In a statement announcing the results of the tender, which was the first of the nine slated for 2011, the company said a total of 7,111 carats were sold as demand from local and international buyers was extremely strong, with a total of 25 companies attending the tender.
Tim Wilkes, CEO of Firestone Diamonds, commented: "We are very pleased with the results of our latest diamond sale, which show significant increases in prices achieved from both Liqhobong and BK11. The higher prices reflect the quality of production from the mines as well as the continued strength of the rough diamond market. We expect to see significant further increases in prices achieved for production from Liqhobong and BK11 as production at both mines increases in 2011". The company says prices achieved were very good, with Liqhobong diamonds achieving an average price of $181 per carat and BK11 diamonds achieving an average price of $230 per carat.
