From the Mountains of Lesotho to Antwerp: the Journey of an Extraordinary 108-Carat Pink Diamond

To unlock the full potential of the stone, Choron entrusted the cutting and polishing to Flanders Diamond Manufacturing, one of Belgium’s most respected high-end ateliers. Together, they embarked on a journey that blends geological rarity, generational expertise, and the unique strength of Antwerp’s diamond ecosystem.

A Family Legacy in the World’s Diamond Capital

Choron’s story is inseparable from Antwerp itself. Founded in 1985 by Rajesh Gandhi, the company began as a trading house connecting rough diamonds from Antwerp with India’s polishing centers, and polished diamonds back to Europe.

“To build a sustainable business, my father focused early on long-term partnerships with mining companies,” says Anshul Gandhi, who joined the business in 2010 after growing up in Antwerp. Over the decades, Choron evolved into an internationally active diamond group, respected for its ability to manage rare stones from mine to market — particularly rare fancy-colored diamonds.

Discovering a Rare Pink from Lesotho

The 108-carat pink diamond was recovered by Storm Mountain Diamonds, a joint venture between Namakwa Diamonds and the Government of Lesotho. The stone originated from the KAO Mine, globally recognized for producing high-value white and pink diamonds.

“Pink diamonds are exceptionally rare,” Anshul explains. “Less than one percent of all diamonds are Type IIa, and pink diamonds are rarer still. KAO is one of the very few mines that consistently produces stones of this caliber.”

Recognizing both the rarity of the diamond and Choron’s expertise in exceptional stones, Storm Mountain Diamonds partnered with Choron to oversee the cutting, polishing, and global marketing of the resulting diamonds — a task requiring absolute precision and trust.

Choosing Antwerp — and the Right Masters

For Choron, selecting where — and by whom — the diamond would be cut was not a logistical decision, but a strategic one.

“There was never any doubt that this stone belonged in Antwerp,” says Anshul. “For nearly a century, Antwerp has been the leading center for cutting and polishing the world’s most exceptional diamonds. More importantly, this is not industrial work — it’s art.”

That art would be executed by Flanders Diamond Manufacturing, a team Choron has collaborated with for years. “They are true artisans,” Anshul adds. “Their skills are the result of decades of experience.”

An Atelier Built for Exceptional Stones

Hans Franckx, whose father founded Flanders Diamond Manufacturing in the 1970s, explains how the company gradually specialized in large, complex diamonds. Originally based in Belgium’s Kempen region, the atelier relocated to Antwerp’s Diamond District in 2007 to be closer to miners, traders, and laboratories.

“This is the largest pink diamond we’ve ever worked on,” Hans says. “The responsibility is enormous — but so is the excitement.”

Unlocking Beauty Through Precision and Judgment

The cutting plan will yield three principal cushion-shaped diamonds of approximately 20 carats, 8 carats, and 6 carats, all graded by the Gemological Institute of America with a Diamond Origin Report and Sarine Technologies with Sarine Diamond Journey. Several smaller satellite diamonds will complete the suite.

“The process begins with exhaustive analysis,” Franckx explains. “Technology helps, but nothing replaces experience. Each decision is irreversible.”

The Power of the Antwerp Ecosystem

Throughout the process, Choron and Flanders Diamond Manufacturing remain in constant dialogue — a collaboration made seamless by Antwerp’s dense concentration of expertise.

“We’re not chasing maximum size; we’re pursuing maximum value and beauty,” Franckx notes.

From Certification to the World’s Most Discerning Clients

Once cutting and polishing was completed, the diamonds were sent to New York for certification before returning to Antwerp for their official unveiling.

“These diamonds are not just rare — they are timeless,” Anshul concludes. “Cut in Antwerp, they will carry their origin, craftsmanship, and story forward for generations.”