One of the largest diamonds ever discovered in Canada, The Diavik Foxfire was displayed at an “exclusive preview” at Kensington Palace in London by Rio Tinto.

The 187.7 carat gem-quality rough diamond   was discovered at Rio Tinto’s 60% owned Diavik Diamond Mine in the remote Northwest Territories of Canada, 220km south of the Arctic Circle.

“We are delighted to showcase this exceptional, two billion-year-old Canadian diamond,” said Rio Tinto Diamonds managing director Jean-Marc Lieberherr. “Its ancient beginnings, together with the fortitude, finesse and innovative technology required to unearth a diamond in the challenging sub-arctic environment, make it a true miracle of nature.”

The Diavik Foxfire has also been given an indigenous name, Noi?eh Kwe, which recalls the strong ties to the land and its legacy, Rio Tinto said in a statement.

Grand Chief Edward Erasmus from the Tlicho government commented:  “I am very pleased that this has been named to honour the area of the caribou crossing, as this has been important to the Tlicho since time immemorial.”

Diavik Diamond Mines president and chief operating officer Marc Cameron said, “In a landscape so pristine and precious to traditional lifestyles, we have seen and continue to see an inspired collaboration between local indigenous people and a modern mining company.”

After it is showcased in London, The Diavik Foxfire will return to Antwerp. Here, a “careful assessment and planning for the next stage of its journey” will be undertaken, said Rio Tinto. 

“It is likely that the 187.7 carat rough diamond will yield at least one very large polished diamond with, its ultimate destiny in an exclusive heirloom piece of jewellery,” the Company proclaimed.

Pic Cap: The 187.7 carats Foxfire Diamond from the Diavik Diamond Mine, one of the largest rough diamonds in Canadian history