This month, Paragon Diamonds is expected to hold its first tender of diamonds since it was admitted to London's AIM exchange in November 2010, the company reports.

The parcel of diamonds for sale is expected to comprise some 3,000 carats, including one 34.18-carat diamond and three diamonds weighing 10.46, 10.18, and 9.96 carats. The stones are sourced from the diamond company's 100%-owned Konoma Diamond Mine in Sierra Leone.

Paragon Chairman Frank Scolaro said that he was "pleased to announce [the] first parcel of stones is prepared for sale and export since listing" and added that the Paragon had made "good progress" in increasing its diamond production levels.

Scolaro further noted that rough diamond prices had "significantly improved" since the start of 2011 and that he hoped the upward trend would continue in 2011.