Diamond in the Rough?

The Diamond State

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When I was a kid growing up in Arkansas, the state's boosters used to tell us that Arkansas was a diamond in the rough. I didn't know what that meant until I grew up. They never explained it, but I eventually figured it out.

I've just checked and see that the boosters are still boosting with that same old line. Maybe it needs an updating. As far as Arkansas is concerned, I suggest this:

A diamond is forever in the rough.

Actually, I'd prefer that it stay that way, in a bit of a rough state . . .