This 2,488-carat rough diamond recovered from the Karowe mine in August now has a name, “Motswedi,” which in Setswana means a stream of underground water that rises to the surface. (Photo courtesy of Lucara Diamond Corp.)
Gaborone, Botswana—Following a nationwide contest that attracted nearly 40,000 entries, Lucara Diamond Corp. has landed on names for the two large diamonds it unearthed earlier this year.
The 2,488-carat rough diamond recovered from the Karowe mine in August—believed to be the largest ever found in Botswana—has been named “Motswedi.”
(The diamond originally was reported as being 2,492 carats but lost a small amount of weight during the cleaning process, as is common with diamonds of this size.)
In Setswana, the local language in Botswana, motswedi means a current of underground water that emerges to the surface, offering life and vitality, Lucara said.
The 1,094-carat rough diamond found at Karowe less than a month later is “Seriti,” which means aura or presence in Setswana and has deep cultural significance related to identity and legacy.
Lucara recovered this 1,094-carat rough diamond from its Karowe mine in September. After a nationwide contest, the mining company settled on the name of “Seriti” for the stone. (Photo courtesy of Lucara Diamond Corp.)
Lucara launched a nationwide competition to name the two giant gems in November. The mining company said it received more than 39,000 entries over a two-week span.
A panel of judges reviewed the submitted names, judging the entries on their creativity and originality, cultural significance in Botswana, and relevance to the diamonds.
Professor Thapelo Joseph Otlogetswe, a professor of linguistics and lexicography and deputy dean at the University of Botswana, was involved in the linguistics review of the submissions.
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Lucara Botswana hosted a gala where it revealed the winning names, with the Hon. Minister Bogolo Kenewendo of the country’s Ministry of Minerals & Energy in attendance.
The individual who submitted the winning name for the 2,488-carat diamond will receive a prize of 100,000 Pula (about $7,400), while the individual who came up with the winning name for the 1,094-carat diamond will get 50,000 Pula (about $3,700).
Both winners will receive an exclusive tour of the Karowe mine.
“We are incredibly proud to announce the naming of two extraordinary diamonds recovered from our Karowe Mine in Botswana,” Lucara President and CEO William Lamb said. “These diamonds are not just geological phenomena; they are a testament to the incredible potential of the Karowe Mine and Lucara’s innovative approach to diamond recovery.
“Each stone tells a story millions of years in the making, and we are humbled to be the custodians of these remarkable gems as they prepare to enter the global market.”
Lucara said it is still considering sale options for the “Motswedi” and “Seriti” diamonds.
