Singapore / Gaborone, [October 12, 2025] — The Fifty-Four Facets Project unveils a visionary initiative: a new diamond cut featuring 54 facets, each representing one of Africa’s sovereign nations recognized by the United Nations and the African Union.
More than a new design, The Fifty-Four Facets Cut is a tribute to Africa — the birthplace of natural diamonds — celebrating the continent’s unity, diversity, creativity, and enduring heritage.
“For over 150 years, Africa has given the world its most extraordinary diamonds. Today, it’s time for Botswana and Africa to give themselves a signature — one that shines from within,” said Ada Thela, CEO of Zoe Diamonds and WDHB Heritage Hero.
This initiative carries a dual purpose. First, it pays tribute to Africa’s heritage and future — a call to create more value at home rather than exporting raw materials. It embodies the continent’s growing vision of mineral diversification and value-chain transformation, empowering African craftsmanship to shape its own brilliance.
Second, it stands as a symbol of a united Africa — 54 nations reflected in 54 facets, shining together as one. It is both a design concept and a cultural statement: a bridge between economic development and heritage storytelling.
Ada Thela: Africa’s First WDHB Heritage Hero
At WDHB, we believe in empowering the next generation — because the future of the diamond industry lies in the hands of young entrepreneurs. Their creativity, passion, and vision are what will shape tomorrow’s diamond legacy.
When Ada Thela, a young entrepreneur from Gaborone, Botswana, and owner of Zoe Diamonds, a cutting and polishing facility, came to WDHB for support, we immediately recognized her talent and determination to transform African diamond heritage into an iconic global brand.
Ada embodies the spirit of a new Botswana and a new African generation — one determined to bring the African diamond story to the world’s luxury stage while strengthening the local value chain.
To support our young Heritage Hero, WDHB decided to offer not a monetary prize, but something far more original, meaningful, and enduring: a diamond-cutting project named The Fifty-Four Facets, and a global platform to help her succeed.
Some have already suggested that the Fifty-Four Facets cut should be named the “Ada Cut” or “Ada Diamond,” as Ada is the beginning of Adamas — the root of the word diamond, meaning “unconquerable” or “indestructible” in Ancient Greek. Others call it “The Authentic Diamond of Africa.”
“Ada Thela is our first Heritage Hero,” said WDHB spokesperson, Nicolas Chrétien.
“She represents the creativity, courage, and purpose of Africa’s new generation — those who will transform our diamond heritage into a legacy for the future.”
A Call to Africa
Today, WDHB invites all African organizations, diamond-producing countries, designers, and media to unite behind Ada and The Fifty-Four Facets Project — to create the first truly African signature cut.
“We have the rough diamond and the idea,” added Nicolas Chrétien.
“Now, Africa needs the local master artisan to shape its own legacy.”
