Renu Choudhary, a 4th generation jeweller, consultant and jewellery storyteller, has always seen diamonds as more than just pretty things; they're stories, crafted by the hands of people with the landscapes they inhabit and the reasons they exist. With her virtual channel, The Diamond Talk, she aims to spotlight these tales, initiating discussions that go beyond surface-level allure and into the very essence of a natural diamond's story.
Her method weaves together education, ethical considerations and genuine feeling; transforming intricate narratives to make them relatable, human and significant
Her connection with Botswana holds special significance. The House of Botswana, in collaboration with The Diamond Talk, organized The Diamond and Delta Tours, offering a unique and comprehensive insight into Botswana's diamond industry. The debut experience encompassed everything from the mines and processing facilities to discussions with leaders and the effects on local communities.
For some journeys, timing feels intentional. For Renu, Botswana was one such destination. Her first visit in 2019 left a lasting impression - quietly powerful, deeply grounding, and filled with stories that went far beyond diamonds. Returning now, years later, felt like déjà vu wrapped in serendipity. This time, she wasn’t alone. She returned with a group; each person ready to see Botswana not just as a diamond powerhouse, but as a nation shaped by purpose, people, and pride.
Botswana doesn’t speak of diamonds as luxury alone. Here, diamonds are discussed as responsibility and opportunity with transparency, ethics and national transformation. Through The Diamond and Delta Tours, the group was shown how natural diamonds have shaped Botswana’s journey - funding education, healthcare, infrastructure, and long-term economic stability.
These conversations revealed how ODC, as a leading diamond producer, chose a different path: ethical sourcing, transparency, and value addition at home. Diamonds here are not rushed through borders; they are respected and thoughtfully handled at every stage.
Diamonds - from Mines to Markets
Another facility visit at the KGK Group saw an extensive study by the group on the fine cutting, precise polishing and making and turning it into loose gems or finished jewellery ready to be worn. They also got a peek into the Entice collection of the brand. This journey of nature's most precious rocks reaffirmed the innovative transparency that Botswana is known for.
No description truly prepares you for the size of Botswana’s mines.
At Jwaneng, referred to as the “king of mines” - the sheer scale is humbling. With a vast open pit that stretches endlessly, 2.5km long, 1.8 km wide and descending 528 mts into the earth, Jwaneng alone produces 12-13 millions of carats annually and is considered one of the richest diamond mines on the planet. It was discovered in 1972 and officially opened in 1982. Jwaneng, located in the Naledi River Valley, quickly became a cornerstone of the country’s economic growth. The mine has over 2000 employees with women equally contributing to the workforce!
Standing there, it becomes clear: diamonds don’t come from glamour - they come from high discipline, precise engineering and human effort on an extraordinary scale.
Inside the Red Zone
Entering the mine's Red Zone is unique. No cameras. No phones. No filming.
Inside the processing plant, raw material is handled with extreme care. Step by step, the waste is removed. What remains are rough diamonds recovered through precision and technology. These diamonds then travel onward to sorting and valuation facilities, where their next chapter begins. It is here that the romance of diamonds dissolves into respect.
Then come the beasts - Komatsu haul trucks, each capable of carrying nearly 300 tonnes of diamond-bearing ore, move relentlessly across the mine. Their tyres are legendary: 63 inches tall, weighing three tonnes each, costing roughly $50,000 per tyre, with six mounted on a single truck.
These machines consume nearly 5,000 litres of diesel every 24 hours, hauling nature’s treasures from deep underground to the surface. Its industrial power is at its most raw and unforgettable.
Beyond the mines, Botswana’s warmth unfolded in quieter moments. A hearty lunch was hosted at the KGK after the tour of their facility.
An elegant dinner was hosted by Mr. Ashit Mehta, Director of Aurostar Diamonds in Botswana, at Phakalane Golf Estate. Industry leaders, diamantaires, and guests exchanged stories over shared meals.
Another evening, hosted by leaders within the diamond community, reflected the industry’s generational legacy - family-run businesses built on devotion, integrity, and patience.
One of the most meaningful moments of the journey was meeting Hon. Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy.
Often called Africa’s youngest cabinet minister, she proudly refers to herself as a “Diamond Baby”; seeing diamonds not as adornment, but as a force capable of transforming lives. The discussion centered on ethical sourcing, sustainability, and long-term value creation.
Gifts were exchanged, but the real offering was insight into how leadership, when guided by clarity and purpose, can redefine an entire industry.
For Renu, this return felt complete. What began in 2019 as curiosity became, years later, understanding. This time, she witnessed Botswana through shared eyes through conversations, experiences, and collective awe. From seeing wildlife at Mokolodi Nature Reserve to experiencing the thunder of haul trucks, from policy discussions to quiet sunsets, Botswana revealed itself layer by layer.
The most satisfying and bittersweet moment was the goodbye. The entire group of 16 people only had gratitude for the entire tour. They all went back with cherished memories, sweet connections and delightful conversations. Because those who walk its land, Botswana leaves something behind: perspective, respect, and the rare feeling that you’ve witnessed something real.