How Louis Vuitton plans to transform the 1,758-carat Sewelô – the world’s largest diamond – into a collection of fine jewellery
Sewelô, which means ‘rare find’ in Setswana, will be transformed into a fine jewellery collection in a deal that signals the luxury French house’s commitment to high jewellery
Luxury French fashion house Louis Vuitton has sealed a deal with Canadian diamond producer Lucara Diamond and Belgian manufacturer HB to polish and set the Sewelô diamond, currently the world’s largest at 1,758 carats. It’s the second-largest find in history – the top spot goes to the 3,106.75-carat Cullinan found in South Africa in 1905.
The Sewelô is the largest diamond ever discovered in Botswana and the second 1,000-plus carat diamond recovered from the Karowe mine in the past four years. The diamond will undergo a sparkling transformation at the house of Louis Vuitton.
Sewelô, which means “rare find” in Setswana, has been identified as a gem of variable quality, but Lucara believes the right cut will reveal its full potential.
According to HB, Louis Vuitton paid 50 per cent up front for the diamond. Lucara will retain an interest in the other half.
The two players have also reached an agreement that will see 5 per cent of the proceeds from the retail sales go into community-based initiatives in Botswana.
Lucara Diamond CEO Eira Thomas said, “We are delighted to be partnering with Louis Vuitton, the famous luxury house, to transform the historic, 1,758-carat Sewelô, Botswana’s largest diamond, into a collection of fine jewellery that will commemorate this extraordinary discovery and contribute direct benefits to our local communities of interest in Botswana.”
Louis Vuitton launched the Riders of the Knights high jewellery collection in 2019, unveiling pieces dressed in an impressive number of emeralds, sapphire, rubies and diamonds. The move to secure this gem signals its commitment to the world of high jewellery.