questions that have been raised about whether rough diamonds exported by&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;are financing its invasion of Ukraine," Canada's Ioanna Sahas Martin wrote to the KP chair earlier this month.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-howitzers-among-other-nato-weapons-destroyed-in-western-ukraine-488535">Russia says howitzers among other NATO weapons destroyed in western Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>In a letter to the chair on Monday, Ukraine KP representative Andrii Tkalenko proposed two amendments to the certification scheme: To widen the definition to include government actors, and to allow KP countries, by a majority vote, to expel a country that infringes on another KP member's sovereignty.</p>

<p>Britain, the European Union and the United States also said&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;should step down from the KP committees it currently chairs.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"Inaction would undermine the credibility and integrity of the Kimberley Process not only as a conflict prevention mechanism but also as a trade regulation mechanism," the European Commission's Marika Lautso-Mousnier said in a letter</p>

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Russia, supported by Belarus, Central African Republic, Kyrgyzstan and Mali, has torpedoed a Western-backed proposal to discuss whether its diamonds are funding war ahead of an international conflict diamond meeting in Botswana, letters seen by Reuters show.

Russia, supported by Belarus, Central African Republic, Kyrgyzstan and Mali, has torpedoed a Western-backed proposal to discuss whether its diamonds are funding war ahead of an international conflict diamond meeting in Botswana, letters seen by Reuters show. The rift in the Kimberley Process (KP), which certifies rough diamond exports, risks paralyzing the body which makes decisions by consensus. The letters, which have not been previously reported, show a dispute over a proposal by Ukraine, the European Union, Australia, Britain, Canada, and the United States to discuss Russia's invasion of Ukraine and whether to broaden the KP's definition of conflict diamonds to include state actors at its June 20 - 24 meeting in Botswana. Also read | Russia: Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny moved to 'strict-regime' penal colony The United States and Britain have already placed sanctions on Russia's Alrosa, the world's largest producer of rough diamonds, which accounted for around 30% of global output last year, and is partly state-owned. A draft agenda dated May 20 included an hour-long slot to discuss the issue, but the item was removed after objections from Russia, Belarus, Central African Republic (CAR), Kyrgyzstan, and Mali. "We find ourselves at an impasse," Botswana's KP chair Jacob Thamage told participants, who include 85 nations, industry representatives, and civil society organisations in a June 9 letter urging them to find common ground. The KP defines conflict diamonds as gems used to fund rebel movements seeking to undermine legitimate governments. Officially labelling Russian diamonds "conflict diamonds" would require widening the definition. The KP Civil Society Coalition has been calling for such a change for years, along with some KP member countries. The certification scheme, designed to eliminate the trade in so-called "blood diamonds", was set up in 2003 in the wake of devastating civil wars in Angola, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, which were largely financed by the illicit diamond trade. Watch | Ukraine-Russia conflict: EU leaders take night train to Kyiv Russia's KP delegate said in a May 20 letter that the situation in Ukraine has "no implications" for the Kimberley Process and is "absolutely beyond the scope" of its certification scheme. Belarus, CAR, Kyrgyzstan and Mali all similarly argued that the proposal was "political" or outside the scope of the KP, and that its inclusion on the agenda was inappropriate. All four countries have backed Russia in recent United Nations General Assembly votes. War-torn CAR is the only country in the world currently under a partial KP embargo for rough diamond exports. Russia, with which it has close trade and security ties, has worked to lift those restrictions. Mali also has close ties with Russia. Hundreds of Russian military contractors have deployed there since the beginning of this year to help the government fight insurgents. "If the Kimberley Process is to be a credible guarantor that diamonds exported with a KP certificate are actually conflict-free, it cannot refuse to consider the valid questions that have been raised about whether rough diamonds exported by Russia are financing its invasion of Ukraine," Canada's Ioanna Sahas Martin wrote to the KP chair earlier this month. Also read | Russia says howitzers among other NATO weapons destroyed in western Ukraine In a letter to the chair on Monday, Ukraine KP representative Andrii Tkalenko proposed two amendments to the certification scheme: To widen the definition to include government actors, and to allow KP countries, by a majority vote, to expel a country that infringes on another KP member's sovereignty. Britain, the European Union and the United States also said Russia should step down from the KP committees it currently chairs. "Inaction would undermine the credibility and integrity of the Kimberley Process not only as a conflict prevention mechanism but also as a trade regulation mechanism," the European Commission's Marika Lautso-Mousnier said in a letter WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Top producer Russia thwarts move to redefine 'conflict diamonds'

The world's largest blue diamond ever to come to auction has sold for $57.5 million. The diamond is called “The De Beers Cullinan Blue”.

World's largest blue diamond to go under hammer, sells for $57.5 million

A 555.55-carat black diamond called ‘The Enigma’ has been unveiled in Dubai. Auction house Sotheby's displayed the rare gem to scribes as part of a tour in Dubai and Los Angeles. The diamond, which is believed to have come from outer space, will be put up for auction in February in London.

From outer space? 555.55-carat black diamond ‘The Enigma’ set for auction

<p>Nature is full of wonders and there's no saying what we might come across. Things once thought impossible sometimes have a way of proving us wrong. This is especially true in case of science.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scientists have found a never-before-seen mineral. To add to the wonder, this mineral was found trapped inside a diamond. Existence of this mineral was known but it was also known that the mineral was found deep inside Earth's mantle.</p>

<p>Name of the mineral is davemaoite. It is a high-pressure calcium silicate perovskite (CASiO3). Davemaoite has a crystalline structure that is formed only under high pressure and high temperature. These conditions are found in Earth's mantle which is part between Earth's crust and core.</p>

<p>It is not possible to find davemaoite on Earth's surface as when the mineral travels to upper layers of Earth, it breaks down to other minerals. However, because it got trapped inside a diamond in this case, it retained its form and chemical stability.</p>

<p>The diamond in question was found in Botswana 660 kilometres below Earth's surface. The mineral sample was preserved within a diamond.</p>

<p>Study on this new mineral has been published in journal Science.</p>


Nature is full of wonders and there's no saying what we might come across. Things once thought impossible sometimes have a way of proving us wrong. This is especially true in case of science.

Nature is full of wonders and there's no saying what we might come across. Things once thought impossible sometimes have a way of proving us wrong. This is especially true in case of science. Scientists have found a never-before-seen mineral. To add to the wonder, this mineral was found trapped inside a diamond. Existence of this mineral was known but it was also known that the mineral was found deep inside Earth's mantle. Name of the mineral is davemaoite. It is a high-pressure calcium silicate perovskite (CASiO3). Davemaoite has a crystalline structure that is formed only under high pressure and high temperature. These conditions are found in Earth's mantle which is part between Earth's crust and core. It is not possible to find davemaoite on Earth's surface as when the mineral travels to upper layers of Earth, it breaks down to other minerals. However, because it got trapped inside a diamond in this case, it retained its form and chemical stability. The diamond in question was found in Botswana 660 kilometres below Earth's surface. The mineral sample was preserved within a diamond. Study on this new mineral has been published in journal Science.

Scientists find never-before-seen mineral trapped in a diamond

As Mughal-era diamond-encrusted spectacles go on auction next month, here's a look at the most expensive diamonds ever to be auctioned in the world. The rarity of each diamond fetched high prices with bidders willing to pay up to $ 48 million for these pieces.

The most expensive diamonds auctioned ever in the world

<p>We wear spectacles to see things better. Well, at least mortals like us do. But there were two pairs of spectacles made in 17th century that were supposed to ward off evil and help the wearer reach enlightenment. It's natural that with such heavy-duty responsibility, the glasses needed some serious craftsmanship. Diamonds and emeralds may not sound like an overkill when such a context is adopted.</p>

<p>Two pairs of such 'glasses', encrusted with diamonds and emeralds are going to get auctioned off. And they are expected to fetch $3.5 million! The auction-house Sotheby is doing the honours.</p>

<p>If warding off evil is not enough for you to attempt to justify the mega price tag, the specs of the specs (specifications of the spectacles, get it?) may convince you.</p>

<p>One of the spectacles has their lenses&nbsp;made of diamonds. The other pair has two brilliant emeralds.</p>

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<p>The spectacles have an Indian connect. Lenses from one of the pairs (known as 'Halo of Light') are believed to have been cut from a 200-carat diamond found in Golconda, India. The place is currently located in Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. As per Sotheby's estimates, the original diamond was "possibly the largest ever found"</p>

<p>Emeralds in the other pair are believed to have been cut from a Colombian emerald weighing more than 300 carats.</p>

<p>Now who would own such neighbour's-envy spectacles? Sotheby's Edward Gibbs has been quoted as saying that they "could only have belonged" to an emperor, his inner circle, or a high-ranking courtier.&nbsp;Gibbs says that the spectacles are an exceptional example of Mughal-era craftsmanship.</p>

<p>The spectacles are to go for auction in October this year. Ahead of the auction, they are set to go on public display in New York, Hong Kong and London.</p>

<p>Gemstones have been prized in Islamic and Indic traditions. Diamonds and other gemstones were considered to possess 'celestial light'. Their use for pairs of spectacles designed to ward off evil has such a connection.</p>

<p>Feeling bad about your Raybans already?</p>


We wear spectacles to see things better. Well, at least mortals like us do. But there were two pairs of spectacles made in 17th century that were supposed to ward off evil and help the wearer reach enlightenment.

We wear spectacles to see things better. Well, at least mortals like us do. But there were two pairs of spectacles made in 17th century that were supposed to ward off evil and help the wearer reach enlightenment. It's natural that with such heavy-duty responsibility, the glasses needed some serious craftsmanship. Diamonds and emeralds may not sound like an overkill when such a context is adopted. Two pairs of such 'glasses', encrusted with diamonds and emeralds are going to get auctioned off. And they are expected to fetch $3.5 million! The auction-house Sotheby is doing the honours. If warding off evil is not enough for you to attempt to justify the mega price tag, the specs of the specs (specifications of the spectacles, get it?) may convince you. One of the spectacles has their lenses made of diamonds. The other pair has two brilliant emeralds. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sotheby's (@sothebys) × The spectacles have an Indian connect. Lenses from one of the pairs (known as 'Halo of Light') are believed to have been cut from a 200-carat diamond found in Golconda, India. The place is currently located in Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. As per Sotheby's estimates, the original diamond was "possibly the largest ever found" Emeralds in the other pair are believed to have been cut from a Colombian emerald weighing more than 300 carats. Now who would own such neighbour's-envy spectacles? Sotheby's Edward Gibbs has been quoted as saying that they "could only have belonged" to an emperor, his inner circle, or a high-ranking courtier. Gibbs says that the spectacles are an exceptional example of Mughal-era craftsmanship. The spectacles are to go for auction in October this year. Ahead of the auction, they are set to go on public display in New York, Hong Kong and London. Gemstones have been prized in Islamic and Indic traditions. Diamonds and other gemstones were considered to possess 'celestial light'. Their use for pairs of spectacles designed to ward off evil has such a connection. Feeling bad about your Raybans already?

Mughal-era diamond and emerald-laden specs may fetch $3.5 million in auction

<p>Chinese scientists have reportedly developed glass material as hard as a diamond tentatively named <strong>AM-III</strong> which can widely be used in the <strong>hi-tech industry</strong>.</p>

<p>The AM-III is apparently a semiconductor which can reportedly pass <strong>electric current</strong>. The AM-III is made of <strong>carbon </strong>which can also be used to make a<strong> bulletproof</strong> window&nbsp;and is a semiconductor almost as efficient as <strong>silicon</strong>, reports say.</p>

<p>AM-III's ability to be used as a&nbsp;photoelectric device&nbsp;can make it a product of interest to manufacture&nbsp;<strong>weapons</strong> due to its ability to withstand extreme temperatures.</p>

<p>The ultrastrong semiconducting device has wide applications however <strong>mass production</strong> is still a long way off. The new material developed by scientists in northern <strong>China</strong> can reportedly leave deep scratches on a diamond.</p>

<p>Reports say the <strong>bulletproof quality </strong>of the AM-III is maybe twenty to hundred times better than a conventional product available in the market.</p>

<p>The transparent AM-III can also be produced in various shapes and sizes, according to scientists.</p>

<p><strong>Diamonds</strong> are commonly known as the hardest material in the world and is also the most scratch-resistant material found on the planet.</p>

<p>A Diamond is considered matchless in toughness and scratch-resistant qualities.&nbsp;It is also the hardest and most durable gemstone on the planet.</p>

<p>Diamonds are found in several countries with <strong>Russia</strong>, Botswana, Canada, Angola, <strong>South Africa</strong>, DR Congo, Nambia, Lesotho, <strong>Tanzania </strong>and Australia being the top producers.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Chinese scientists have reportedly developed glass material as hard as a diamond tentatively named AM-III which can widely be used in the hi-tech industry. The AM-III is apparently a semiconductor which can reportedly pass electric current.

Chinese scientists have reportedly developed glass material as hard as a diamond tentatively named AM-III which can widely be used in the hi-tech industry. The AM-III is apparently a semiconductor which can reportedly pass electric current. The AM-III is made of carbon which can also be used to make a bulletproof window and is a semiconductor almost as efficient as silicon, reports say. AM-III's ability to be used as a photoelectric device can make it a product of interest to manufacture weapons due to its ability to withstand extreme temperatures. The ultrastrong semiconducting device has wide applications however mass production is still a long way off. The new material developed by scientists in northern China can reportedly leave deep scratches on a diamond. Reports say the bulletproof quality of the AM-III is maybe twenty to hundred times better than a conventional product available in the market. The transparent AM-III can also be produced in various shapes and sizes, according to scientists. Diamonds are commonly known as the hardest material in the world and is also the most scratch-resistant material found on the planet. A Diamond is considered matchless in toughness and scratch-resistant qualities. It is also the hardest and most durable gemstone on the planet. Diamonds are found in several countries with Russia, Botswana, Canada, Angola, South Africa, DR Congo, Nambia, Lesotho, Tanzania and Australia being the top producers. (With inputs from Agencies)

AM-III: Now, Chinese scientists develop glass as hard as a diamond; will it be used for weapons?

<p>An exceptionally large and white 1,174-carat diamond stone has been unearthed in Botswana, a mining company announced on Wednesday, trumping another huge precious stone found in the country last month.</p>

<p>The latest find, which fills the palm of a man's hand, was discovered on June 12 by Canadian Diamond firm, Lucara and presented to the country's cabinet in the capital Gaborone on Wednesday.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/botswana-says-it-has-found-the-worlds-third-largest-diamond-392128"><strong>Also read | Botswana says it has found the world’s third-largest diamond</strong></a><br />
<br />
"This is history in the making, for us and Botswana as well," said the company's managing director Naseem Lahri, adding that the diamond sits in third position among the world's largest gemstones.</p>

<p>In terms of size of large stones, "it actually sits as number three in the hierarchy," Lahri told AFP.</p>

<p>Last month Botswanan diamond firm Debswana said it had recovered the "third largest" stone in the world at 1,098-carats on June 1.</p>

<p>The latest find solidifies Botswana as a leader on the world stage of the largest stones, accounting for six in the top ten list.</p>

<p>The biggest diamond ever discovered in the world was the 3,106-carat Cullinan, found in South Africa in 1905. Parts of that diamond adorn the British crown jewels.</p>

<p>President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Wednesday welcomed the "riveting moment" and the growing frequency of diamond discoveries in the country -- promising that the southern African country will have a long-lasting legacy.</p>

<p>Botswana is Africa's leading diamond producer.</p>


An exceptionally large and white 1,174-carat diamond stone has been unearthed in Botswana, a mining company announced on Wednesday, trumping another huge precious stone found in the country last month.

An exceptionally large and white 1,174-carat diamond stone has been unearthed in Botswana, a mining company announced on Wednesday, trumping another huge precious stone found in the country last month. The latest find, which fills the palm of a man's hand, was discovered on June 12 by Canadian Diamond firm, Lucara and presented to the country's cabinet in the capital Gaborone on Wednesday. Also read | Botswana says it has found the world’s third-largest diamond "This is history in the making, for us and Botswana as well," said the company's managing director Naseem Lahri, adding that the diamond sits in third position among the world's largest gemstones. In terms of size of large stones, "it actually sits as number three in the hierarchy," Lahri told AFP. Last month Botswanan diamond firm Debswana said it had recovered the "third largest" stone in the world at 1,098-carats on June 1. The latest find solidifies Botswana as a leader on the world stage of the largest stones, accounting for six in the top ten list. The biggest diamond ever discovered in the world was the 3,106-carat Cullinan, found in South Africa in 1905. Parts of that diamond adorn the British crown jewels. President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Wednesday welcomed the "riveting moment" and the growing frequency of diamond discoveries in the country -- promising that the southern African country will have a long-lasting legacy. Botswana is Africa's leading diamond producer.

Botswana unearths second huge diamond in weeks 

<p>Botswanan diamond firm Debswana said Wednesday it had unearthed a 1,098-carat stone that is described as the third-largest of its kind in the world.</p>

<p>The stone, found on June 1, was shown to President Mokgweetsi Masisi in the capital Gaborone.</p>

<p>"It is believed to be the third-largest gem-quality find in the world," said Debswana Managing Director Lynette Armstrong.</p>

<p>The "rare and extraordinary stone... means so much in the context of diamonds and Botswana," she said. "It brings hope to the nation that is struggling."</p>

<p>It also the biggest stone of gem quality to be recovered in the history of the company, a joint venture between the government and global diamond giant De Beers.</p>

<p>The biggest diamond ever discovered in the world was the 3,106-carat Cullinan, found in South Africa in 1905.</p>

<p>The second largest was 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona -- a diamond the size of a tennis ball, discovered at Karowe, northeastern Botswana, in 2015.</p>

<p>Botswana is Africa's leading diamond producer.</p>


Botswanan diamond firm Debswana said Wednesday it had unearthed a 1,098-carat stone that is described as the third-largest of its kind in the world. The stone, found on June 1, was shown to President Mokgweetsi Masisi in the capital Gaborone.

Botswanan diamond firm Debswana said Wednesday it had unearthed a 1,098-carat stone that is described as the third-largest of its kind in the world. The stone, found on June 1, was shown to President Mokgweetsi Masisi in the capital Gaborone. "It is believed to be the third-largest gem-quality find in the world," said Debswana Managing Director Lynette Armstrong. The "rare and extraordinary stone... means so much in the context of diamonds and Botswana," she said. "It brings hope to the nation that is struggling." It also the biggest stone of gem quality to be recovered in the history of the company, a joint venture between the government and global diamond giant De Beers. The biggest diamond ever discovered in the world was the 3,106-carat Cullinan, found in South Africa in 1905. The second largest was 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona -- a diamond the size of a tennis ball, discovered at Karowe, northeastern Botswana, in 2015. Botswana is Africa's leading diamond producer.

Botswana says it has found the world’s third-largest diamond

<p>A 15.81 carat Sakura diamond, the largest of its kind to ever appear for sale, will go under the hammer at Christie's upcoming Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels Live Auction on May 23, the auction house announced on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Estimated at 25 million USD to 38 million USD, the 'fancy vivid purple pink internally flawless' diamond will be the star highlight of the sale.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is the diamond's exceptional rarity, extraordinary optical transparency, brilliant colour, and enormous size that make it an immensely important, and eternal masterpiece of nature.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As fewer than 10 per cent of pink diamonds weigh more than one-fifth of a carat, this fancy vivid purple-pink diamond is of an unprecedented size of 15.81 carats, which is the largest of its kind (Fancy Vivid Purple-Pink) to be offered at any auction," a Christie's statement noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that the lot fell in the exclusive group of the four per cent of pink diamonds that possess a colour deep enough to qualify as 'fancy vivid'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This magnificent gem is graded 'fancy vivid' for its perfect display of strong saturation and remarkable pink hue with a secondary colour of purple, resembling the fascinating colour of cherry blossoms appropriately coinciding with spring," the auction house said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Christie's has previously offered on auction several of the largest and the rarest pink diamonds, including the Winston Pink Legacy sold in Geneva in 2018 that still holds the auction record per carat for any pink diamond.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This season we are very honoured to continue this fine tradition by presenting 'The Sakura Diamond' in Hong Kong."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This exceptionally rare and magnificent wonder of nature represents a unique expression of identity and mesmerising beauty through its enthralling purple pink hue, that will undoubtedly capture the hearts of discerning connoisseurs and collectors worldwide," said Vickie Sek, Chairman, Department of Jewellery, Christie's Asia Pacific. &nbsp;</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</p>


A 15.81 carat Sakura diamond, the largest of its kind to ever appear for sale, will go under the hammer at Christie's upcoming Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels Live Auction on May 23, the auction house announced on Tuesday.

A 15.81 carat Sakura diamond, the largest of its kind to ever appear for sale, will go under the hammer at Christie's upcoming Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels Live Auction on May 23, the auction house announced on Tuesday. Estimated at 25 million USD to 38 million USD, the 'fancy vivid purple pink internally flawless' diamond will be the star highlight of the sale. It is the diamond's exceptional rarity, extraordinary optical transparency, brilliant colour, and enormous size that make it an immensely important, and eternal masterpiece of nature. "As fewer than 10 per cent of pink diamonds weigh more than one-fifth of a carat, this fancy vivid purple-pink diamond is of an unprecedented size of 15.81 carats, which is the largest of its kind (Fancy Vivid Purple-Pink) to be offered at any auction," a Christie's statement noted. It added that the lot fell in the exclusive group of the four per cent of pink diamonds that possess a colour deep enough to qualify as 'fancy vivid'. "This magnificent gem is graded 'fancy vivid' for its perfect display of strong saturation and remarkable pink hue with a secondary colour of purple, resembling the fascinating colour of cherry blossoms appropriately coinciding with spring," the auction house said. Christie's has previously offered on auction several of the largest and the rarest pink diamonds, including the Winston Pink Legacy sold in Geneva in 2018 that still holds the auction record per carat for any pink diamond. "This season we are very honoured to continue this fine tradition by presenting 'The Sakura Diamond' in Hong Kong." "This exceptionally rare and magnificent wonder of nature represents a unique expression of identity and mesmerising beauty through its enthralling purple pink hue, that will undoubtedly capture the hearts of discerning connoisseurs and collectors worldwide," said Vickie Sek, Chairman, Department of Jewellery, Christie's Asia Pacific. (With inputs from agencies)

Largest purple-pink diamond ever to go on sale at Christie's Hong Kong auction 

<p>Rapper Lil Uzi Vert is living a 'vision'ary life. Last month the 26-year-old hinted&nbsp;that he possibly may implant a natural pink diamond into his forehead. The 'Bad and Boujee'&nbsp;co-star wrote on his Twitter that he finally finished paying an alleged $24 million dollars to popular jeweler Elliot Eliantte.<br />
<br />
“This one stone cost so much, I’ve been paying for it since 2017,” the rapper wrote. Uzi also suggested&nbsp;that the jaw-dropping piece was worth as much as $2 million per carat. Adding in his series of tweets that the diamond is “almost 11 carats.”</p>

<p>Now, the rapper is actually rocking&nbsp;the oval-shaped implant and also posted on his Instagram his new addition stating under his post that, “beauty is pain.”</p>

<p>A separate video of Uzi on FaceTime, posted by his friend Ceo Slow, clearly shows the diamond protruding from his head.<br />
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&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ok we good <a href="https://t.co/tOOIaQbcWs">pic.twitter.com/tOOIaQbcWs</a></p>
— Uzi London 🌎☄️💕® (@LILUZIVERT) <a href="https://twitter.com/LILUZIVERT/status/1357140185222434816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I’m literally tryna turn into a Diamond 💎</p>
— Uzi London 🌎☄️💕® (@LILUZIVERT) <a href="https://twitter.com/LILUZIVERT/status/1357140998137249798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Uzi previously stated that the natural diamond is authenticated, certified by the Gemological Institute of America, and not lab-grown after he first shared his bizarre plans on Twitter.</p>

<p>‘I’ve been paying for a natural pink diamond from Elliot for years now. This one Stone cost so much I’ve been paying for it since 2017. That was the first time I saw a real natural pink diamond… A lot of M’s in my face,’ the rapper wrote.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I’ve been paying for a natural pink diamond from Elliot for years now . This one Stone cost so much I’ve been paying for it since 2017. That was the first time I saw a real natural pink diamond. ♦️ A lot of M’s in my face 🤫 💰 💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰</p>
— Uzi London 🌎☄️💕® (@LILUZIVERT) <a href="https://twitter.com/LILUZIVERT/status/1355560514542309381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>When questioned how he could afford such a diamond, he revealed he had been saving for three years and that it cost him more than all of his cars, and home, put together.<br />
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The internet reacted to the rapper's diamond addition. Some loving the new addition, while others are still getting used to it and even comparing it with Marvel superhero Vision.&nbsp;<br />
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">this is how ima pull up on lil uzi when he gets that diamond on his forehead <a href="https://t.co/satDm9mKS1">pic.twitter.com/satDm9mKS1</a></p>
— 𝓖𝓲𝓸 (@woahgio_) <a href="https://twitter.com/woahgio_/status/1356762937030045701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">uzi really said he finna cast infinite tsukuyomi on in with this next album <a href="https://t.co/x6ANF4AYvi">pic.twitter.com/x6ANF4AYvi</a></p>
— twano (@jaytwano) <a href="https://twitter.com/jaytwano/status/1357145408401735683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Lil Uzi Vert implanted a freaking diamond on his forehead.<br />
And i still lack confidence (*_*)</p>
— Akshat Shrivastava (@akshxt_) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshxt_/status/1356997789457149953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Rapper Lil Uzi Vert is living a 'vision'ary life. Last month the 26-year-old hinted that he possibly may implant a natural pink diamond into his forehead. The 'Bad and Boujee' co-star wrote on his Twitter that he finally finished paying an alleged $24 million dollars to popular jeweler Elliot Eliantte.

Rapper Lil Uzi Vert is living a 'vision'ary life. Last month the 26-year-old hinted that he possibly may implant a natural pink diamond into his forehead. The 'Bad and Boujee' co-star wrote on his Twitter that he finally finished paying an alleged $24 million dollars to popular jeweler Elliot Eliantte. “This one stone cost so much, I’ve been paying for it since 2017,” the rapper wrote. Uzi also suggested that the jaw-dropping piece was worth as much as $2 million per carat. Adding in his series of tweets that the diamond is “almost 11 carats.” Now, the rapper is actually rocking the oval-shaped implant and also posted on his Instagram his new addition stating under his post that, “beauty is pain.” A separate video of Uzi on FaceTime, posted by his friend Ceo Slow, clearly shows the diamond protruding from his head. Ok we good pic.twitter.com/tOOIaQbcWs — Uzi London 🌎☄️💕® (@LILUZIVERT) February 4, 2021 × I’m literally tryna turn into a Diamond 💎 — Uzi London 🌎☄️💕® (@LILUZIVERT) February 4, 2021 × Uzi previously stated that the natural diamond is authenticated, certified by the Gemological Institute of America, and not lab-grown after he first shared his bizarre plans on Twitter. ‘I’ve been paying for a natural pink diamond from Elliot for years now. This one Stone cost so much I’ve been paying for it since 2017. That was the first time I saw a real natural pink diamond… A lot of M’s in my face,’ the rapper wrote. I’ve been paying for a natural pink diamond from Elliot for years now . This one Stone cost so much I’ve been paying for it since 2017. That was the first time I saw a real natural pink diamond. ♦️ A lot of M’s in my face 🤫 💰 💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰 — Uzi London 🌎☄️💕® (@LILUZIVERT) January 30, 2021 × When questioned how he could afford such a diamond, he revealed he had been saving for three years and that it cost him more than all of his cars, and home, put together. The internet reacted to the rapper's diamond addition. Some loving the new addition, while others are still getting used to it and even comparing it with Marvel superhero Vision. this is how ima pull up on lil uzi when he gets that diamond on his forehead pic.twitter.com/satDm9mKS1 — 𝓖𝓲𝓸 (@woahgio_) February 3, 2021 × uzi really said he finna cast infinite tsukuyomi on in with this next album pic.twitter.com/x6ANF4AYvi — twano (@jaytwano) February 4, 2021 × Lil Uzi Vert implanted a freaking diamond on his forehead. And i still lack confidence (*_*) — Akshat Shrivastava (@akshxt_) February 3, 2021 ×

Rapper Lil Uzi Vert gets a diamond implant on his forehead like Marvel's Vision

<p>Threats of being implicated for theft and even being killed are among the allegations caught on camera in a video recorded by so-called “dummy directors” associated with companies linked to Nirav Modi, which was submitted by the CBI to the UK court hearing the extradition case against the diamond merchant charged with fraud and money laundering.</p>

<p>A group of six Indian men can be heard in the video played at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London during the trial this week, with each of them making allegations of being forced to leave Dubai and come to Cairo, Egypt, where their passports were confiscated and were allegedly made to sign dubious documents against their will by Modi’s brother, Nehal Modi.</p>

<p>“My name is Ashish Kumar Mohanbhai Lad, I am the namesake owner of Sunshine Gems Limited, Hong Kong, and Unity Trading Fze, Dubai,” says one of the men on the recording from June 2018.</p>

<p>“Nirav Modi phoned me and told me that he would implicate me for theft. He used the worst expletives” told me that he would get me killed… he did so much to us,” he says in Hindi.</p>

<p>The other Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) witnesses include Rushabh Jethwa, who says he is the namesake owner of Empire Gems FZE in Sharjah; Sonu Mehta, the namesake director of Auragem Company Limited, Hong Kong; Shreedhar Mayekar, the namesake owner of Unique Diamond and Jewellery, Azman; and Nileshkumar Balwantrai Mistry, the namesake owner of Hamilton Precious Traders Limited in Dubai.</p>

<p>Speaking in a mix of Hindi and Gujarati, they are heard saying that they are making the recording as they fear for their safety and just want to go back to India but are being held against their will.</p>

<p>“We have signed the document because they will not give back our passports until we sign,” says Jethwa.</p>

<p>These witnesses relate to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) discovery that dummy directors/owners/managers were appointed in a number of overseas companies in Hong Kong and Dubai, though the companies remained under the direct control of Modi.</p>

<p>The charges against the 49-year-old diamond merchant centre around his firms Diamonds R Us, Solar Exports and Stellar Diamonds making fraudulent use of a credit facility offered by the Punjab National Bank (PNB), known as “letters of undertaking” (LoUs).</p>

<p>According to the government of India’s case, a number of PNB staff conspired with Modi to ensure LoUs were issued to these companies without ensuring they were subject to the required credit check, without recording the issuance of the LoUs and without charging the required commission upon the transactions. This resulted in a fraud amounting to nearly USD 2 billion.</p>

<p>Modi claims to have come to the UK ahead of a planned initial public offering (IPO) but an Interpol Red Notice was issued against him before he was traced to a plush rented apartment at Centre Point in central London early last year.</p>

<p>An extradition request from the Indian government was certified by the UK Home Office in February last year before his arrest by Scotland Yard on March 19, 2019. The jeweller remains behind bars at Wandsworth Prison in south-west London since then, failing to get bail despite repeated attempts.</p>

<p>A second extradition request, relating to “causing the disappearance of evidence” and intimidating witnesses or “criminal intimidation to cause death”, was also certified earlier this year. While the hearing to establish a prima facie case against Modi is ongoing in London this week, the extradition trial will conclude only in September once the second part of the case and the defence arguments against prison conditions at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai are heard.</p>

<p>The UK’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), presenting the arguments in court on behalf of the Indian authorities, has sought to establish a pattern of dishonest behaviour on the part of Modi when he acquired the LoUs and also in their dispersal across a complex worldwide empire.</p>

<p>Modi’s defence team have claimed a paucity of evidence to prove dishonesty and also questioned the admissibility of some of the evidence.</p>

<p>A ruling in the extradition hearing to establish whether Modi has a case to answer in the Indian courts and that there are no human rights barriers to him being extradited to India is expected only after the second hearing in the case in September.</p>


Threats of being implicated for theft and even being killed are among the allegations caught on camera in a video recorded by so-called “dummy directors” associated with companies linked to Nirav Modi, which was submitted by the CBI to the UK court hearing the extradition case against the diamond merchant charged with fraud and money laundering.

Threats of being implicated for theft and even being killed are among the allegations caught on camera in a video recorded by so-called “dummy directors” associated with companies linked to Nirav Modi, which was submitted by the CBI to the UK court hearing the extradition case against the diamond merchant charged with fraud and money laundering. A group of six Indian men can be heard in the video played at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London during the trial this week, with each of them making allegations of being forced to leave Dubai and come to Cairo, Egypt, where their passports were confiscated and were allegedly made to sign dubious documents against their will by Modi’s brother, Nehal Modi. “My name is Ashish Kumar Mohanbhai Lad, I am the namesake owner of Sunshine Gems Limited, Hong Kong, and Unity Trading Fze, Dubai,” says one of the men on the recording from June 2018. “Nirav Modi phoned me and told me that he would implicate me for theft. He used the worst expletives” told me that he would get me killed… he did so much to us,” he says in Hindi. The other Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) witnesses include Rushabh Jethwa, who says he is the namesake owner of Empire Gems FZE in Sharjah; Sonu Mehta, the namesake director of Auragem Company Limited, Hong Kong; Shreedhar Mayekar, the namesake owner of Unique Diamond and Jewellery, Azman; and Nileshkumar Balwantrai Mistry, the namesake owner of Hamilton Precious Traders Limited in Dubai. Speaking in a mix of Hindi and Gujarati, they are heard saying that they are making the recording as they fear for their safety and just want to go back to India but are being held against their will. “We have signed the document because they will not give back our passports until we sign,” says Jethwa. These witnesses relate to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) discovery that dummy directors/owners/managers were appointed in a number of overseas companies in Hong Kong and Dubai, though the companies remained under the direct control of Modi. The charges against the 49-year-old diamond merchant centre around his firms Diamonds R Us, Solar Exports and Stellar Diamonds making fraudulent use of a credit facility offered by the Punjab National Bank (PNB), known as “letters of undertaking” (LoUs). According to the government of India’s case, a number of PNB staff conspired with Modi to ensure LoUs were issued to these companies without ensuring they were subject to the required credit check, without recording the issuance of the LoUs and without charging the required commission upon the transactions. This resulted in a fraud amounting to nearly USD 2 billion. Modi claims to have come to the UK ahead of a planned initial public offering (IPO) but an Interpol Red Notice was issued against him before he was traced to a plush rented apartment at Centre Point in central London early last year. An extradition request from the Indian government was certified by the UK Home Office in February last year before his arrest by Scotland Yard on March 19, 2019. The jeweller remains behind bars at Wandsworth Prison in south-west London since then, failing to get bail despite repeated attempts. A second extradition request, relating to “causing the disappearance of evidence” and intimidating witnesses or “criminal intimidation to cause death”, was also certified earlier this year. While the hearing to establish a prima facie case against Modi is ongoing in London this week, the extradition trial will conclude only in September once the second part of the case and the defence arguments against prison conditions at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai are heard. The UK’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), presenting the arguments in court on behalf of the Indian authorities, has sought to establish a pattern of dishonest behaviour on the part of Modi when he acquired the LoUs and also in their dispersal across a complex worldwide empire. Modi’s defence team have claimed a paucity of evidence to prove dishonesty and also questioned the admissibility of some of the evidence. A ruling in the extradition hearing to establish whether Modi has a case to answer in the Indian courts and that there are no human rights barriers to him being extradited to India is expected only after the second hearing in the case in September.

UK court played video of Nirav Modi’s threats to ‘dummy directors’

The rising cases of coronavirus have hit the diamond industry of Surat in Gujarat. Surat diamond industry which is one of the largest diamond industry in the world has now been brought to half of its earlier capacity. Exports are the hardest hit. Watch report:

India's diamond industry faces the brunt of coronavirus

<p>In three separate cases read over Sunday and Monday, customs officials at Chennai airport seized 5.1 kg of gold worth 2 crores that were hidden by passengers&nbsp;in their personal effects.</p>

<p>Five members have been arrested in connection with these cases, including a person who was waiting outside the arrival lounge to collect the goods.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday, based on information Salim, 40, of Ernakulam(Kerala) who had arrived by AirAsia flight FD 153 from Bangkok was intercepted at the exit on suspicion of carrying gold. He appeared to be walking in a suspicious manner and when questioned he gave evasive replies. On frisking him and his baggage, two gold cut bars which were wrapped with adhesive tape weighing 1 Kg, valued at Rs. 39 lakhs were found concealed in his socks. The bars were recovered and seized under the Customs Act 1962.</p>

<p>On questioning, he informed that the gold was to be handed over to an unknown person outside the airport. He was taken out of the airport and when one person approached him to take delivery, he was apprehended.</p>

<p>A senior customs official told WION, “People who come to collect the goods tend to escape, but this time around we have nabbed him. We have also learnt that the kingpin is based out of Kerala and are working on nabbing him as well. We have seized gold in larger volume as well, but this is higher than the usual recovery which amounts to a few lakhs."</p>

<p>In another case on Monday, based on inputs, a family of three Ashraf Ali, 59, Saira Banu, 50 and their son Mohammed Salih, 23, from Chennai who had arrived by same flight were intercepted at the exit. On personal search, 10 zip lock pouches containing rubbery material were recovered, concealed inside their innerwear. On extraction 2.5 gold valued at Rs. 97 lakhs was recovered and seized under Customs Act 1962 and the parents were arrested.</p>

<p>On Sunday, based on an information one Saidalavi Kunnathodi, 51 of Malappuram (Kerala), who arrived from Abu Dhabi by Etihad Airways Flight EY238 was intercepted at the exit. His checked-in baggage was taken up for examination. A water motor pump was found inside his baggage. On dismantling the pump a cylindrical gold bar weighing 1.64 Kg valued at Rs 64 lakhs was found concealed inside the rotor portion of the motor. The gold was recovered and seized under Customs Act 1962 and the passenger was arrested.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


In three separate cases read over Sunday and Monday, customs officials at Chennai airport seized 5.1 kg of gold worth 2 crores that were hidden by passengers in their personal effects.

In three separate cases read over Sunday and Monday, customs officials at Chennai airport seized 5.1 kg of gold worth 2 crores that were hidden by passengers in their personal effects. Five members have been arrested in connection with these cases, including a person who was waiting outside the arrival lounge to collect the goods. On Monday, based on information Salim, 40, of Ernakulam(Kerala) who had arrived by AirAsia flight FD 153 from Bangkok was intercepted at the exit on suspicion of carrying gold. He appeared to be walking in a suspicious manner and when questioned he gave evasive replies. On frisking him and his baggage, two gold cut bars which were wrapped with adhesive tape weighing 1 Kg, valued at Rs. 39 lakhs were found concealed in his socks. The bars were recovered and seized under the Customs Act 1962. On questioning, he informed that the gold was to be handed over to an unknown person outside the airport. He was taken out of the airport and when one person approached him to take delivery, he was apprehended. A senior customs official told WION, “People who come to collect the goods tend to escape, but this time around we have nabbed him. We have also learnt that the kingpin is based out of Kerala and are working on nabbing him as well. We have seized gold in larger volume as well, but this is higher than the usual recovery which amounts to a few lakhs." In another case on Monday, based on inputs, a family of three Ashraf Ali, 59, Saira Banu, 50 and their son Mohammed Salih, 23, from Chennai who had arrived by same flight were intercepted at the exit. On personal search, 10 zip lock pouches containing rubbery material were recovered, concealed inside their innerwear. On extraction 2.5 gold valued at Rs. 97 lakhs was recovered and seized under Customs Act 1962 and the parents were arrested. On Sunday, based on an information one Saidalavi Kunnathodi, 51 of Malappuram (Kerala), who arrived from Abu Dhabi by Etihad Airways Flight EY238 was intercepted at the exit. His checked-in baggage was taken up for examination. A water motor pump was found inside his baggage. On dismantling the pump a cylindrical gold bar weighing 1.64 Kg valued at Rs 64 lakhs was found concealed inside the rotor portion of the motor. The gold was recovered and seized under Customs Act 1962 and the passenger was arrested.

5.1 kg gold worth 2 crore hidden in socks, innerwear, motor pump seized in Chennai airport; 5 arrested

Diamonds are forever, and so is the permanently frozen ground of Yakutia in northeastern Siberia, home to huge diamond deposits that ensure Russia's supremacy as the world's leading diamond producer.

Russia digs for diamonds in Yakutia's permafrost

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