Belgian diamond merchant announced on September 22 that the world’s second-largest diamond rough, weighing 2,488 carats, might soon find its place in a museum or become a private collectible after undergoing appropriate evaluation.
According to reports from Agence France-Presse, the diamond named “Motswedi” was unearthed in August last year at the Karowe mine in Botswana, a major diamond-producing country in Africa. “Motswedi” means “spring” or “underground water flow” in Setswana language.
The Karowe mine is owned by Lucara Diamond, a Canadian company, which partners with HB Antwerp in Belgium for processing and selling diamonds over 10.8 carats.
Currently, HB Antwerp, the holder of “Motswedi,” is analyzing the diamond. Margaux Donckier, the company’s Director of Public Affairs, remarked, “It is currently challenging to price it. We need to first examine the rough stone to see what kind of finished product can be polished from it.”
The company is showcasing four diamonds, including “Motswedi,” one of which is the world’s third-largest diamond discovered recently at the same mine site. Although these diamonds are difficult to assess individually, Donckier revealed that the total value of this batch of gems is estimated to be at least $100 million.
Donckier stated that despite no official pricing yet, “Motswedi” has already attracted “strong interest from around the world.”
She mentioned that due to the exceptional size of these diamonds, they are likely candidates for museum collections, with museums already expressing interest. However, “Motswedi” could also end up in the hands of a wealthy individual as part of their collection.
The largest gem-quality diamond found to date was the “Cullinan” diamond, weighing 3,106 carats, unearthed in South Africa in 1905. One of the diamonds cut from the “Cullinan,” the “Star of Africa,” is now set in the scepter of the British royal family and displayed at the Tower of London for public viewing.
The Natural Diamond Council highlighted that the naming of diamonds like “Motswedi” not only showcases the extraordinary nature of these gems but also pays tribute to Botswana’s rich cultural heritage, illustrating the deep connection between the country’s natural wonders and its people.
The rarity of diamonds like this is almost unbelievable. Throughout the history of diamond mining, fewer than 30 diamonds weighing over 500 carats have been unearthed, with diamonds over 1,000 carats being extremely rare. Each significant new discovery like this is a milestone event, reshaping the history of natural diamonds and their standing in the world.