SouthernWorldwide.com – A Pennsylvania woman’s recent vacation to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas turned into an extraordinary event when she discovered a significant 3.09-carat diamond.
This remarkable find came at a particularly poignant time for Keshia Smith, who had recently experienced profound personal loss.
Smith’s trip to the renowned diamond-bearing state park was planned over a year in advance. She had lost her son in October and her father just a week before embarking on her vacation.
She expressed that the trip was intended to bring her “some much-needed comfort” during a difficult period.
Arriving at the park on April 21st, Smith, accompanied by her boyfriend Joey and brother Kirim, began her search for treasures. After an initial day of exploring and interacting with other visitors, she moved to the southern section of the search area the following morning.
Following advice from fellow park-goers, Smith started digging. She observed a noticeable change in the soil color, shifting from brown to black, an indication that she might be close to something significant.
After a few more scoops of earth, she spotted a glimmering object in her shovel. Initially, she was skeptical but placed the stone in her bag.
Later, at the park’s wash pavilion, she began to sift through her findings. As she showed the crystal to other visitors, one person encouraged her to have it officially examined.
Upon confirmation of its nature, Smith was overwhelmed with emotion. The press release from Arkansas State Parks described her reaction as one of “joy,” leading her to “start crying, laughing and hugging everyone around her.”
Smith noted that the diamond’s shape reminded her of a heart, which was the first thing she noticed upon its discovery.
She shared with park officials that she had been feeling “a lot of pressure” in the preceding months due to her losses. “In October I lost my son, and we just buried my dad a week ago … I really needed this,” she stated.
“I really prayed for this, and I just can’t believe it actually happened!” she exclaimed.
The unearthed diamond is described as colorless with a few unique inclusions along the edges, possessing a flat, smooth appearance roughly the size of a bead.
According to park superintendent Caleb Howell, the discovery is particularly noteworthy. Over the past decade, only 15 diamonds weighing 3 carats or more have been found at the park.
Howell explained that diamonds found at the park are natural and are not cut, which makes them unique. He believes these natural stones are “even more special” than those found in jewelry stores, which have been handled by multiple people.
He further elaborated that each diamond is unique in its clarity, color, and carat weight, likening them to snowflakes. The personal experience of finding a diamond adds significant sentimental value.
“Think about it — this place is very, very special,” Howell remarked.
While acknowledging that finding a diamond is rare, Howell emphasized the inherent value of the experience itself. He encourages visitors to come and enjoy the adventure and the opportunity to search for these unique gemstones.
He concluded with a hopeful message: “but maybe you too might be the lucky one that leaves with a diamond.”
