De Beers and Sotheby's Unveil 'Jwaneng 28.88' Diamond Ahead of Hong Kong Auction

A Gem of Auspicious Significance

A remarkable 28.88-carat, D-color, internally flawless round brilliant diamond, aptly named the ‘Jwaneng 28.88’, made its global debut in London this past Thursday. This exceptional stone is poised to be a highlight at Sotheby's upcoming High Jewelry sale in Hong Kong on April 23, 2026, where it is anticipated to fetch up to $2.8 million. The diamond's name and its estimated value carry particular resonance in Asian cultures, where the number eight is strongly associated with prosperity, abundance, and good fortune, making the '28.88' a particularly auspicious figure.

From Botswana's Richest Mine to Masterpiece Cut

The journey of the Jwaneng 28.88 began deep within Botswana at the renowned Jwaneng Mine, celebrated globally as the world's richest diamond mine by value. Operated by Debswana, a joint venture between De Beers and the government of Botswana, the Jwaneng Mine has a distinguished history of producing high-quality diamonds, including a significant 1,098-carat gem-quality rough discovered in 2021. The Jwaneng 28.88 originated as a substantial 114.83-carat rough stone. It underwent months of precise planning and meticulous cutting by De Beers' master artisans, transforming it into its current dazzling form.

The resulting diamond is classified as Type IIa, a designation shared by fewer than 2% of all natural diamonds. These diamonds are distinguished by their extraordinary chemical purity and remarkable optical transparency, making them highly prized.

A Symbol of Collaboration and Enduring Legacy

Quig Bruning, head of jewels at Sotheby’s, remarked on the diamond's significance: 'The Jwaneng 28.88 is a perfect emblem of De Beers’ unmatched legacy in diamonds. It’s at once a vanishingly rare feat of nature, combined with a master class in diamond cutting and polishing. Natural diamonds truly are forever, and I cannot think of a better stone to symbolize this special collaboration.'

The unveiling event was held at the elegant Maison Assouline boutique in London. It coincided with the release of the book 'A Diamond Is Forever: The Making of a Cultural Icon, 1926–2026', a publication that explores the enduring cultural significance of diamonds and De Beers’ influential marketing legacy, which has shaped modern perceptions of romance and commitment.

Further Highlights at Sotheby's Hong Kong

The Jwaneng 28.88 will not be the sole highlight from De Beers at the Sotheby's Hong Kong sale. The auction will also feature two other D-flawless lots from De Beers: a 3.03-carat pear-shaped solitaire ring and a pair of earrings, each adorned with a 2-carat round diamond. These additional exceptional pieces underscore the continuing collaboration between De Beers and Sotheby's in bringing rare and significant diamonds to the market.