A woman from Pennsylvania, Keshia Smith, recently discovered a rare 3.09-carat diamond at Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park. This finding came shortly after she buried her father and months after losing her son.
Discovery Amidst Grief
Keshia Smith found the gem at the state park last month in Pike County. Park officials described the diamond as colorless with unique inclusions and about the size of a bead.
“It is colorless, with a few unique inclusions around the edges,” stated a release from Arkansas State Parks.
Smith had planned this trip more than a year ago. Despite her recent losses, she embarked on the journey with her boyfriend, Joey, and her brother, Kirim, hoping for some relief.
Precious Moments
Upon arrival on April 21, Smith spent the first day interacting with other park visitors. Energized by their tips, she ventured to the south end of the search area the next day. During her digging, she noticed a change in soil color, leading her to uncover something shiny with her shovel.
Skeptical at first, she secured the stone in her bag and continued. Later, at the wash pavilion, Smith sifted through her finds, and upon showing the crystal to other visitors, was encouraged to get it examined.
Emotional after confirmation, Smith expressed joy and disbelief, equating the diamond’s shape to a heart.
“I really prayed for this, and I just can’t believe it actually happened,” she said.
Unique Treasure
Caleb Howell, the park superintendent, mentioned that the park does not appraise found diamonds, as the staff are not trained gemologists. However, he noted the uniqueness of each diamond, comparing them to snowflakes due to their distinct clarity, color, and carat.
Over the past decade, only 15 diamonds over 3 carats have been found at this park.
“Most gemologists would not know how to appraise our diamonds because they are natural stones and have not been ‘cut’,” Howell explained.
He highlighted that each discovery adds sentimental value, emphasizing the memories created during the search.
While all visitors might not find a diamond, many leave with memorable experiences. Howell encourages others to visit and enjoy the opportunity. “You might be the lucky one that leaves with a diamond,” he remarked.
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