There are moments in life when the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary—a sparkling reminder that sometimes, magic hides just beneath our feet. Such was the case for David DeCook, a devoted visitor to Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park, who recently unearthed a remarkable 3.81-carat brown diamond while enjoying a family day at the park. This stunning find stands as the largest diamond registered at the park so far this year, a testament to the thrilling possibilities awaiting those who seek adventure with open hearts and curious eyes.
David, hailing from Stewartville, Minnesota, has made the Crater of Diamonds a beloved destination alongside his brother Derek for many years. While they have found numerous diamonds over time, none compare to this recent gem. Just an hour after stepping into the park’s 37.5-acre plowed diamond search area, David’s keen eye caught a metallic glint near the hill south of the park’s south wash pavilion. At first, he thought he was spotting a candy wrapper, but as the shiny tinfoil-like reflection caught his attention, he realized the extraordinary treasure before him.
With calm excitement, David carefully retrieved the diamond and called out to his brother with a hint of playful rivalry: “Oh, you’re going to be mad once you see what I found!” This brotherly moment perfectly captures the spirit of discovery and joy that fills the park, where countless visitors chase their dreams of finding a precious gem.
David named his treasure "The Duke Diamond," after his dog, symbolizing a personal connection and a joyful memory from that day. The diamond’s unique metallic, copper luster and blocky, triangular shape make it a truly one-of-a-kind find. Though David is still deciding what to do with his dazzling discovery, it’s clear that The Duke Diamond has already made its mark as a symbol of possibility and wonder.
This impressive diamond follows the park’s largest find from earlier this year—the 7.46-carat Carine Diamond discovered by French visitor Julien Navas in January 2024—and is the 217th diamond registered at the park in 2025. Park staff note that recent rainfall played a role in this find. As Assistant Park Superintendent Waymon Cox explains, “April has been a very wet month at the park, with more than 12 inches of rain.” This rain helps wash away the soil and reveal diamonds near the surface, increasing the chance of surface finds. “Many of the park’s largest diamonds are found on top of the ground,” Cox adds.
According to Ouros Jewels, a 3.81-carat brown diamond, like the one David recently found at Crater of Diamonds State Park, could be valued between $3,810 and $19,050. This range reflects the typical price per carat for brown diamonds, which varies from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on factors such as quality and color intensity.
The Crater of Diamonds State Park offers a unique experience where visitors can not only search for diamonds but also feel a direct connection to natural history. Since the first diamond discovery in 1906 by farmer John Huddleston, over 75,000 diamonds have been found here, making it a place of endless fascination and hope.
Among the park’s most famous finds is the Uncle Sam diamond, unearthed in 1924. This remarkable 40.23-carat white diamond with a pink cast now resides in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. Another cherished gem is the Strawn-Wagner, a 3.03-carat white diamond discovered in 1990, renowned for its flawless quality and on permanent display at the park visitor center.
David’s discovery reminds us all that extraordinary moments are possible for those who keep exploring and stay curious. Sometimes, the greatest treasures lie just beneath the surface, waiting to be found by someone with a patient heart and an adventurous spirit.
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