Passionate as ever about pursuing what deserves to last ‘Forever’, Sotheby’s artisans of beauty are preparing ahead of a sealed auction in Hong Kong, to present a pair of 18.38 carat round brilliant diamonds, mined in Botswana and ready to be set in a piece of choice, according to the highest bidder’s preference.
The Sealed platform provides a secure and discreet environment for buyers all over the world to bid on this stunning pair of diamonds, destined to be cherished for generations. Sotheby's will connect the lucky buyer with top designers to craft a unique mounting of these exquisite stones, offering the chance to choose a bespoke setting representative of the buyer’s style.
Each diamond is unique and distinct in appearance, embodying a singular spirit. From dazzling brilliance, infinite reflections, fiery hues, and impressive proportions, the diamonds are remarkable and unparalleled in their own right.
An outstanding testament to nature’s artistry, these two flawless gems carry an eternal legacy and now await their next chapter at the upcoming auction. Not yet mounted, the round diamonds boast a substantial size, accompanied by reports that state they are a D colour.
A GIA Diamond Grading Report represents the benchmark for expert diamond grading and the best indicator of accuracy.
About the Diamonds
Thanks to the latest advancements in technology, the journey of a diamond can be documented with detailed precision, from the moment it is discovered in the mine, to the cutting and polishing stages and beyond. Electronically mapped, diamonds carry detailed records that culminate in their return from the GIA, complete with certification and ready to be set into a timeless piece of jewellery.
The two diamonds mined in Botswana meet the highest standards across every critical criterion by which diamonds are judged. D-colour diamonds, these precious stones carry the highest grade for a white diamond. They are certifiably completely flawless, both internally and externally, and have excellent polish and symmetry. Belonging to the rare subgroup known as Type IIa – representing less than 2% of all gem-quality diamonds – these diamonds are the most chemically pure, often exhibiting extraordinary optical transparency. They are free from measurable nitrogen or boron impurities and carry the highest thermal conductivity. Accompanied by two GIA reports dated June 24, 2024, these diamonds have been determined to be Type IIa, reaffirming their rarity and provenance.
Provenance
Diamonds are the hardest natural substance known to man, 58 times harder than the toughest mineral on Earth. The only material capable of scratching a diamond is another diamond.
While it is very important to determine the value and pedigree of a diamond, the predominant focus of the industry has mostly been placed on their colour and clarity. However, this reality has shifted in recent years. Driven by consumer demand, significant progress has been made in understanding the provenance of these precious gems.
The words "provenance," – especially when used in relation to jewellery, or works of art, – leads one to thinksends one thinking about the individuals who owned or wore it. However, there's another important aspect of provenance: the place of origin.
The heritage of the Botswana diamonds is highly valued. A diamond from Botswana offers an origin story that buyers can believe in, and relate to.
To uphold the integrity and ethical provenance of its diamonds, ODC – the largest source of guaranteed Botswana diamond production in the market – subjects the gems to rigorous certification processes conducted by third-party organisations. Recently, ODC introduced the Green Star Source Programme, which allows for the traceability of polished diamonds back to their origins in Botswana.
Botswana Natural Diamonds
Botswana is today the world’s number one diamond-producing country by value, thanks to its natural diamonds. The diamond mining in the Southern African country operates under a government licensing agreement, and natural diamonds quickly became the cornerstone of Botswana’s economic development.
Diamond mining contributes around 30% of the nation's GDP, with the cutting, polishing, and trading of diamonds adding another 5%.
The Botswanan government established legislation in 2001, stating that at least 40% of all revenue generated from diamond exports be reserved for the benefit of future generations. The remaining funds would go towards investments in the country’s infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social security.
Botswana's remarkable economic transformation has been largely attributed to the discovery of diamonds, but most importantly, it is the careful management of these rare and precious stones that has truly fuelled the nation's progress.
Claiming your own flawless diamond piece at Sotheby’s upcoming auction can make you a part of this age-old craft, its legacy, and its vision for the future.
