Motswedi, a 2,488-carat rough diamond. (Nicolas Tucat/AFP)
The world has been captivated by the recent discovery of Motswedi, a stunning 2,488-carat rough diamond that has the potential to become one of the most sought-after gemstones. This remarkable find is currently in the evaluation phase, with the Belgian firm HB Antwerp overseeing its examination.
Unearthed in Botswana during the previous summer, Motswedi is now undergoing a thorough analysis to determine its value and potential for refinement.
Margaux Donckier, the public affairs director at HB Antwerp, shared insights with AFP, revealing the complexities involved in appraising such a unique gem: “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.”
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Weighing approximately half a kilogram, Motswedi was discovered at the Karowe mine, renowned as Africa’s leading diamond-producing site.
This mine is operated by the Canadian company Lucara Diamond, which has teamed up with HB Antwerp to handle the processing and marketing of exceptionally large diamonds, those over 10.8 carats.
Motswedi is featured alongside three other significant gems recently unearthed from the Karowe mine, including the world’s third-largest diamond—the excitement surrounding these finds is palpable.
While pricing for these incredible stones is still uncertain, Donckier has suggested that collectively, the quartet could potentially command over $100 million.
The Motswedi has already attracted considerable attention from global collectors and institutions. Donckier confirmed, “The size of these stones is so exceptionally rare that they also perfectly could end up in a museum,” noting that some interested parties have already expressed their desire to acquire the diamond.
Alternatively, Motswedi may find its way into the private collection of a wealthy sheikh, eager to add such a monumental piece to their inventory.
Before the discovery of Motswedi, the largest diamond found in Botswana was the impressive 1,758-carat Sewelo, which was mined at the same site in 2019.
Historically, the largest gem-quality diamond in existence is the renowned Cullinan diamond, discovered in South Africa in 1905, weighing a staggering 3,106 carats. Among the diamonds cut from it is the iconic Star of Africa, which now graces the British Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.
