Diamond Facts
The Lesotho Brown Diamond
Discovered in 1967, the 601 carat Lesotho Brown diamond was the first significant diamond to be recovered at Letšeng and led to the formal development of the Letšeng mine. The Lesotho Brown was discovered by Ernestine Ramaboa who is reputed to have walked for four days and four nights to deliver it into the safekeeping of a reputable diamond buyer. Harry Winston acquired the diamond, and the cleaving of the Lesotho Brown Diamond into two pieces was broadcast live on American television in 1968. The polishing was completed in a year and resulted in eighteen gemstones, the largest of which was the Lesotho I, a 71.73 carat flawless emerald cut diamond with a pale pink hue