A heartbreaking season of loss turned into a moment of hope for Pennsylvania native Keshia Smith after she uncovered a stunning 3.09-carat white diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park.
Smith, who recently lost both her son and father within the last several months, traveled to Arkansas hoping for comfort and healing during a difficult chapter in her life. What she found instead became the memory of a lifetime.
Smith had been planning her trip to Arkansas’ famous diamond search park for more than a year. After arriving on April 21 with her boyfriend Joey and brother Kirim, she spent her first day learning the park and meeting other diamond hunters.
The following morning, April 22, Smith began digging in the south end of the park’s 37.5-acre search field near the historical marker honoring John Huddleston’s 1906 diamond discovery. While digging through darker layers of soil, Smith spotted a shiny crystal resting in her shovel.
At first unsure what she had found, Smith placed the stone in her bag and continued digging. Later, while wet sifting at the park’s wash pavilion, other guests encouraged her to have the stone examined.
Park staff at the Diamond Discovery Center later confirmed Smith’s incredible find — a beautiful 3.09-carat white diamond.
Overcome with emotion, Smith cried, laughed, and hugged those around her after learning the news.
“I really needed this,” Smith told park staff. “I really prayed for this, and I just can’t believe it actually happened.”
Smith named the gem the “Za’Novia Liberty Diamond,” combining the names of her 2 grandchildren and honoring America’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration.
According to park officials, the diamond is currently the second-largest diamond registered at the park in 2026. So far this year, visitors have registered 214 diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park.
Park Interpreter Sarah Bivens said Smith’s excitement and positivity stood out from the moment she arrived.
“Ms. Smith exuded joy from the moment she walked in the door,” Bivens said. “Sometimes, I think diamond finds like this are just meant to be.”
Arkansas State Parks says more than 75,000 diamonds have been unearthed at the park since diamonds were first discovered there in 1906.
Crater of Diamonds State Park remains one of the only places in the world where the public can search for and keep real diamonds in their original volcanic source.
