A RARE FIND

The world’s second-largest diamond might help a fashion heavyweight carve its niche in high jewellery.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

There is little doubt that French brand Louis Vuitton is one of the most influential names in fashion. But in the world of high jewellery? Perhaps not so much; the luxury house did not launch its first haute joaillerie collection until 2009.

That might just change with the Parisian maison’s latest big move – and we do mean big. Louis Vuitton recently purchased the Sewelo, a 1,758-carat diamond that was unearthed last April at the Karowe mine in Botswana. The brand will partner Lucara Diamond Corporation, which owns the Karowe mine, and Antwerp diamond-cutting specialist HB Company, to work on the Sewelo. Weighing 352g, the rough diamond is the second-largest in history, and the biggest of a growing number of large diamonds recovered in recent years – an achievement made possible by improved mining techniques.

Aside from using the tennis ball-sized diamond to produce its signature Louis Vuitton Cut stones, star- and flower-shaped gems inspired by its monogram, it will also make the most of this massive rarity by offering clients bespoke, custom-cut diamonds with full traceability. A pretty brilliant move.

TEXT LYNETTE KOH