The Dancing Sun diamond, a 204.36 ct cushion shaped yellow gem, is the largest Canadian diamond on record. Classified as a Fancy Intense yellow with a VVS2 clarity, this diamond was cut from a 552.74 ct yellow rough (54.5 x 34.9 x 31.8 mm) found in 2018 at the Diavik mine in Canada that is still the largest diamond ever reported in North America. The cut gem was sold at Christie’s New York in 2021 for nearly USD 5 million.

Another six smaller diamonds were also cut from the same large crystal, ranging from 1.06 to 14.52 ct. Each of the stones, including the Dancing Sun Diamond bear the Canadamark™, a program that enables tracing a diamond from mine to polished gem and such a geographic provenance justifies it.

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The Diavik diamantiferous kimberlite fields (with four diamantiferous pipes) near Lac de Grás in the Northern Territories were discovered in the 1990s and began operating as an open pit in 2003 with underground mining since 2013 with an output of 6-7 million carats of predominantly large, white gem-quality diamonds with production plans until 2026. This operation managed by Rio Tinto is known for its sustainable and environmental concerns.

Photos © Christie’s / Burgundy Diamond Mines / Rio Tinto

Guest articles by Rui Galopim de Carvalho:

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About the author:

Rui Galopim de Carvalho is a renowned independent Gem Education Consultant, author, luxury industry training expert and popular international lecturer on gemmology and on the history of gem materials. During his 30 year experience as a gemmologist, Rui has studied important collections in both public and private museums, notably the Portuguese Crown Jewels.

Founder of the popular Home Gemmology webinar series launched during the COVID-19 lockdown, Rui has a long history as a gemmology communicator, notably on social media where he is a popular figure.

Rui Galopim de Carvalho can be reached through his website:

https://ruigalopim.com