Messika Unveils the Exceptional ‘Okavango Blue’: A Historic Diamond Transformed into High Jewelry
Parisian High Jewelry House Messika has announced its latest masterwork: the transformation of the “Okavango Blue,” one of the world’s most renowned and historic natural blue diamonds, into a breathtaking, modern high jewelry piece.
First discovered in 2018 at the Orapa mine in Botswana, the rough stone weighed a massive 41.11 carats before being expertly polished down to a 20.46-carat, VVS1-clarity gem. It stands as the largest blue diamond ever found in Botswana and ranks as the 8th largest blue diamond in the world.
Now, through an official partnership between Messika and the Government of Botswana, this national treasure has been entrusted to Founder and Artistic Director Valérie Messika to craft into an unprecedented high jewelry creation.
A Tribute to Heritage and Craftsmanship
The collaboration marks a deeply meaningful connection between the French jewelry house and the African nation. Natural diamonds account for approximately 80% of Botswana's exports, directly funding vital social infrastructure including education and healthcare.
"The 'Okavango Blue' is one of Botswana's most precious natural treasures. Through this extraordinary collaboration, we are proud to see its story shared with the world. Messika was a natural choice—a family-owned High Jewelry Maison embodying modern vision, exceptional creativity, and an unwavering spirit of discovery."
— Duma Gideon Boko, President of the Republic of Botswana
Design and Creation: "Austral Blue"
Dubbed “Austral Blue,” the diamond’s distinct hue blends deep oceanic blue with subtle gray nuances. Gemological experts emphasize the sheer rarity of such a gem:
"The discovery of any blue diamond is remarkably rare. To witness a 20.46-carat blue diamond with such vivid coloration is a truly historic event."
— Tom Moses, Honorary Vice President of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
To honor the gem’s natural brilliance, Valérie Messika designed a striking contemporary necklace featuring a modern reinterpretation of the traditional medallion and rivière styles:
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The Medallion: Inspired by 18th-century marguerite motifs, the center stone is set slightly off-center and elevated, allowing maximum light reflection. Over 30 prototypes were created to achieve precise aesthetic balance.
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The Rivière: Composed of more than 500 sparkling diamonds, flexible gold link structures rest fluidly like a second skin, drawing every eye toward the central blue diamond.
"Facing a diamond born billions of years ago in Botswana was a deeply moving experience. Giving new expression to this geological wonder while honoring its history as modern jewelry was both a immense responsibility and a immense privilege."
— Valérie Messika, Founder & Artistic Director
Expanding Messika's Connection to Botswana
This launch builds upon Messika's ongoing relationship with Botswana's natural heritage, following the house's 2022 Beyond the Light collection which featured the 110-carat rough diamond transformation into the iconic Akh-Ba-Ka necklace.
With 11 boutiques across Japan and a rapidly expanding global presence, Messika continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in contemporary, daring high jewelry that bridging nature's ancient miracles with cutting-edge French savoir-faire.
Source: PR TIMES / Messika Japan Co., Ltd.
