Rare 888.88-Carat Black Diamond Unveiled in Dubai After 50 Years

An extraordinary 888.88-carat natural black diamond has been unveiled in Dubai, nearly five decades after its original acquisition. Named Infinity, the remarkable gemstone was transformed from a massive 1,138-carat rough diamond and represents an exceptional example of nature’s geological artistry and skilled diamond craftsmanship.

The spectacular gemstone was presented by Antwerp-based Diamond Trading NV during the Dubai Diamond Conference on October 26. According to this Dubai Jewellery News report, the diamond originated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and was acquired in 1975 by veteran diamond buyer Andrew Coxon on behalf of De Beers.

An Extraordinary Journey Spanning Five Decades

Infinity’s history stretches back more than half a century, although its transformation into a polished gemstone occurred only recently.

In 2013, the Gemological Institute of America examined the rough crystal and documented it as the largest single-crystal natural diamond the institute had examined and reported on at that time.

Despite its extraordinary dimensions, the diamond remained uncut for decades. Between 2022 and 2024, specialists finally undertook the demanding process of transforming the rough crystal into its spectacular finished form.

Daniel De Belder, co-managing director of Diamond Trading NV, explained that the cutting process deliberately preserved geological characteristics revealing the diamond’s dramatic journey from approximately 150 kilometers beneath Earth’s surface.

Rather than removing these natural features, craftsmen incorporated them into the finished gemstone, preserving evidence of its remarkable geological formation.

Dubai Conference Highlights Diamond Industry Challenges

Beyond the unveiling, the Dubai Diamond Conference addressed growing concerns surrounding natural-diamond demand and changing consumer preferences.

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), alongside Originalluxury, introduced The Swiss Parallel, a strategic report examining how the diamond industry could learn from Switzerland’s mechanical watch sector.

The report outlines seven strategic measures intended to strengthen consumer confidence, restore demand, and establish sustainable long-term value for natural diamonds.

UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri emphasized the importance of adapting to technological developments and evolving global market conditions.

New Diamond Education and Luxury Retail Initiatives

DMCC also announced a partnership between Dubai Design Academy and HRD Antwerp to introduce professional courses covering diamond grading, gemology, jewelry design, and related technical disciplines.

Successful participants will receive internationally recognized diplomas issued by HRD Antwerp, helping strengthen professional expertise throughout the UAE jewelry industry.

Meanwhile, Dhamani Jewels Group announced the opening of Dubai Cut – Dhamani Boutique, the world’s first dedicated retail destination showcasing Dubai Cut diamonds.

Dubai Strengthens Its Global Diamond Ambitions

Infinity’s unveiling highlights Dubai’s expanding influence within international diamond trading. Beyond showcasing an extraordinary gemstone, the conference demonstrated efforts to address industry challenges through education, innovation, and luxury retail development. While uncertainty surrounding natural-diamond demand persists, these initiatives could help reinforce Dubai’s position as a major global diamond trading center.