Man Makes Diamond Discovery In Park

Published on 18/08/08

A man from Arkansas has discovered a 4.42-carat diamond during a search for the precious stones at the Crater of Diamonds State Park, it has emerged.

The Associated Press reported that the white diamond, described as "the size of a Chiclet gum" by a park official, was discovered by Dennis Tyrrell after a half-hour search.

Mr Tyrrell said that while he has found several other diamonds at the site before, his most recent find has been his largest discovery so far.

According to Bill Henderson, assistant superintendent at the park, the diamond could be worth up to "several thousand dollars".

Crater of Diamonds State Park is reportedly the only diamond mine in North American where the general public can keep any gems or diamonds they find during searches there. Mr Tyrrell searches for the precious stones at the park around three to four times a week.

According to the Diamonds & Engagement Rings News blog, large diamonds such as the one Mr Tyrrell discovered, may be a good Christmas gift. Princess cut or pear cut diamond rings are popular suggestions for the holidays, the blog stated.