This year was exceptional for the diamond mining industry and successful for the Karowe Mine in Botswana, as two rough stones of over 1000 carats were discovered there within less than a month. Diamonds of such a kind should be named; they can’t stay in history as 2,488-carat and 1,094-carat stones. Recently, Lucara’s President and CEO, William Lamb, revealed the names of both extraordinary finds.
But who received the honor and great responsibility of giving the names? It was done through a competition that started in November and was open to residents and citizens of Botswana, allowing them to submit their variants. A review committee carefully evaluated all the names, considering the following:
- a name’s uniqueness;
- its cultural meaning to the state;
- how the nickname connects to a diamond.
The winners of the contest were invited for a special excursion to the Karowe Mine and monetary rewards of USD 7,200 (BWP 100,000) for the larger gem and USD 3,600 (BWP 50,000) for the smaller one.
On August 22, 2024, in sunny Botswana, a 2.488-carat rough diamond was discovered
What are the names that were selected among almost forty thousand entries? Motswedi is the name that was chosen for the 2,488-carat diamond. This poetic title refers to a water source in the Setswana language, which is official in Botswana. If you would like to dig deeper, it can also be interpreted as a source of life, emphasizing the significance of water in African culture, where it is often seen as a vital and life-giving force.
A 1,094-carat diamond was found in Botswana on June 1, 2021 at the Karowe mine
The stunning 1,094-carat stone is now known as Seriti, translating as “aura” or “presence.” Metaphorically, it is about dignity and inner strength that fills a person or an object with a powerful and positive energy.
As 2024 showed, the Karowe Mine has the immense potential, and Lucara will continue using the best technologies and cutting-edge approach to unleash it for the benefit of Botswana and its citizens. William Lamb is sure that each stone tells a unique story. He has also emphasized that Lucara is proud to be entrusted with these exceptional gems as they prepare to enter the global market and inspire admiration worldwide.
