Affectionately named “The Duke Diamond” after DeCook’s beloved dog, the gem was discovered on April 21 during a trip with his family. DeCook, a regular visitor to the park, spotted the stone just an hour into his visit, mistaking its shine for a candy wrapper before realizing he had stumbled upon a significant find.
The stone, exhibiting a metallic copper luster and distinctive triangular form, joins a long lineage of diamonds discovered at the 37.5-acre search site — the only publicly accessible diamond-bearing field in North America where visitors are allowed to keep what they find.
“Many of our biggest diamonds are found on the surface after rain,” said Assistant Park Superintendent Waymon Cox. “April has been particularly wet, with over 12 inches of rainfall — perfect conditions for surface discoveries like this one.”
The Crater of Diamonds State Park, established in 1972, has a storied history dating back to 1906, when diamonds were first discovered by a local farmer. Since then, more than 75,000 diamonds have been registered, including the legendary 40.23-carat “Uncle Sam” and the flawless 3.03-carat Strawn-Wagner Diamond.
DeCook’s discovery marks the 217th diamond found at the park this year, bringing the total 2025 yield to over 32 carats. While he hasn’t yet decided what to do with The Duke Diamond, the find cements his and his brother’s legacy as seasoned treasure hunters within the park’s passionate community.
Whether he keeps it, sells it, or cuts it into something new, DeCook’s glimmering find continues a legacy of public discovery — one that keeps gem seekers flocking to Arkansas, shovels in hand and hope in their pockets.
