Botswana is one of the main sources of the diamond industry, and it is where the most incredible and largest diamonds in history have been found. This time, it happened at the Karowe mine, where a precious stone has been discovered that has been named Motswedi: spring of water or underground water flow in Setswana. It is a diamond that weighs more than a pound and measures 2,488 carats, which places it as the second largest diamond in the world. It is still being examined in Antwerp, Belgium, where its market value will need to be analyzed, as explained by HB Antwerp spokesperson, Margot Doquier.
The mine where the discovery was made is owned by the Canadian company Lucara Diamond in partnership with HB Antwerp, and it was also there that the third largest diamond in history was found. It has not yet been possible to determine what its selling price would be, although it is estimated to be around $100 million. South Africa was, in 1905, the scene where the largest diamond ever discovered to date, the Cullinan, was found. It was cut into several pieces and produced the ‘Star of Africa,’ now part of the British Crown Jewels and displayed in the Tower of London.
Motswedi
Located in southern Africa, between Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa, Botswana is one of the main stages of the diamond industry worldwide. It is the place where the largest specimens in the world have been found and where, once again, another discovery has been made that has left the gem world speechless. This is the second largest diamond ever discovered, which has been named Motswedi, referring to a water spring or underground water flow in Setswana. Weighing more than one pound and 2,499 carats, it is another of the wonders that until now remained in the Karowe mine.
Studies on the Motswedi
Currently, the gemstone is in Antwerp, Belgium, where experts are still examining it. According to statements from HB Antwerp spokesperson Margot Doquier, “It is too early to set a real market price. First, the internal structure and what can be cut and polished from the rough stone must be determined.” We will still have to wait for the experts’ verdict, but it is estimated that the value of this group of diamonds could be around $100 million. The Karowe mine, located in northeastern Botswana and where the Motswedi was found (part of a group of four diamonds), is owned by the Canadian company Lucara Diamond along with HB Antwerp.
What will be the future of this diamond?
Naturally, it is not only the diamond industry that has taken an interest in the Motswedi, but also private collectors with the purchasing power to pay for it. According to Donquier, “Stones like this are extremely rare. They can become a museum piece. But it is not impossible that it will end up in a private collection, for example, in the possession of a sheikh”.
Background in Botswana
As we have mentioned, Botswana has been the site of some of the most important gemstone discoveries in the world. In 2019, the 1,758-carat diamond Sewelo was discovered, also in the Karowe mine. However, the record is still held by South Africa, with the discovery of the Cullinan diamond in 1905—a 3,106-carat gem that ranks as the largest diamond ever found. The fate of this discovery was to be cut into separate pieces to form the “Star of Africa.” Today, it is part of the British Crown Jewels and can be seen on display at the Tower of London. For now, the final destiny of the Motswedi has not been decided, but what would you like it to be?
