RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:BNN comment
The stone to focus on is not the Constellation but the 374ct fragment of LLR that sold for $17.5M.
Assuming the same quality for 1109ct of the same stone, my estimate is:-
(1109/374)^2 x 17.54 = $154M
Both the Botswana govt and Lucara have an interest in selling it for the highest price possible, not only for the immediate revenue accruing but for making sure that future sales of high value stones are not compromised by establishing low precedents.
If the govt bought the stone to remove it from the market, their costs would be ameliorated by:-
a) 10% immediately from Lucara for royalty.
b) a further huge slice in taxes from Lucara.
c) a cost-benefit to the Botswana economy by supporting their number one revenue earner.