A Pennsylvania woman recently discovered a large diamond at Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park shortly after experiencing personal loss. Keshia Smith found a 3.09-carat diamond at the park in Pike County last month. Park officials described the gem as having a flat, smooth surface, comparable in size to a bead.
The diamond is colorless with unique inclusions around its edges, according to a press release from Arkansas State Parks in May. Smith had planned her trip to the park over a year ago, intending the outing for some relief after losing her son in October and burying her father just days before the visit.
Smith traveled with her boyfriend, Joey, and her brother, Kirim, arriving at the park on April 21. On her first day, she explored the park and engaged with other visitors. The following day, after receiving advice from others, she began searching at the south end of the area and noticed the soil changing color. As she continued digging, she discovered a shiny stone in her shovel.
At first skeptical, she placed the stone in her bag and proceeded to the park’s wash pavilion to examine her finds. A fellow visitor encouraged her to have it assessed. Overwhelmed with joy when the stone turned out to be a diamond, Smith expressed disbelief at her find, comparing its shape to a heart, which was the first thing she observed.
Smith spoke of the recent pressures, sharing, “In October I lost my son, and we just buried my dad a week ago.” Her discovery provided a sense of comfort during this challenging period.
Caleb Howell, the park superintendent, noted the rarity of such finds, mentioning that just 15 diamonds weighing 3 carats or more have been discovered at the park in the past decade. Park officials do not appraise the diamonds, as the staff lacks gemologist training. According to Howell, the natural and untouched state of the park’s diamonds makes them unique.
He emphasized the sentimental value each diamond holds due to the effort put into finding them. The process of discovery makes these gems special, offering visitors memorable experiences, even if they leave without a diamond.
Howell encouraged people to visit the park to enjoy the adventure and the chance of finding a unique diamond.