Botswana Diamond Price: Buy Rough and Polished Diamonds
Botswana Diamond Price: Explore Botswana diamond prices per carat, including rough and polished diamonds, mining companies, export rules, and market trends.
Botswana diamond price refers to the market value of rough and polished diamonds mined in Botswana, one of the world’s largest and most trusted diamond-producing countries.
As a leading global supplier, Botswana accounts for a significant portion of high-quality gemstones, with prices influenced by factors like carat weight, quality, and global demand.
In 2026, average Botswana diamond prices per carat for rough stones hover around $130 to $200, while polished diamonds can range from $500 to over $10,000 per carat depending on the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat).
This guide explores Botswana diamond prices in detail, covering everything from mining to export and market trends.
Why Botswana Diamonds Are Valuable
Botswana diamonds stand out due to their exceptional quality, ethical sourcing, and the country’s stable environment. As Africa’s top diamond producer by value, Botswana benefits from vast deposits in mines like Jwaneng and Orapa, operated by Debswana. The gems are known for their large sizes and high clarity, often fetching premium prices on the global market.
Ethical mining standards play a key role. Botswana adheres strictly to the Kimberley Process, ensuring conflict-free diamonds. The government’s 50% ownership in Debswana promotes transparency and reinvests profits into education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Political stability since independence in 1966 minimizes disruptions, unlike some other producers.
Additionally, Botswana’s focus on beneficiation—processing diamonds locally—adds value and creates jobs. This combination of quality, ethics, and stability makes Botswana diamonds a preferred choice for investors and jewelers worldwide.
Botswana Diamond Price Per Carat
Understanding Botswana diamond prices per carat is essential for buyers. Prices vary based on whether the diamond is rough or polished, with gem-quality stones commanding higher values.
For rough diamonds, average prices in Botswana today range from $100 to $300 per carat, depending on size and quality. Industrial-grade rough diamonds are cheaper, often under $50 per carat, while exceptional gem-quality rough can exceed $1,000 per carat.
Polished diamonds from Botswana are pricier due to cutting and value addition. A 1-carat polished diamond might cost $500 to $15,000, influenced by the 4Cs.
Here’s a table comparing carat size vs. estimated prices (USD, approximate 2026 values):
|
Carat Size |
Rough Diamond Price Per Carat |
Polished Diamond Price Per Carat (Gem-Quality) |
|
0.5-1 |
$100-$200 |
$500-$5,000 |
|
1-2 |
$150-$400 |
$2,000-$10,000 |
|
2-5 |
$300-$800 |
$5,000-$20,000 |
|
5+ |
$500+ |
$10,000+ |
And a rough vs. polished comparison:
|
Type |
Average Price Per Carat |
Key Factors |
|
Rough |
$130-$200 |
Size, inclusions, origin |
|
Polished |
$1,000-$10,000 |
Cut, color, clarity, certification |
These figures reflect market trends, with fluctuations due to global demand.
Factors That Affect Botswana Diamond Prices
Several elements influence diamond prices in Botswana today. The 4Cs are paramount: carat weight directly impacts value, with larger stones exponentially more expensive; color ranges from D (colorless, premium) to Z (yellowish, lower price); clarity measures inclusions, with FL (flawless) commanding top dollar; and cut determines brilliance.
Rough vs. polished status matters—polishing adds 50-100% value but incurs costs. Global demand, driven by jewelry markets in the US, China, and India, affects prices; a 2025 slump saw rough prices drop 20-30% due to lab-grown competition.
Exchange rates play a role, as diamonds are traded in USD, impacting Botswana’s Pula-based economy. Certification from bodies like GIA or HRD boosts prices by 10-20% through trust. Supply chain issues, like reduced Debswana output in 2025, also push prices up.
Rough Diamond Prices in Botswana
Botswana rough diamond prices are determined through a sophisticated process. Stones are sorted by size, shape, color, and quality at mines like Jwaneng. Average rough diamond price per carat in 2026 is around $150, with parcels (bulk lots) as low as $3.50 per carat for smaller stones.
Debswana, a joint venture between the government and De Beers, handles most production, selling via sights (auctions). Okavango Diamond Company (ODC), state-owned, markets 25-30% of output through tenders, ensuring competitive pricing. In 2025, auctions saw mixed results amid market weakness.
Polished Diamond Prices in Botswana
Botswana’s local cutting and polishing industry is growing, adding value before export. Polished diamond prices in Botswana are competitive, often 10-20% lower than retail in the US or Europe due to proximity to source. For example, a 1-carat VS2 polished diamond might cost $4,000-$6,000 locally vs. $5,000-$8,000 abroad.
Beneficiation hubs in Gaborone process about 10-20% of output, boosting the economy. However, lab-grown alternatives have pressured prices, with natural polished diamonds dropping 26% recently.
Botswana Diamond Mining Companies
Debswana dominates, producing over 98% of Botswana’s diamonds from mines like Jwaneng (world’s richest by value) and Orapa. In 2025, output fell 43% due to demand issues, but sales remain strong at $1.53 billion in early quarters.
Okavango Diamond Company focuses on marketing, holding spot auctions for global buyers. Smaller players like Lucara Diamond Corp. operate Karowe Mine, famous for large finds.
Botswana Diamond Prices vs Other Countries
Botswana diamond prices often exceed those from Russia ($131/ct average rough) due to higher quality. Compared to South Africa, Botswana’s gems are similar in price but ethically superior. Canada’s Arctic diamonds fetch $150-$250/ct, close to Botswana’s, while Russia’s volume-driven approach keeps averages lower.
Botswana’s value per carat leads globally, making it pricier than volume producers but attractive for premium buyers.
Can Foreigners Buy Diamonds in Botswana?
Yes, foreigners can buy diamonds in Botswana, but regulations apply. Purchases require dealing with licensed dealers or companies like ODC. Tourists can buy polished diamonds from jewelers, but rough stones are restricted to approved buyers.
Export permits are mandatory for values over certain thresholds, and taxes (royalties around 10%) apply. Customs declarations ensure compliance.
Diamond Export Process from Botswana
Exporting diamonds from Botswana involves government oversight. Start with Kimberley Process certification to confirm conflict-free status. Apply for an export permit from the Ministry of Minerals, submit forms, and undergo inspections.
Licensing via the Diamond Office is required, followed by shipping with insurance. The process ensures traceability and combats smuggling.
Ethical Diamonds & the Kimberley Process
Botswana leads in ethical diamonds, with all exports Kimberley Process-certified since 2003. This scheme tracks diamonds from mine to market, eliminating conflict stones. Botswana’s traceability and community benefits enhance its E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) in the industry.
FAQs Botswana diamond price
What is the average diamond price in Botswana?
The average rough diamond price is $130-$200 per carat, while polished averages $1,000-$10,000.
Are Botswana diamonds cheaper?
They can be 10-20% cheaper locally than in the US or Europe due to reduced markups.
How much is a 1-carat diamond in Botswana?
Rough: $150-$300; Polished: $2,000-$10,000, depending on quality.
Can tourists buy diamonds in Botswana?
Yes, from licensed jewelers, but export rules apply.
Are Botswana diamonds conflict-free?
Absolutely, certified under the Kimberley Process.
If you’re ready to invest in high-quality, ethical Botswana diamonds, contact us today for a quote.