Grieving Woman Finds Large Diamond in Arkansas Park

A woman from Pennsylvania made an unexpected discovery while visiting a state park shortly after experiencing personal losses. Keshia Smith found a stunning 3.09-carat diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Pike County, Arkansas, just weeks after burying her father and months after the death of her son.

Described by officials as “gorgeous” with a unique, smooth surface, the diamond resembles the size and shape of a bead. It’s colorless, with distinct inclusions around the edges, according to a press release from Arkansas State Parks.

Smith had planned her trip to the park over a year ago, hoping it would provide some “much-needed solace.” She traveled there by car with her boyfriend, Joey, and her brother, Kilim, arriving on April 21. The first day was spent exploring and meeting other visitors before she began her diamond search the following morning.

On the second day, a tip from another visitor led her to the southern section of the search area. As she dug, she noticed a change in the soil’s color. “After a few more scoops, I found something shiny,” Smith later shared. Initially doubtful about her find, she placed the stone in her bag and continued her search, later bringing it to the cleaning pavilion.

While showing the crystal to others, someone suggested she have it appraised. Overwhelmed with emotion, Smith began crying and laughing, expressing her joy at the discovery. “I prayed for this with all my heart and I can’t believe it actually happened,” she said, comparing the diamond’s shape to a heart—something she noticed immediately upon finding it.

Smith had faced considerable stress in recent months, dealing with the loss of her son and father. “I really needed this,” she reflected, emphasizing how significant the find was to her.

According to Park Director Caleb Howell, only 15 diamonds larger than 3 carats have been found in the park over the past decade. He explained that park staff do not appraise diamonds because they aren’t trained in gemstone evaluation. “Most gemologists don’t know how to value diamonds because they are natural stones and not ‘cut,'” Howell noted, adding that the diamonds found in the park carry a unique sentimental value due to their natural state and personal discovery experiences.

In Howell’s words, “Think about it: This place is very, very special.” He encouraged visitors to come for the adventure and possibly leave with a diamond of their own, even if the chances are slim.