It’s not everyday you see the President of a country looking at a gemstone like a gemologist! But when it’s a 2,492 ct. white diamond, it’s certainly possible. Yeah, you read that right. This recently discovered natural white diamond from Botswana weighs almost half a kilogram! This is by far the biggest find in the country and the President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, examines it like a pro unfazed by its size. Would you be able to remain this calm, if you had an opportunity to hold it? I would certainly be planning a heist if I had a chance to lay my hands on it.
Anyway, this is a monumental discovery which has generated a lot of buzz worldwide. So, let’s dive into the story behind this remarkable white diamond.
World’s Second-Largest Diamond
At 2,492 carats, it’s now officially the second-largest diamond ever found on Earth. The only stone bigger is the legendary Cullinan diamond, discovered over a century ago in South Africa. It weighed a colossal 3,106 carats. The Cullinan was eventually cut into pieces, many of which now adorn the British Crown Jewels. So, when you think of the new Botswana diamond gemstone, think of it as a modern-day giant. It’s one that could easily hold its own in the company of history’s most iconic gems.
What makes this discovery even more fascinating is how it came to be. Lucara Diamond Corp., the mining company behind this find, didn’t just stumble upon it by luck. They used cutting-edge X-ray transmission (XRT) technology. Think of it as the superhero of diamond detection—to spot and carefully recover this colossal gemstone. Without this tech, the diamond might have been damaged, or worse, missed entirely. Instead, it was preserved in all its natural glory, ready to dazzle the world.
Karowe Mine: Where Diamonds Come By Kilos
But wait, there’s more! The Karowe Diamond Mine, where this gem was found, has a knack for producing diamonds that leave everyone speechless. In the same month that the second-largest diamond was discovered, Lucara announced yet another massive find of a 1,080.10-carat white diamond. This particular diamond gemstone now ranks as the seventh-largest ever discovered and one of the top five largest colorless diamonds to ever exist.
To put this into perspective, consider the Lesedi La Rona, a diamond found at the same mine in 2015. Weighing in at 1,109 carats, the Lesedi La Rona captured the world’s attention, eventually selling for over $53 million to the renowned jewelry house Graff. Graff transformed this rough diamond into a magnificent emerald-cut stone over 300 carats, along with 66 smaller diamonds. The story of the Lesedi La Rona gives us a glimpse into the potential value and destiny of Karowe’s latest discovery.
The Karowe Mine is practically legendary in the world of diamond gemstones. Since 2015, it has yielded four diamonds over 1,000 carats, including the 1,758-carat Sewelô, a 1,174-carat giant, and, of course, the iconic Lesedi La Rona. Each discovery reaffirms Karowe’s status as a source of some of the most remarkable white diamonds the world has ever seen.
More Than Just a White Diamond: Botswana’s Shining Future
Diamonds are the backbone of this nation, contributing around 40% of its GDP and making up 90% of its exports. It’s no exaggeration to say that diamonds have transformed Botswana. In the 1960s, it was one of the world’s poorest countries. Today, it’s one of Africa’s most prosperous nations.
For Botswana, each diamond is a piece of a much larger puzzle. The revenue generated from these stones funds education, healthcare, and infrastructure, lifting the entire country. So, when we talk about this 2,492-carat gigantic white diamond, we’re not simply marveling at a beautiful rock. We’re celebrating what it represents: progress, stability and a brighter future for millions of people.
What’s Next for Botswana’s Mega Diamond?
Will it be sold at auction, sparking a bidding war among the world’s elite? Or will it remain in its natural, uncut form, traveling the globe as a symbol of nature’s raw beauty? Perhaps it will be meticulously cut into smaller, stunning gems, each with a unique story to tell. Maybe some of these white diamonds find their way to royal collections, representing history and luxury in equal measure. The possibilities are endless and the world is waiting with bated breath to see where this story goes.
Speaking of white diamonds, if you’re on the hunt for something iconic, but perhaps without the million dollar price tag, GemsNY has you covered. While we may not have the world’s largest diamond in our vaults, we do have a dazzling collection of natural white diamonds and gemstones that can fit your budget perfectly. Whether you’re looking for a gem to mark a special occasion or just something to add a bit of sparkle to your life, we’ve got the perfect stone for you & no bidding wars required!
FAQ
1. Are Botswana white diamonds ethical?
Yes, Botswana is one of the largest sources of sustainable white diamonds in the world, as per GIA.
2. Are Botswana diamonds good quality?
Yes, most of the mined diamonds from this country are gem quality, over 70% according to some sources.
3. Are Botswana diamonds cheap?
Not really. Like diamonds from any other origin, Botswana diamonds are also graded according to 4Cs. Therefore, the price depends on the overall quality of the diamond.
4. Which country is the largest producer of gem quality white diamonds?
Russia has the largest natural resources of diamonds and the country is the biggest exporter of diamonds and diamond rough worldwide.
5. In which country diamonds are very cheap?
In Dubai, you can practically buy everything quite cheap compared to the rest of the world. It is one of the top three diamond trading centers in the world. The others are India and Belgium.
6. Which country produces maximum color diamonds?
Australia, South Africa and India produce the maximum color diamonds also called fancy color diamonds.
