A Christian pastor in Sierra Leone’s diamond-rich Kono district has uncovered one of the largest uncut diamonds in the world, weighing an astonishing 709 carats. The precious gemstone is now safely stored at the country’s central bank in Freetown and is among the top 20 largest diamonds ever recorded.
Artisanal miners are a common presence in Kono, and Pastor Emmanuel Momoh’s find marks the biggest diamond discovery in Sierra Leone since the 969-carat Star of Sierra Leone was unearthed in 1972. Experts note that while the stone’s size is extraordinary, its ultimate value will depend on its clarity and quality, which may include minor imperfections.
According to Mathew Nyaungwa of Rough and Polished, this discovery ranks as the 13th largest diamond ever found globally. For comparison, a 813-carat diamond sold for $63 million in London last year, highlighting the immense potential value of Pastor Momoh’s find.
The diamond was first presented to President Ernest Bai Koroma, who praised local authorities and the community for ensuring the gemstone remained in the country. He emphasized that the diamond should benefit both its rightful owners and the nation as a whole.
Sierra Leone has a storied history of monumental diamond discoveries, including the Star of Sierra Leone. Globally, only a few diamonds surpass this size, such as South Africa’s Cullinan (3,107 carats), Botswana’s Lesedi La Rona (1,111 carats), and South Africa’s Excelsior Diamond (995 carats).
Pastor Momoh’s discovery underscores the continuing promise of Sierra Leone’s diamond sector and raises hopes that such finds will bring tangible benefits to local communities.
