London-listed Gem Diamonds, which owns and operates the Letšeng diamond mine, in Lesotho, has reported a 5% quarter-on-quarter increase in diamond recoveries to 27 744 ct for the quarter ended March 31.
That compares with the 26 530 ct recovered in the quarter ended December 31, 2022.
Carats sold increased by 14% quarter-on-quarter to 25 687 ct, while the total value of diamonds sold increased by 13% quarter-on-quarter to $36.7-million.
The highest price achieved in the period under review was $282 889/ct for a 6.63 ct pink diamond – the third highest dollar per carat ever achieved for a Letšeng rough diamond.
The highest price achieved during the quarter for a white diamond was $34 441/ct for a 58.07 ct Type IIa white diamond.
Seven diamonds sold for more than $1-million each, generating revenue of $11.1-million during the quarter under review.