Discovered: Large Diamonds Unearthed in Field in Arkansas by New York Resident
In the heart of Arkansas, a remarkable story unfolded at the Crater of Diamonds State Park. Micherre Fox, an American woman from Manhattan, embarked on a two-year quest to find a diamond for her engagement ring. Her journey led her to the unique location where diamonds can be found, and on her last day at the park, she made a significant discovery.
After three weeks of searching, Fox found a diamond. Initially, she mistook the sparkling gem for a spider web covered in dew. However, upon closer inspection, she realised her find was no ordinary spider web. The diamond, weighing 2.3 karats, was colourless with a smooth, rounded shape and a metallic luster. Despite being blemished, indicating its deep Earth mantle origin, the diamond was undeniably real, as confirmed by the Diamond Discovery Center.
Fox named her find the Fox-Ballou Diamond, after her and her partner’s last names. She plans to have it set in her engagement ring. The discovery emphasises a mix of hard work, luck, and being in the right place at the right time. Fox's emotional reaction included getting on her knees and crying, then laughing upon finding the rare gem.
The Fox-Ballou Diamond stands out as the third-largest found in the park in 2021, signifying a significant discovery amid hundreds of diamonds registered at the Crater of Diamonds State Park that year. Since 1972, over 35,000 diamonds have been found in the park, including the largest, the "Uncle Sam" diamond, with over 40 karats. The "Uncle Sam" diamond, found in 1972, is valued at around one million US dollars.
The value of Fox's diamond, depending on its purity, can range between ten and twenty thousand US dollars. Fox had never held a real diamond before her discovery, making her find all the more special. Her story is a testament to perseverance and the magic that can be found in the pursuit of dreams.
The Crater of Diamonds State Park, designated as a state park in 1972, offers visitors the unique opportunity to search for diamonds and keep any gems they find. Visitors can bring their own tools or rent them on-site. The park also has a Diamond Discovery Centre, where finds can be identified and appraised. So, if you're feeling lucky, why not embark on your own diamond hunt at the Crater of Diamonds State Park? You never know, you might just find your own piece of history.
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive regarding the potential rise in diamond hunting tourism, given the recent significant discoveries at Crater of Diamonds State Park, such as the Fox-Ballou Diamond, worth tens of thousands of dollars. As Fox's emotional story spreads, it's obvious that her find is inspiring a new trend in lifestyle — adventure seekers wanting to replicate her journey and uncover their own 'pieces of history' in fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, food-and-drink, travel, or even sports. Perhaps, in the future, we will see diamond-themed events popping up, from weddings in the park to diamond-encrusted clothing lines.
