Sourcing

Lucara Elevates 2 Women to Leadership Positions

SourcingFeb 27, 2018

Lucara Elevates 2 Women to Leadership Positions

Eira Thomas is the diamond miner’s new CEO while co-founder Catherine McLeod Seltzer joins the board of directors.

2018_Eira-Thomas.jpg
Eira Thomas is the new CEO of Lucara Diamond Corp., replacing the retiring William Lamb. Lucara operates the Karowe mine in Botswana.

Vancouver--Lucara, the company that recovered a 1,109-carat diamond in Botswana, announced Monday that it has a new CEO.

Eira Thomas, a co-founder of the mining company, is taking over for William Lamb, who is retiring from Lucara and also stepping down from its board of directors. 

Joining the board is another of the company’s co-founders, Catherine McLeod Seltzer, the current chair of Bear Creek Mining Corp. and a director of Kinross Gold.

Thomas has more than 25 years’ experience in the mining industry, most recently serving as CEO of Kaminak Gold Corp. before its 2017 acquisition by Goldcorp for $520 million. 

She spent 16 years with Aber Diamond Corporation (now Dominion Diamond), where she moved up from geologist to vice president of exploration to a director of the board. She also was a co-founder and, later, CEO and executive chairman of Canadian miner Stornoway Diamond Corp.

Thomas started Lucara in 2007 with Seltzer and Lukas Lundin, and stayed on as a director.

Lamb has been CEO of Lucara since April 2008, during which time the Karowe mine has become one of the world’s highest-margin diamond mines and a major producer of large, Type IIA stones.

In addition to the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona, which sold for $53 million last fall, the mine also produced the 813-carat Constellation Diamond, which went for a record $63.1 million.

During Lamb’s tenure, the company also adopted both autogenous milling and the use of X-ray transmission sorters to ensure big diamonds weren’t broken up during the sorting process. 


The 812.77-carat Constellation Diamond, one of two major stones unearthed at Lucara’s Karowe mine in Botswana under departing CEO William Lamb’s tenure.

Also on Monday, Lucara announced its acquisition of Clara Diamond Solutions Corp. for $29 million.

Clara is a digital platform that uses algorithms to match up rough diamond production with polished manufacturing demands on a stone-by-stone basis.

Lucara said the platform can be integrated with blockchain technology. It also noted that the platform can eliminate the need for fixed sales cycles, which would reduce carrying costs across the supply chain.

It said it plans to begin using Clara in the coming months with a selection of rough from the Karowe mine.

After that, Lucara will scale the system to accommodate rough diamonds from other companies.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Boucheron Human Being Collection Tattoo Necklace
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch

“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.

Baume & Mercier watch
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & Mercier

Richemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.

Joopiter Logo
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch Division

Nate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Enoch Michael
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant Winner

Enoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.

Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Karen Fox and Jenna Siegel
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner

AGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

Kendra Scott
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor

The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Hands crossed with rings on
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers List

Plus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.

René Lalique “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum

René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.

Arien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 Execs

Arien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.

The Retail Smiths partner and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin Paradox

A podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.

Jewelers of America Impact Initiative Recipients 2026
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative Recipients

The association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.

Zahn Z In Rubies We Clicked
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue

Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.

Police van outside of Musée Lalique
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée Lalique

Around 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.

Robinson Pelham Summer of ’96 Campaign
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996

The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.

Bachendorf’s New Dallas Location Exterior Rendering
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In Dallas

The new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.

Jung Kook for Graff
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New Ambassador

The pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.

Pandora pearl jewelry campaign imagery
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’

One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.

Bracelets_1872_1052.jpg
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet Trends

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

Oscar Heyman Flag Brooch
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates America

The American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.

D. Geller & Son store mural
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store Mural

The artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.

Hand taking jewelry out of jewelry box
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying Events

Its team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.

Hand holding a gas pump
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in June

Falling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.

Rio Grande Millgrain Wedding band and Round Diamond Engagement Ring
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal Collection

The new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.

Rockefeller Center Rink Rolex Clock
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller Center

The clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.

Kristen Cannon
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49

The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy