The world’s diamond market has a new glittering headline: a massive 2,488-carat rough diamond, unearthed in Botswana and now under the microscope in Antwerp, Belgium. Nicknamed Motswedi, the stone is the second-largest ever discovered, weighing nearly half a kilogram. For now, its value remains anyone’s guess—but expectations are high.
A Rare Find in Botswana
The Motswedi was discovered last summer at the Karowe mine in northeastern Botswana, one of the richest sources of large diamonds in recent history. The mine is owned by Canadian company Lucara Diamond Corp., which has struck a partnership with Belgian gem specialist HB Antwerp to process and market stones over 10.8 carats.
“This is an exceptionally rare stone,” HB Antwerp’s public affairs director Margaux Donckier told AFP. “At the moment it’s very hard to put a price on it. We first have to inspect the stone and see what we can yield from it in polished form.”
How Big Is Big?
To put Motswedi’s size in perspective:
| Diamond | Carat Weight | Year Found | Location | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cullinan | 3,106 carats | 1905 | South Africa | Cut into stones, including the Star of Africa in UK Crown Jewels |
| Motswedi | 2,488 carats | 2024 | Botswana | Under evaluation in Antwerp |
| Sewelo | 1,758 carats | 2019 | Botswana | Still uncut, held by Lucara & Louis Vuitton partnership |
| Lesedi La Rona | 1,109 carats | 2015 | Botswana | Cut into 67 gems, largest sold for $53M |
Motswedi alone weighs more than two iPhones stacked together, making it a once-in-a-generation find.
The Potential Value
Pricing rough diamonds of this size is notoriously difficult. Much depends on how the stone is cut and what quality polished gems can be extracted. HB Antwerp is analyzing the stone alongside three other large diamonds from the same mine, with a collective valuation expected to exceed $100 million.
Collectors, luxury houses, and even museums are watching closely. “The size of these stones is so exceptionally rare that they also perfectly could end up in a museum,” Donckier said. But she also noted that wealthy private collectors—perhaps a Middle Eastern sheikh—are already expressing interest.
Botswana’s Diamond Dominance
Botswana has quietly become the world’s top diamond producer by value, contributing nearly 70% of the nation’s export earnings. Finds like Motswedi not only bolster the country’s mining reputation but also spark debates about heritage and ownership—should such rare stones be preserved in public institutions, or sold into private collections?
History’s Glittering Benchmarks
Motswedi follows in the footsteps of legendary stones like the Cullinan, discovered in 1905 in South Africa. The Cullinan remains the largest gem-quality diamond ever found at 3,106 carats. Its most famous polished offspring, the Great Star of Africa (530 carats), sits in the British Crown Jewels, housed in the Tower of London.
That comparison underscores just how rare Motswedi is—and why the global diamond industry is holding its breath.
FAQs:
Where was the Motswedi diamond discovered?
At the Karowe mine in northeastern Botswana, operated by Lucara Diamond Corp.
Why is it hard to value the stone?
The worth depends on how many polished gems can be cut from it and their clarity, color, and size.
What is the largest diamond ever found?
The 3,106-carat Cullinan, discovered in South Africa in 1905.
