MENU
  • Loading ...
  • Loading ...

Yamba Accommodation

Latest News Yamba Accommodation

Woman stunned to unearth 3-carat diamond at state park after heartbreaking year

27 May 2026 By foxnews

Woman stunned to unearth 3-carat diamond at state park after heartbreaking year

Are you looking for a holiday? Get special deals.

 

A grieving woman unearthed an unusually large diamond at a state park just days after burying her father - and months after losing her son.

Keshia Smith, a resident of Pennsylvania, found the 3.09-carat diamond at Arkansas' Crater of Diamonds State Park in Pike County last month.

Officials described the "gorgeous" gem as having "a flat, smooth appearance" and measuring about the size of a bead.

OKLAHOMA FAMILY UNCOVERS 'REALLY NEAT' DIAMOND AT STATE PARK, THANKS TO DOLLAR-STORE TOOLS

"It is colorless, with a few unique inclusions around the edges," a May press release from Arkansas State Parks noted.

Park officials said that Smith planned her April vacation to the park over a year ago.

After losing her son in October and burying her father just days before the trip, Smith hoped the outing would bring "some much-needed comfort."

"She made the road trip with her boyfriend Joey and brother Kirim, and arrived at the park on Tuesday, April 21," officials said.

MAN STUMBLES ONTO RARE DIAMOND TREASURE DURING ARKANSAS PARK TRIP WITH FAMILY: 'KNEW IT WAS DIFFERENT'

She spent her first day scouring the park and meeting other visitors before heading to the south end of the search area the next morning.

After receiving tips from other visitors, Smith began digging - and soon "saw the colors of the soil change from brown to black."

"After a couple more scoops, she spotted something shiny in her shovel," Arkansas State Parks said.

Skeptical at first, Smith placed the stone in her bag. She continued digging before later bringing it to the park's wash pavilion to sift through her finds.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

As she showed the crystal to other visitors, one person urged her to have it examined.

According to the release, Smith "was overcome with joy and started crying, laughing and hugging everyone around her."

She compared the diamond's shape to a heart, which she said was "the first thing I saw when I found it."

Smith told officials she's been "feeling a lot of pressure" in recent months.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

"In October I lost my son, and we just buried my dad a week ago ... I really needed this," she said, as the released indicated.

"I really prayed for this, and I just can't believe it actually happened!"

Over the past decade, just 15 diamonds weighing 3 carats or more have been discovered at the park, said Caleb Howell, park superintendent Caleb Howell.

Howell told Fox News Digital that park officials do not appraise found diamonds, as staff are not trained gemologists.

"Most gemologists would not know how to appraise our diamonds because they are natural stones and have not been 'cut,'" said Howell.

"However, I like to think our diamonds are even more special because diamonds from a jewelry store have been handled by several humans before they ended up in that counter space."

"Our diamonds are like snowflakes," he added. "Of all the ones I have seen, they are unique in clarity, color and carat."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Howell said the digging experience gives each diamond added sentimental value.

"Think about it - this place is very, very special," he said.

"While diamonds are rare and most visitors do not find a diamond, all visitors can leave here with the memories of having the opportunity to search for these special gemstones," he said. 

"I recommend that you come to enjoy the adventure and opportunity, but maybe you too might be the lucky one that leaves with a diamond."

More News

Visitors face immediate fines for making one big mistake in crowded destination
Visitors face immediate fines for making one big mistake in crowded destination
Cruise passenger hailed as hero after jumping into water to save 84-year-old man
Cruise passenger hailed as hero after jumping into water to save 84-year-old man
Popular amusement park bans guest for life after roller coaster stunt viral video
Popular amusement park bans guest for life after roller coaster stunt viral video
Nearly 100 years later, beloved amusement park still refuses to charge admission
Nearly 100 years later, beloved amusement park still refuses to charge admission
USPS reveals shocking number of dog attacks on mail carriers, issues urgent warning to pet owners
USPS reveals shocking number of dog attacks on mail carriers, issues urgent warning to pet owners
Military veteran's painful walk across airport tarmac sparks strangers to raise over $135K
Military veteran's painful walk across airport tarmac sparks strangers to raise over $135K
Americans warned popular travel routes this summer could carry crime and kidnapping risks
Americans warned popular travel routes this summer could carry crime and kidnapping risks
Popular cruise line's bikini crackdown could surprise passengers at island ports
Popular cruise line's bikini crackdown could surprise passengers at island ports
Could Noah's Ark remains be buried in Turkey? New findings revive age-old debate
Could Noah's Ark remains be buried in Turkey? New findings revive age-old debate
Airline CEO who counted cards now bets premium perks can win over fliers
Airline CEO who counted cards now bets premium perks can win over fliers
Deadly bacteria found in waters near luxury vacation destination ahead of summer
Deadly bacteria found in waters near luxury vacation destination ahead of summer
Popular summer destination ravaged by Lyme disease bets on radical new solution
Popular summer destination ravaged by Lyme disease bets on radical new solution
Ancient palace discovery challenges the myth behind Sparta's rise to power
Ancient palace discovery challenges the myth behind Sparta's rise to power
Disney World guests shaken as rare earthquake near Cuba jolts Florida
Disney World guests shaken as rare earthquake near Cuba jolts Florida
Ghost-town casinos near Las Vegas get stunning rescue after family finds last-minute buyer
Ghost-town casinos near Las Vegas get stunning rescue after family finds last-minute buyer
Former Disney star reveals her 'genius hack' for cooling down on delayed flight
Former Disney star reveals her 'genius hack' for cooling down on delayed flight
Tourist breaches safety barrier at world's largest waterfall system to recover cellphone
Tourist breaches safety barrier at world's largest waterfall system to recover cellphone
Major cruise line limits fan-favorite trend after passengers say it's gotten 'out of hand'
Major cruise line limits fan-favorite trend after passengers say it's gotten 'out of hand'
Thrill seekers face historic 100-foot drop on amusement park's newest water ride
Thrill seekers face historic 100-foot drop on amusement park's newest water ride
The forgotten 14th colony: St Augustine showcases its revolutionary history ahead of America's 250th
The forgotten 14th colony: St Augustine showcases its revolutionary history ahead of America's 250th
Latest News

copyright © 2026 Yamba Accommodation.   All rights reserved.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z