UMVA has learned that a woman, still reeling from the loss of her son and the recent burial of her father, made a stunning discovery at a state park that would change her life forever.
Keshia Smith, a resident of Pennsylvania, had been searching for a distraction from her grief when she planned a trip to Arkansas' Crater of Diamonds State Park in Pike County. Her vacation had been on the books for over a year, and she hoped the outing would bring her some much-needed comfort.
Smith arrived at the park on April 21, accompanied by her boyfriend and brother. She spent her first day exploring and meeting other visitors, before heading to the south end of the search area the next morning. It was there that she would stumble upon something incredible.
After receiving tips from fellow visitors, Smith began digging, and soon noticed the colors of the soil changing from brown to black. A couple of scoops later, she spotted something shiny in her shovel. At first, she was skeptical, but as she placed the stone in her bag, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had found something special.
As she continued digging, Smith later brought her find to the park's wash pavilion to sift through it. It was there that she showed the crystal to other visitors, one of whom urged her to have it examined. The moment she realized what she had found was a 3.09-carat diamond, Smith was overcome with joy, crying, laughing, and hugging everyone around her.
The diamond, described as "gorgeous" and colorless with unique inclusions, measures about the size of a bead and has a flat, smooth appearance. Smith compared its shape to a heart, which she said was the first thing she noticed when she found it. For her, the discovery was a much-needed respite from the pressure and grief she had been carrying.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that this diamond is one of only 15 weighing 3 carats or more discovered at the park over the past decade. Park officials describe the diamonds found here as "like snowflakes," unique in clarity, color, and carat.
The park superintendent notes that the experience of finding a diamond here gives it added sentimental value. He encourages visitors to come and enjoy the adventure, saying that while diamonds are rare, all visitors can leave with memories of having the opportunity to search for these special gemstones.
For Smith, the discovery was a dream come true, something she had prayed for. As she left the park, she knew that this moment would stay with her forever, a reminder of the power of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
