“Motswedi” and “Seriti”: Botswana Names Two Historic Diamonds, Ushering in a New Era of Legacy and Pride
Lucara Diamond Corp. (“Lucara”) Unveils Winning Names for Record-Breaking Diamonds Found in 2024
In a dazzling celebration of Botswana’s rich heritage and its global significance in diamond mining, Lucara Diamond Corp. has announced the official names of two extraordinary diamonds recovered from its Karowe Mine this year. The 2,488-carat diamond, one of the largest ever discovered, has been named Motswedi—a Setswana term symbolizing a water spring, the essence of life. The equally stunning 1,094-carat diamond has been named Seriti, meaning aura or presence, a reflection of cultural pride and identity.
These names emerged from an extraordinary national competition, where over 39,000 entries poured in from across Botswana. The names were carefully chosen for their creativity, cultural resonance, and symbolic alignment with the unmatched grandeur of the diamonds themselves.
Historic Finds, Global Impact
The discovery of Motswedi and Seriti represents a pivotal moment not only for Lucara Diamond Corp. but also for Botswana’s diamond industry, long celebrated as a cornerstone of its economy. Lucara’s President and CEO, William Lamb, hailed the discoveries as “testaments to the incredible potential of the Karowe Mine and Lucara’s innovative approach to diamond recovery.”
“These diamonds are not just geological phenomena,” Lamb emphasized, “but stories millions of years in the making. We are humbled to be the custodians of these remarkable gems as they prepare to enter the global market.”
Celebrating Botswana’s Legacy
Lucara Botswana hosted an elegant gala in Gaborone to unveil the winning names, attended by the Honourable Minister Bogolo Kenewendo and other distinguished guests. The naming competition’s winners received significant recognition, with a 100,000 Pula prize for Motswedi and 50,000 Pula for Seriti. Both winners will also enjoy exclusive tours of the Karowe Mine, offering a firsthand look at the site where these geological marvels were unearthed.
The competition’s rigorous judging process included a linguistic review by Professor Thapelo Joseph Otlogetswe of the University of Botswana, ensuring the chosen names reflected the cultural and linguistic heritage of the country.
A Bright Future for Botswana Diamonds
As Lucara considers the sale options for Motswedi and Seriti, the company is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring these stones generate enduring benefits for Botswana. The Karowe Mine, renowned for its consistent production of large, high-quality diamonds, continues to solidify its reputation as a global leader in diamond mining innovation.
With Motswedi and Seriti, Botswana reinforces its status as a beacon of pride, legacy, and natural splendor. These historic gems are poised to capture the world’s imagination while honoring the deep cultural roots of the land from which they were unearthed.
Will Motswedi and Seriti define the next chapter in Botswana’s diamond legacy? The world waits to see.
