Botswana’s Karowe Mine Yields Unprecedented 37.4-Carat Bi-Coloured Diamond
GIA Analysis Confirms Rare “Two-Stage” Geological Formation, Presenting Unique Opportunities for the Trade
In a significant recovery for the global gem industry, Botswana’s prolific Karowe Mine has yielded a remarkable 37.4-carat rough diamond characterised by a sharp, natural division into pink and colourless sections. The stone’s exceptional clarity and distinct colour zoning have drawn expert attention for what it reveals about diamond formation and its potential market destiny.
Technical Analysis and Trade Implications
A recent examination at a Gemological Institute of America (GIA) laboratory confirmed the diamond’s “astounding” characteristics. Measuring 24.3 x 16 x 14.5 mm, the gem’s two distinct colour zones indicate a complex, two-stage geological history.
According to GIA analysis, the pink segment likely originated as a colourless stone that later experienced “plastic deformation” – a structural change caused by immense geological pressure during tectonic events. The colourless half is believed to have formed subsequently under stable conditions. This “two-faced” nature presents a unique challenge and opportunity for master cutters, who must strategise to maximise the value of both colours in a single finished stone.
Market Context and Rarity
Pink diamonds remain the pinnacle of natural rarity, their colour arising not from chemical impurities but from structural distortions in the crystal lattice. This specific bi-coloured specimen, discovered at the same source as legendary stones like the “Motswedi” and “Boitumelo” diamonds, underscores the Karowe Mine’s unique position in yielding historically significant gems.
Geologists note that the diamond represents a “Goldilocks” scenario in nature, where conditions were precisely balanced to create a pink hue without tipping into the more common brown colouration.
JewelBharat Perspective
For the trade, this discovery serves two crucial purposes:
- Narrative Reinforcement: It provides a powerful, tangible story of natural diamond formation—a narrative of time, pressure, and unique geological events that cannot be replicated in a laboratory.
- Manufacturing Showcase: The stone will become a case study in high-stakes planning and execution, demonstrating the art and science of diamond cutting to its highest degree.
While such a stone is destined for the auction podium, its story is a tool for every jeweller. It reinforces the core value proposition of natural diamonds: their unique genesis, unparalleled rarity, and the irreplaceable story that accompanies each stone from the earth to the showcase.
JewelBharat.com: Delivering authoritative news and analysis for the Indian jewellery trade.
