Botswana’s 2,488-Carat Motswedi Diamond Sold After 20 Years Without a Buyer
Botswana’s 2,488-carat Motswedi diamond, one of the largest gem-quality diamonds ever discovered, has finally found a buyer nearly two decades after it was recovered.
The exceptional stone was discovered in 2005 at the Jwaneng diamond mine, one of the world’s most significant diamond operations.
Despite its extraordinary size, the diamond remained unsold for almost 20 years as potential buyers were reportedly unable to agree on its value.
The buyer has acquired the stone for an undisclosed amount. The sale represents a significant development for Botswana’s diamond industry, where large and exceptional stones are an important source of international attention and commercial value.
The Motswedi diamond is notable for its exceptional size and quality. At 2,488 carats, it ranks among the largest diamonds ever recovered globally and is significantly larger than most stones produced by commercial diamond mines.
Botswana is one of the world’s leading diamond producers by value, with the sector playing a major role in government revenue, exports and the broader economy.
The country is also seeking to increase the value it captures from its diamonds through greater local processing, cutting and polishing.
The sale comes at a challenging period for the global diamond industry, which has faced weaker demand, price pressure and competition from laboratory-grown diamonds.
Large, rare natural diamonds, however, continue to attract collectors and specialist buyers because of their scarcity.
The transaction also highlights the enduring commercial appeal of exceptional natural diamonds.
Stones of unusual size and quality can command significant interest even when broader market conditions are difficult.
For Botswana, the Motswedi sale provides another opportunity to showcase the country’s mineral wealth and the continued importance of its diamond resources to the international market.
The transaction further demonstrates the potential value of rare, high-quality stones beyond conventional rough-diamond production, particularly as Botswana works to strengthen its position across the diamond value chain.
