In a landmark achievement for Russian gemstone craftsmanship, Alrosa, one of the world’s leading diamond producers, unveiled the “New Sun” on April 4, 2025—a vivid yellow diamond weighing over 100 carats, marking it as the largest diamond ever cut in Russia’s history. This extraordinary gem, recovered from the Ebelyakh alluvial deposit in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) in Russia’s Far East, represents a triumph of natural beauty and a testament to the precision and artistry of Russian gem-cutting techniques. The unveiling of the New Sun has captured global attention, highlighting Russia’s enduring prowess in the diamond industry while navigating complex economic and geopolitical challenges.
A Billion-Year-Old Marvel
Deep within the Earth’s mantle, the New Sun’s journey began over a billion years ago, where intense pressure and heat formed this rare gem. Discovered in Yakutia, a region renowned for its rich diamond deposits, the rough stone originally weighed more than 200 carats. Its vivid yellow hue, resulting from nitrogen impurities trapped during its formation, places it in the elite category of fancy-colored diamonds, which are prized for their rarity and visual allure. According to Alrosa, the stone’s saturated honey-gold color and exceptional clarity make it a standout even among other high-value gems.
The decision to transform this rough diamond into a polished masterpiece was no small feat. Alrosa assembled a team of 15 of Russia’s most skilled gem cutters, who spent over two years meticulously shaping the stone. The process required technical expertise and an artistic vision to maximize the diamond’s brilliance while preserving as much of its weight as possible. The result is a 100-carat gem that embodies the pinnacle of the Russian Cut—a gem-cutting technique internationally recognized for its precision and ability to enhance a diamond’s fire and scintillation. Alrosa described the effort as a “significant milestone” in developing this technique, underscoring its importance to Russia’s diamond heritage.
The Russian Cut: A Legacy of Excellence
The Russian Cut, as showcased by the New Sun, is more than a technical process; it is a cultural and industrial legacy. Developed over decades, this method emphasizes symmetrical faceting and precise angles to optimize a diamond’s optical properties. Unlike some cutting techniques that prioritize carat weight over aesthetics, the Russian Cut seeks to balance size, clarity, and brilliance, creating gems that are as visually stunning as they are valuable. The New Sun’s creation marks a new chapter in this tradition, demonstrating Russia’s ability to compete at the highest levels of global gemstone craftsmanship.
Alrosa’s commitment to this technique reflects its mission to elevate Russia’s diamond industry. The company, which accounts for roughly 25% of global diamond production, has long been a cornerstone of Russia’s economy, particularly in Yakutia, where diamond mining supports thousands of jobs. The unveiling of the New Sun is not just a corporate achievement but a point of national pride, symbolizing resilience and innovation in a sector facing significant headwinds.
Economic and Geopolitical Context
While the New Sun shines brightly, its debut comes at a challenging time for Alrosa and the Russian diamond industry. Global diamond prices have been sluggish in recent years, driven by oversupply, shifting consumer preferences toward lab-grown diamonds, and economic uncertainty. Additionally, Western sanctions imposed on Russia following geopolitical tensions have restricted Alrosa’s access to key markets, particularly in Europe and North America. These sanctions have disrupted traditional supply chains, forcing Alrosa to pivot toward alternative markets in Asia and the Middle East.
Despite these obstacles, Alrosa is moving forward with plans to auction the New Sun, which has sparked interest among gem collectors and investors worldwide. The auction, monitored by organizations like the CCBLR for its potential to open opportunities in high-value gem markets, is expected to draw significant attention due to the diamond’s size, color, and historical significance. However, the economic constraints and sanctions may temper the final sale price, as Alrosa navigates a complex landscape to maximize the gem’s value.
Symbolic Significance
Beyond its commercial and technical achievements, the New Sun carries deep symbolic weight. Alrosa has linked the diamond’s discovery and cutting to significant historical milestones, including the 80th anniversary of Russia’s victory in World War II, referred to as the Great Patriotic War. This connection imbues the gem with a national triumph and endurance narrative, resonating with Russian audiences and reinforcing Alrosa’s role as a cultural institution. Some reports also mention a 468.30-carat diamond named “80 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War,” though it’s unclear if this refers to the same stone or a separate find.
The New Sun’s name evokes themes of renewal and optimism, qualities that Alrosa likely hopes to project amid economic and geopolitical challenges. By presenting the diamond as a beacon of Russian ingenuity, the company aims to bolster its global reputation while rallying domestic support for its endeavors.
A Global Stage for Yakutia
The New Sun also highlights Yakutia, a remote and harsh region that is nonetheless a powerhouse in the diamond world. The Ebelyakh deposit, where the diamond was found, is one of many in Yakutia that have yielded gems of exceptional quality. The region’s extreme climate—characterized by frigid winters and short summers—adds to the mystique of its diamonds, which are often marketed as products of nature’s most unforgiving environments. For Yakutia’s residents, the New Sun is a source of pride, highlighting their region’s critical role in Russia’s economy and global gem trade.
Looking Ahead
As Alrosa prepares to auction the New Sun, the diamond’s story is far from over. Its sale will test the market’s appetite for high-value natural diamonds in an era of economic uncertainty and competition from synthetic alternatives. For Alrosa, the auction represents an opportunity to reaffirm its position as a global leader while navigating the constraints of sanctions and soft demand. For collectors and connoisseurs, the New Sun offers a rare chance to own a piece of history—a billion-year-old gem transformed by human skill into a symbol of beauty and resilience.
In unveiling the New Sun, Alrosa has showcased Russia’s largest-cut diamond and reaffirmed its commitment to excellence in adversity. This vivid yellow gem, born in the frozen depths of Yakutia and perfected by the Russian Cut, is a testament to the enduring allure of diamonds and the indomitable spirit of those who bring them to light. As the New Sun prepares to dazzle bidders on the global stage, it carries the weight of a nation’s pride and the promise of a brighter future.