The remarkable gem was among 29 diamonds sold by the Panna Diamond Office during the event, which is part of a government scheme allowing farmers and labourers to rent small parcels of land for mining.
While the single diamond accounted for the lion’s share of the proceeds, the remaining 28 stones collectively raised just over $28,000. The auction witnessed a surge in interest, drawing large crowds of bidders, signaling a resurgence in demand after a period of subdued activity. Over the past two years, many stones failed to find buyers during the regular three-monthly auctions.
Panna district, known for its diamond reserves estimated at 1.2 million carats, operates a unique system where individuals can pay approximately $2.70 to mine a 25-square-foot plot. Discoveries are not uncommon, and the allure of potentially uncovering valuable gems continues to attract part-time miners.
This latest find follows a notable discovery in February 2022, when a 26.11-carat diamond was uncovered by a prospector and later sold for $193,000 at auction. Such events highlight the potential rewards for those willing to try their luck in the shallow mines of Panna.
