Diamond Trading NV Unveils Congo Diamond, Crafted from a 1,138-Carat Rough Stone Acquired in 1975.
Dubai: A remarkable 888.88-carat natural fancy black diamond named Infinity has made its first public appearance at the Dubai Diamond Conference, organised by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC).
The extraordinary gemstone was unveiled by Antwerp-based Diamond Trading NV, offering diamond industry professionals a rare opportunity to view the exceptional stone in person.
The company also confirmed that international security and cash management firm Brink’s was responsible for securely transporting the valuable diamond to the event.
From Congo to Dubai: The 49-Year Journey of Infinity
The history of Infinity dates back to 1975, when a massive 1,138-carat rough diamond originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo was acquired by Andrew Coxon on behalf of De Beers.
Decades later, the rough crystal attracted attention from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
In 2013, the institute documented the gemstone as the largest single-crystal natural diamond it had examined and reported on at that time.
The transformation of the rough stone into the polished Infinity diamond began in 2022, with cutting and polishing continuing until 2024.
The meticulous process resulted in the finished 888.88-carat black diamond, which is now owned by Diamond Trading NV of Antwerp.
From its original acquisition in 1975 to the completion of the polished gemstone in 2024, Infinity’s journey spanned approximately 49 years.
Preserving the Diamond’s Natural History
Speaking at the Dubai Diamond Conference, Daniel de Belder of Diamond Trading NV explained the approach taken to shape the extraordinary gemstone.
Rather than attempting to remove every natural marking, the specialists sought to preserve characteristics that reveal the diamond’s geological origins.
“It is a black diamond. It carries features that are witnesses of the eruptive process, when it came from 150 kilometres deep down to the surface,” de Belder said.
He explained that the cutting and polishing process was adapted to the stone’s natural characteristics rather than forcing it into a conventional appearance.
“We adapted the plan and the manner in which we shape it to what nature is. We did not try to erase the traces of this very dramatic and fast transit from deep in the earth,” he added.
The result is a gemstone that retains visible evidence of the natural processes associated with its journey from deep within the Earth to the surface.
Rare Diamond Makes International Debut in Dubai
Infinity’s unveiling at the Dubai Diamond Conference provided members of the international diamond industry with an unusual opportunity to examine the gemstone firsthand.
During the presentation, organisers highlighted the importance of provenance, rarity and craftsmanship in determining the significance and value of natural diamonds.
The stone’s exceptional weight, distinctive black appearance and decades-long history contributed to the interest surrounding its debut.
However, no official valuation was disclosed, and the organisers did not confirm whether Infinity would be offered for sale.
For now, the diamond’s first public showing in Dubai marks a milestone in the story of a remarkable natural gemstone that took nearly five decades to reach its finished form.
