We’ve seen our share of big diamonds in the jewelry industry, but the stone unearthed by the De Beers partner Debswana Diamond Co. in Botswana earlier this month is truly one-of-a-kind.
According to a report from Reuters, this massive 1,098-carat diamond is believed to be the third largest diamond in the world, only behind the infamous Cullinan Diamond (3106 carats) discovered in South Africa in 1905 and the Lesedi la Rona (1109 carats) that was also found in Botswana in 2015 and sold for $53M.
The diamond’s valuation is coming in the next few weeks, and its value is sure to be staggering—after all, the stone is 73mm long, 52mm wide, and 27mm thick, which is about the size of a fist. Or a lemon. Or maybe even a peach! Pick your favorite smaller-sized fruit for comparison; there is no doubt that this diamond is massive.
Photo Credit: Debswana Diamond Company
“This rare and extraordinary stone… means so much in the context of diamonds and Botswana. It brings hope to the nation that is struggling,” says Debswana Managing Director Lynette Armstrong. This is also the largest stone of gem quality to be unveiled since the company started nearly 50 years ago.
Botswana itself will be benefiting from the diamond discovery, as 80% of the revenue from Debswana—a joint venture between the government and De Beers—goes on to state coffers through dividends, royalties, and taxes.
Rachel Mothibatsela, a spokeswoman for Debswana, says they “will work with the government of the Republic of Botswana and De Beers to value and sell the diamond to ensure it returns maximum benefit for the people of Botswana.”
The diamond has yet to be named, but we are certain it will be something grand and groundbreaking—just like the diamond itself.
