Driven by a deep commitment to enduring beauty, Sotheby’s artisans are preparing for an exclusive sealed auction in Hong Kong, where they will present a pair of 18.38-carat round brilliant diamonds. Mined in Botswana, these exceptional gems are ready to be set according to the preferences of the highest bidder.
The sealed platform offers a secure and confidential space for global buyers to bid on this remarkable pair of diamonds, destined to be treasured for generations. Sotheby’s will facilitate the connection between the successful bidder and top designers, enabling the creation of a bespoke setting that reflects the buyer’s individual style.
Each diamond is unique, with distinct qualities that include dazzling brilliance, infinite reflections, fiery hues, and impressive proportions, making them extraordinary in their own right. These flawless gems stand as a testament to nature’s artistry, carrying an eternal legacy that now awaits its next chapter at the forthcoming auction.
Not yet mounted, these round diamonds are of substantial size and are accompanied by reports confirming their D color grade. The GIA Diamond Grading Report serves as the gold standard for expert diamond assessment, providing the most reliable indicator of quality.
Sotheby’s Diamonds Auction Continues an Eternal Legacy
Diamonds, nearly as ancient as the Earth itself, possess an enduring beauty and intrinsic value that have captivated humanity for millennia. These extraordinary gems require no embellishment to achieve their true worth, as devoted collectors are driven by an innate desire to possess one of nature’s most remarkable treasures.
Such gems often come with rich histories, and many find their perfect setting within the auctions at Sotheby’s. Throughout history, diamonds presented at Sotheby’s auctions have dazzled and captivated bidders and audiences alike. These diamonds are selected according to stringent criteria, ensuring that only the finest and rarest are featured in the prestigious auctions.
Botswana Natural Diamonds
Botswana has emerged as the world’s leading diamond producer by value, largely due to its abundant natural diamond resources. The diamond mining industry in this Southern African nation operates under government licensing agreements, with natural diamonds serving as a cornerstone of Botswana’s economic development.
Diamond mining contributes approximately 30% of the nation’s GDP, while activities related to cutting, polishing, and trading diamonds account for an additional 5%. In 2001, the Botswanan government launched legislation mandating that at least 40% of all revenue from diamond exports be allocated for the benefit of future generations. The remaining funds are directed toward investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social security within the country.
Botswana’s remarkable economic transformation is often credited to the discovery of diamonds. However, it is the prudent management of these rare and valuable resources that has truly driven the nation's progress.
Provenance
Diamonds are the hardest natural substance known to humanity, possessing a hardness 58 times greater than that of the toughest mineral on Earth. The only material capable of scratching a diamond is another diamond. While traditionally, the valuation of diamonds has primarily focused on their colour and clarity, recent years have seen a shift in the industry's emphasis towards understanding the provenance of these precious stones, driven by evolving consumer demand.
The term "provenance," particularly when associated with jewellery or art, often evokes thoughts of the notable individuals who have owned or worn the item. However, an equally important dimension of provenance is the place of origin. The heritage of Botswana diamonds, in particular, is highly esteemed. A diamond from Botswana offers a credible and compelling origin story, resonating with buyers who value authenticity.
To maintain the integrity and ensure the ethical provenance of its diamonds, the Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) – the largest source of certified Botswana diamonds – subjects its gems to stringent certification processes conducted by independent third-party organisations. In a recent development, ODC introduced the Green Star Source Programme, a traceability initiative that allows for the verification of polished diamonds' origins, linking them directly back to Botswana.
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 in every aspect by which diamonds are evaluated. As D-color diamonds, they hold the highest grade for a white diamond and are certified as completely flawless, both internally and externally, with excellent polish and symmetry. These diamonds belong to the rare Type IIa subgroup, representing less than 2% of all gem-quality diamonds. They are among the most chemically pure, often displaying exceptional optical transparency, free from any measurable nitrogen or boron impurities, and possess the highest thermal conductivity. Accompanied by two GIA reports dated June 24, 2024, these diamonds have been confirmed as Type IIa, underscoring their rarity and provenance.
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.
