The Light of Peace Diamond
The Light of Peace Diamond is a remarkable 126.76-carat D-color, Internally Flawless, Type IIa diamond celebrated for both its extraordinary quality and its humanitarian legacy. Pear-shaped and of near-perfect transparency, it is one of the largest and purest white diamonds ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
Origin and Early History
The diamond was originally known as the Zale Light of Peace, owned by the Zale Corporation, one of the leading American jewelry retailers of the 20th century. Acquired in the 1970s, the company used the stone not merely as a symbol of luxury, but as a means of advocacy. Proceeds from its public viewings were donated to charities dedicated to promoting world peace — a rare case of a commercial enterprise using a great diamond for philanthropic purpose.
Over the decades, the Light of Peace became an emblem of generosity within the jewelry world. It appeared in exhibitions and charity events before entering private ownership, maintaining its association with the ideals from which it took its name.
Gemological Characteristics
Graded D color — the highest possible color classification — and Internally Flawless, the Light of Peace exemplifies ultimate rarity in white diamonds. Its Type IIa classification indicates exceptional chemical purity, containing virtually no nitrogen impurities in its crystal lattice. Such diamonds make up less than 2% of all natural diamonds and are renowned for their optical transparency and icy brilliance.
At 126.76 carats, it belongs to a select group of stones that exceed 100 carats while maintaining flawless internal structure. Cut in a symmetrical pear brilliant shape, the diamond demonstrates both size and optical precision, a feat requiring immense craftsmanship to balance carat weight with light performance.
The Christie’s Auction
In June 2023, the Light of Peace diamond was presented at Christie’s New York Magnificent Jewels sale, offered without reserve. Despite the absence of a minimum price, it achieved a result of $13.6 million. The lot included a custom gold and gem-set presentation case, underscoring its ceremonial stature.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale was pledged to USA for UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, continuing the stone’s long-standing philanthropic connection. The sale reaffirmed the Light of Peace’s dual legacy as both a masterpiece of gemology and a symbol of benevolence.
Legacy
Today, the Light of Peace Diamond stands as a testament to how the beauty of nature can be intertwined with human purpose. Beyond its record-breaking characteristics and market value, its story illustrates how exceptional gems can transcend material status to embody ideals of compassion, generosity, and peace.
The diamond remains one of the largest and most significant D-color, Internally Flawless diamonds known — a shining example of perfection not only in craftsmanship, but in meaning.
