Botswana-based Zoe Diamonds and U.S. retailer J.R. Dunn Jewelers have completed the direct export of Botswana-cut and polished natural diamonds to the United States following a collaboration that began through a LinkedIn connection between the two companies.
The partnership involved Ada Thela, founder and CEO of Zoe Diamonds, and Sean Dunn of J.R. Dunn Jewelers. According to the companies, the collaboration focused on sourcing rough diamonds through Okavango Diamond Company, coordinating production and meeting supply-chain requirements before exporting polished stones to the U.S. market.
The first shipment, dispatched in December 2025, comprised two polished diamonds with a combined weight of 2.91 carats. The stones were sourced through Okavango Diamond Company, cut and polished in Gaborone, Botswana, and exported directly to the United States. Dunn also agreed to co-purchase rough through Botswana’s state-owned sales channel before the cutting process began.
“I am a product of Botswana’s diamond story. The opportunities I received through education and development programs funded by our diamond industry shaped my future. Zoe Diamonds is my way of helping ensure that future generations benefit from those same opportunities,” said Ada Thela.
Thela added, “I am part of a generation that was educated and inspired by Botswana’s diamond story. Now we are building the next chapter – where the skills, the jobs, and the value stay here at home.” The company currently employs eight Motswana professionals and artisans in Gaborone.
According to the release, each diamond is blockchain-tracked from mine to GIA certification to provide traceability throughout the supply chain.
“There were no guarantees. I didn’t know how the polished would look. But if we want a different kind of diamond industry, somebody must go first. So, I did,” said Sean Dunn. He also noted that the partnership has inspired exploration of a “Two From One” jewellery concept featuring two diamonds cut from a single Botswana rough crystal.
The companies stated that the initiative demonstrates a model for beneficiation by retaining more value within Botswana through local cutting and polishing while connecting international buyers with Botswana-crafted diamonds.
