As April shines a spotlight on diamond — the month’s official birthstone — few gems capture the imagination quite like the extraordinary "Motswedi" diamond, a 2,488.32-carat marvel whose story is still unfolding.
Discovered in August 2024 at Botswana’s Karowe Mine, the Motswedi immediately secured its place in history as the second-largest diamond ever unearthed, surpassed only by the legendary Cullinan Diamond of 1905. Classified as a Type IIa stone — meaning it possesses exceptional chemical purity with virtually no nitrogen impurities — the light brown gem-quality crystal represents the pinnacle of what nature can achieve over billions of years.
Today, the massive rough is in Antwerp under the careful scrutiny of HB Antwerp, where experts are conducting advanced scans and analyses to determine its ultimate value and fate. And that fate remains one of the most tantalizing questions in the diamond world.
At more than half a kilogram (17.58 ounces) and measuring more than 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) in length, Motswedi is not just rare — it’s a logistical and philosophical challenge. Should it be cut into a record-breaking polished diamond, potentially yielding a constellation of spectacular stones? Or should it remain intact, preserved as a once-in-a-century natural wonder?
“There’s no easy answer,” industry insiders suggest, noting that stones of this magnitude are within the reach of a limited pool of qualified buyers. Museums, private collectors and luxury houses are all potential suitors. Some institutions have already expressed interest in acquiring the diamond in its rough form, preferring to showcase its raw grandeur rather than alter it through cutting.
The name “Motswedi,” chosen through a national competition in Botswana, adds another layer of meaning. In Setswana, it translates to “water spring” or “source” — a poetic nod to something that emerges from deep within the earth to sustain and inspire life. It’s a fitting metaphor for a diamond that symbolizes both natural wonder and national pride.
Botswana’s diamond industry has long been a cornerstone of its economic success, and discoveries like Motswedi reinforce the country’s position as a global leader in diamond production. The Karowe mine, operated by Lucara Diamond Corp., has become renowned for producing exceptional “mega diamonds,” thanks in part to advanced X-ray transmission technology that allows large stones to be recovered intact.
Comparisons to the Cullinan are inevitable. The 3,106-carat Cullinan was famously cut into nine principal diamonds and nearly 100 smaller stones, many of which now reside in the British Crown Jewels. Motswedi could follow a similar path — potentially yielding multiple high-value gems — or it could chart a completely different course.
For now, Motswedi' 's next chapter remains unwritten. HB Antwerp’s ongoing evaluation will determine not only its potential yield but also its market value, which some estimates place well into the tens — or even hundreds — of millions of dollars.
Credits: Photos courtesy of CNW Group/Lucara Diamond Corp.