In May 2024, our founder and designer Maya Bjørnsten travelled to Namibia, a journey to the very heart of some of the most beautiful natural gem quality rough diamonds.
She visited Namdeb Diamond Corporation, a 50/50 partnership between the Namibian Government and De Beers, where both onshore and offshore mining along the country’s wild southwest coast carefully retrieves alluvial rough diamonds that have travelled through nature for millions of years. The heart of Namdeb’s operations lies around Oranjemund, with additional activity near Lüderitz and along the Orange River. Over the years, Namdeb has transformed Namibia’s most inaccessible diamond resources into lasting value that benefits local communities, while also placing great focus on restoring the natural landscape once mining is complete. Areas are rehabilitated and returned to nature, reflecting a deep respect for both the land and the people who depend on it.
At the Namibian Diamond Trading Centre (NDTC) in Windhoek, Maya witnessed the meticulous sorting and valuation of Namibia’s natural rough diamonds, where each stone is examined for its unique shape, colour, and character. She even held 10,000 carats of these raw treasures in her hands. Around 95–98% of the diamonds mined along this coast are of gem quality, having survived an extraordinary journey over millions of years. Formed deep within the earth in what is now South Africa or Botswana, they were carried northward by rivers such as the Orange River, eventually settling in the sands along Namibia’s coastline as alluvial deposits, where they are now carefully retrieved.
During their travels, the group visited several mines across the region. Among others, Maya and the group were guided by geologist Andreas to a small demantoid garnet deposit in Namibia, where she personally struck a brilliant demantoid garnet free from its host rock. It was a small, sparkling reminder of nature’s quiet magic and the deep respect owed to the earth’s raw creations.
Maya’s journey was one of inspiration, gratitude, and wonder. It was a truly special opportunity to gain access to both Namdeb and NDTC, made possible only through Maya’s and the group’s professional background and deep expertise within the diamond industry.
In our boutique, you can discover jewellery featuring natural rough diamonds from Namibia, each piece carrying the beauty of its origin. Maya has also created two beautiful books about her journey, which you are warmly welcome to explore and hear more about when visiting our hidden boutique.
