Day 21 - HB Antwerp Botswana

Our final day in Botswana was spent at the HB Antwerp Botswana branch in Gaborone. We were given an introduction to the company, learning about what it is all about and what it does, before having a tour of the diamond process, from raw diamond to market. The rigorous journey each diamond goes through is incredibly specific, and it was fascinating to learn about.

We walked through each stage of the process, visiting the different labs where we saw the team use specialist technology and expertise to assess, cut, polish and shape the gorgeous diamonds. The company is constantly evolving its technology and works hard to ensure it follows responsible and ethical processes.

Botswana’s diamonds are such a staple of the country’s economy, and one of the team at HB told us how strongly they feel connected to the diamonds. They explained that each diamond goes through a different path before becoming a special, individual stone, unique to itself. They went on to tell us how cool it is be part of a process that enabled them to go to school and gave them the opportunities they have today. We also spoke with engineers about all of the interesting systems and electronics working behind the scenes that help make Botswana’s diamond industry so special. Everyone we met was so passionate about the cause, which was incredibly refreshing to hear.

This site visit was eye-opening for all of us, as it is an area of engineering we were less familiar with. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn about the company and follow the evolution of a diamond through the process in such close-up detail. It was fascinating to see just how much technology, precision and expertise goes into creating the finished product.

This was such a fantastic way to draw the curtains on our journey here in Bostswana as we prepare to travel back to Scotland. After everything we have experienced throughout this trip, it was the perfect glimpse into one of the industries that makes Botswana so special. And I must note - the Botswana diamond is truly breathtaking to see.