Story by: Mining Review | (Above) Image courtesy of: EPA/Facundo Arrizabalaga
(Above) Prince Harry’s ring selection proves that Botswana is recognized worldwide for producing some of Africa’s most sparkling diamonds.
Prince Harry's ring selection proves that Botswana is recognized worldwide for producing some of Africa's most sparkling diamonds.
It is without a doubt known that Southern Africa is home to some of the largest diamond finds in the world. More specifically Botswana is known for its volume of diamonds since the 1980s.
Prince Harry recently chose a diamond from Botswana because of his special relationship with the area since childhood and spending time in the country with his new fiance' Meghan Markle.
Harry proposed with a three stone diamond engagement ring which the prince himself designed, a glittering central stone from Botswana and two others from the collection of the prince’s mother, Princess Diana, who died in 1997. Image © Eddie Mulholland/Pool via AP History of diamonds
Since the early 1980s, Botswana has been the world's largest producer of gem diamonds. Four large diamond mines have opened since independence.
In 1967, the year after Botswana gained its independence from Britain, a huge diamond mine was discovered in a remote area called Orapa, about 250 miles from the capital city of Gaborone.
The company that found the mine was De Beers, which was then — as it is now — the dominant seller of “rough stones” in the world.
Botswana is recognised on the list of top 10 diamond mines in the world of which Orapa is fourth and Jwaneng first.
To read the full article visit Mining Review.
