Rare blue diamond discovered in Botswana
Marcus Te Haar, Managing Director of Okavango Diamond Company joins CNBC Africa to talk about the discovery of a rare blue diamond in Botswana.
Wed, 17 Apr 2019 11:52:49 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- The rare blue diamond discovered in Botswana is described as exceptional, with a polished form of 20.46 carats, ranking among the largest blue gems ever found globally.
- The uniqueness of the diamond lies in its vivid blue color, classified as a type 2B diamond, making it a rare and valuable find in an industry dominated by colorless stones.
- Botswana's diamond industry, renowned for its ethical mining practices and high-quality production, receives a momentous boost with the unveiling of this extraordinary blue diamond, underscoring the country's position as a leading natural diamond producer.
In a groundbreaking discovery, the Okavango Diamond Company has unveiled a rare blue diamond in Botswana, captivating the attention of gem enthusiasts worldwide. The Managing Director, Marcus Te Haar, describes the gem as truly exceptional, boasting a polished form of 20.46 carats, making it one of the largest blue gems ever discovered. The rarity and uniqueness of the diamond stem from its vivid blue color, categorized as a type 2B diamond, which are among the rarest in the world, with pinks and blues commanding significant value in the market. Botswana, known for its high-quality diamond production, seldom sees colored stones of this caliber, making this find a momentous occasion in the country's mining history.
Despite the temptation to speculate on the gem's value, Haar emphasizes the difficulty in assigning a price tag to such a rare and exceptional stone. Given its prominence and scarcity, the final valuation will likely be determined through an auction process, where the true worth of this extraordinary find will be unveiled. The diamond, already polished to a remarkable 20.46 carats from its original 41.11 carats, stands as a testament to Botswana's diamond industry's prowess and ethical practices.
As the gem now enters the global spotlight, the Okavango Diamond Company aims to leverage this discovery as a platform to showcase Botswana's diamond heritage and promote the country as a leading natural diamond producer. With its commitment to ethical mining practices and unparalleled quality, Botswana seeks to appeal to the increasingly conscientious modern consumer, who values transparency and authenticity in their purchases.
When it came to the intricate process of cutting and polishing the rare blue diamond, Haar explains that only a select group of master cutters possesses the expertise to bring out the stone's full brilliance. In this case, a team of skilled polishers in New York was entrusted with the task, ensuring that the diamond's natural beauty and radiance were enhanced to perfection.
The unveiling of this once-in-a-lifetime blue diamond not only marks a significant milestone in Botswana's mining history but also serves as a testament to the country's dedication to producing exceptional gems of unparalleled quality. As the world eagerly awaits the gem's auction debut, the global diamond market is abuzz with excitement over this extraordinary find.