Inside The Brilliance of Botswana Diamonds — A Source of Bachendorf’s Dazzling Diamonds

This article is promoted/partner content and not produced by the editorial staff.

Tis the season to sparkle, and no one sparkles quite like Bachendorf’s. The four-generation, family-owned and operated jeweler is known all over the city for its extensive, unparalleled selection of hand-selected diamonds, designer jewelry, and timepieces.  

Here, the jeweler offers a peek behind the curtain of how they’ve sourced their exquisite diamonds for more than 70 years, bringing the finest pieces to Dallasites, no matter the occasion.

From The Heart of Botswana to Dallas

Transformation is a word often associated with the formation of natural diamonds. Over the course of billions of years, carbon atoms slowly formed into brilliant gems deep within the earth. For Botswana, diamonds and transformation have another poignant connection: the ability of the natural diamond trade to transform the fortunes of a country.  

Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, is both the birthplace of modern humans over 200,000 years ago and brilliant diamonds, formed billions of years before that. The discovery of the first significant deposit of diamonds in Botswana happened in 1967, just one year after the country gained independence from Britain. At the time, it was the third poorest country in the world, with minimal infrastructure and an almost total void of formal education. The country’s founding president, Sir Seretse Khama made it his mission to build a government with an ambitious economic development program centered around the country’s resources. Natural diamonds quickly became the cornerstone of Botswana’s economic development. All diamond mining in Botswana operates under a licensing agreement with the government in which 80 percent of diamond-related revenues are put back into the country’s economy.  

Today, Botswana is now the world’s number one diamond-producing country by value. The diamond industry accounts for 40 percent of the country’s GDP and 90 percent of its exports. The majority of the country’s diamond mines are managed by Debswana Diamond Company, a joint venture between the Botswana government and the global mining giant De Beers. (The exception is the Karowe mine at Orapa, which is operated by Lucara). Botswana mines have consistently recovered high-quality gems coveted worldwide. A full range of and gem quality diamonds come from Botswana, offering Bachendorf’s a variety of sparkling options.  

One treasure in particular captured international attention. The famed Okavango Blue, mined as a 41.11-carat rough that yielded a 20.46-carat “fancy deep blue” diamond was discovered at the Orapa Mine in 2018. The largest and rarest blue diamond ever found in the country, its blue hue is a testament to the geological wonders of Botswana’s diamond deposits. The dazzling and nearly flawless stone was exhibited publicly for the first time in 2022 at the American Museum of Natural History. A symbol of the rich culture of Botswana, it has inspired poets, filmmakers, and fashion designers alike. This exceptional gem not only showcases the country’s prowess in diamond mining but also its resilience and commitment to ethical practices. 

The appeal of diamonds from Botswana is clear: A diamond from Botswana offers an origin story consumers can believe in. By centralizing operations, the government ensures both transparency and maximum returns from its diamond trade, which are then reinvested in infrastructure and government programs. Simply put, a diamond from Botswana benefits the people of Botswana. 

About Okavango Diamond Company

Okavango Diamond Company (ODC), one of Bachendorf’s diamond suppliers, was formed in 2013. Named after the lush delta and UNESCO World Heritage site, ODC is wholly owned by the Botswana government. All of ODC’s 55 employees are Batswana, and more than half are women. As Botswana’s first state-owned diamond trading company, it has empowered the nation to responsibly manage its most prized natural resource, diversifying the market and bolstering its now thriving economy and position as a global player in the industry. ODC is also deeply committed to corporate social responsibility initiatives that positively impact local communities. Through various community-focused projects, educational programs, and job creation efforts, ODC strives to uplift and empower the people of Botswana. 

A Diamond You Can Believe In

When you buy from Bachendorf’s, you can be confident in your purchase thanks to suppliers like ODC’s standards and processes. To ensure the integrity and ethical provenance of its diamonds, ODC subjects its diamonds to rigorous certification processes from reputable third-party organizations such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and Rapaport. ODC recently introduced the Green Star Source Programme, enabling the traceability of polished diamonds back to Botswana. Diamonds meeting the stringent criteria of this program receive the GIA Diamond Origin Report (DOR) certificate and Rapaport Green Star certification.  

In recent years, Botswana has made strides in ensuring the sustainability of its diamond industry. In partnership with industry stakeholders, the government has implemented rigorous environmental and social standards to minimize the industry’s ecological footprint and maximize its positive impact on local communities. Initiatives such as community development projects and environmental conservation efforts underscore Botswana’s commitment to responsible diamond mining. One notable example of this is the rehabilitation of diamond mine sites. Upon the closure of mining operations, extensive efforts are undertaken to restore the land to its natural state, ensuring minimal long-term environmental impact. Additionally, Botswana has implemented stringent regulations and monitoring mechanisms to safeguard water resources and wildlife habitats in and around diamond mining areas.   

Innovation is integral to ODC’s sustainability journey, and the organization continually invests in research and development to enhance its practices. For instance, ODC is constructing a state-of-the-art facility with a rooftop and carport Photo Voltic (PV) system at its new headquarters. This solar power generation infrastructure will significantly reduce the environmental impact, covering a substantial portion of the daytime power requirements with clean energy. It’s truly leading the industry. 

No matter what’s on your wishlist  this holiday season, you can shop at Bachendorf’s with full confidence knowing that your diamond from Botswana has a beautiful, storied history. A natural diamond from Botswana is not simply a precious stone. It is a symbol of transformation, progress, and human potential — sourced from where it all began.  

Explore Bachendorf’s Diamond Classic Collections today. 

About Natural Diamond Council

Natural Diamond Council is the definitive destination for all things natural diamonds, providing inspiration, insights and information on the world of real natural diamonds recovered from the earth. This includes a behind-the-scenes look into the natural diamond industry, the latest trends in diamond jewelry design, as well as education on buying the perfect engagement ring and other diamond jewelry. 

Thanks in part to the Natural Diamond Council’s partnership with ODC, Bachendorf’s offers high-quality jewelry that you can feel confident in, that is held to the highest ethical standards.