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A Texan man found an unexpected prize during a family vacation this past winter — all prompted by his sons and a Siri inquiry by his wife.
Arkansas State Parks recently publicized the discovery, which occurred at Crater of Diamonds State Park located in Pike County. James Ward, age 41, uncovered the 2.09-carat brownish diamond on the thirtieth of December.
Ward, who resides in Cypress, Texas, was touring the park alongside his spouse, Elizabeth, and their two young boys, Adrian, age 9, and Austin, age 7.
The notion to visit the park came from the 7-year-old, according to Elizabeth Ward.
“One day while we were watching the television, Austin approached us and asked, ‘Mommy, Mommy, is there a location in Texas or near us where we could dig for crystals?’” the mother recounted.
James Ward from Cypress, Texas, located the diamond during a visit to the Arkansas park alongside his wife and their two young sons. (Arkansas State Parks)
She rapidly utilized Siri for a search and came across details regarding Crater of Diamonds State Park.
“I shared the link with James, and his response was, ‘Oh, hold on, that’s only approximately six hours away. We have the ability to go!’” Elizabeth Ward stated further.
“Heed the wishes of your children regarding their aspirations and activities!”
The gemstone, called the Ward Diamond, was unearthed during the family’s second day of searching.
The initial day was lengthy and frigid, but 9-year-old Adrian motivated the family to return the subsequent day — which resulted in the gem’s discovery.
“I was uncertain of its identity, but I could tell it stood apart from other items I had found,” the father mentioned.
Waymon Cox, an assistant park superintendent, likened the diamond to a corn seed.
“[It presents] a shadowy yellowish-brown shade and a stunning, metallic sheen [that’s] typical of all Crater diamonds,” Cox stated.
Park officials characterized the Ward Diamond as having a shadowy yellowish-brown color and metallic gleam. (Arkansas State Parks)
He continued, pointing out that crater diamonds took shape within the Earth’s upper mantle — and “were brought to the surface via an old volcanic conduit” millions of years prior.
“Most are fractured, fragmented, or display imperfections resulting from the intense geological pressures they endured,” Cox explained.
“Considering its present magnitude, one can contemplate how substantially larger Mr. Ward’s diamond might have been as an intact crystal.”
The diamond’s subsequent path remains unknown — and Ward conveyed his openness to either selling it or retaining it.
The diamond surfaced on the subsequent day after chilly conditions shortened the family’s initial endeavor. (Arkansas State Parks)
“I’ll need to ascertain its monetary value initially,” he expressed.
Ward further advised fellow park attendees to persevere beyond their initial digging experience.
“Heed the wishes of your children regarding their aspirations and activities!” his wife reiterated.
Arkansas State Parks conveyed to Fox News Digital that park personnel “lack the specific training to assess or appraise diamonds or other rocks and minerals.”
“I’ll need to determine its worth,” Ward commented about his unusual discovery. (Arkansas State Parks)
“Our main instruction encompasses correctly recognizing and documenting diamonds for visitors who unearth them,” the representative affirmed.
“Anyone keen on securing grading or appraisal for their diamonds can consult a certified gemologist, who has undergone specialized education to appropriately assess gemstone quality and estimate market price.”
Ward’s find enriches a growing compilation of significant gemstones uncovered by guests at Crater of Diamonds State Park.
An Oklahoma family unearthed a 2.79-carat diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park in September, facilitated by implements purchased at a discount store.
In April, a Minnesota resident unearthed a striking 3.81-carat brownish diamond at the park — a discovery he likened to discarded candy packaging.