How much does ten million pounds worth of uncut diamonds weigh?

Answer 1

Your answer depends on the quality of the raw stones. For this amount of money, you should fully and completely understand the quality of the stones you are buying. Only when the stones are fully evaluated, planned, cut and faceted will you know the final carat weight of your purchase.

The raw stone weight is immaterial in your scenario without an indication of the quality of stones.

If you're spending this amount of money for a 'bag o'stones' -- blind, be aware:

• About 75% of all diamonds mined are rated as industrial diamonds, worth about US$1.60 per pound.
• In the remaining 25%, there may be gem-quality stones, most about the size of a pin head, some the size of a pea vegetable.
• If there is a large uncut stone -- weighing more than 2 carats -- you lose about 60% of a raw stone when you cut and facet it -- you may be able to find a 1 carat stone of gem quality. Or more.