Sourcing

Lucara Elevates 2 Women to Leadership Positions

SourcingFeb 27, 2018

Lucara Elevates 2 Women to Leadership Positions

Eira Thomas is the diamond miner’s new CEO while co-founder Catherine McLeod Seltzer joins the board of directors.

2018_Eira-Thomas.jpg
Eira Thomas is the new CEO of Lucara Diamond Corp., replacing the retiring William Lamb. Lucara operates the Karowe mine in Botswana.

Vancouver--Lucara, the company that recovered a 1,109-carat diamond in Botswana, announced Monday that it has a new CEO.

Eira Thomas, a co-founder of the mining company, is taking over for William Lamb, who is retiring from Lucara and also stepping down from its board of directors. 

Joining the board is another of the company’s co-founders, Catherine McLeod Seltzer, the current chair of Bear Creek Mining Corp. and a director of Kinross Gold.

Thomas has more than 25 years’ experience in the mining industry, most recently serving as CEO of Kaminak Gold Corp. before its 2017 acquisition by Goldcorp for $520 million. 

She spent 16 years with Aber Diamond Corporation (now Dominion Diamond), where she moved up from geologist to vice president of exploration to a director of the board. She also was a co-founder and, later, CEO and executive chairman of Canadian miner Stornoway Diamond Corp.

Thomas started Lucara in 2007 with Seltzer and Lukas Lundin, and stayed on as a director.

Lamb has been CEO of Lucara since April 2008, during which time the Karowe mine has become one of the world’s highest-margin diamond mines and a major producer of large, Type IIA stones.

In addition to the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona, which sold for $53 million last fall, the mine also produced the 813-carat Constellation Diamond, which went for a record $63.1 million.

During Lamb’s tenure, the company also adopted both autogenous milling and the use of X-ray transmission sorters to ensure big diamonds weren’t broken up during the sorting process. 


The 812.77-carat Constellation Diamond, one of two major stones unearthed at Lucara’s Karowe mine in Botswana under departing CEO William Lamb’s tenure.

Also on Monday, Lucara announced its acquisition of Clara Diamond Solutions Corp. for $29 million.

Clara is a digital platform that uses algorithms to match up rough diamond production with polished manufacturing demands on a stone-by-stone basis.

Lucara said the platform can be integrated with blockchain technology. It also noted that the platform can eliminate the need for fixed sales cycles, which would reduce carrying costs across the supply chain.

It said it plans to begin using Clara in the coming months with a selection of rough from the Karowe mine.

After that, Lucara will scale the system to accommodate rough diamonds from other companies.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Cartier Roadster
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the Roadster

The “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.

Edge Retail Academy Ellen Gardner, Jennifer Motes, Mona Lisa Shaffer, Cindi Haddad Drew
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership Team

As demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.

Stuller Mountings 2026-2027 Catalog
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out Now

The “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Stock image of gold bars
CrimeApr 16, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of Gold

The alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.

Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Screenshots of Episode 4 of the “My Next Question” podcast
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond Dilemma

Sally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.

Randy McKenzie of Spark Creations
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72

McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.

lvajws image 1.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Watch
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026

Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Pomellato Nudo blue topaz necklaces
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle Continues

The luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.

Diamond Divas
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award

“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.

Model wearing Bulgari Vimini necklace and earrings
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East Conflict

Plus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.

International Jade Summit
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to Monterey

Presented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.

Continental Buying Group
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas Show

The group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.

Uniform Object Carbon Form Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’

The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.

Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative Applications

The program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.

Coconut Grove Miami
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in Miami

The jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.

Police car with lights on
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed Robbery

JSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.

Watches on a table next to a coffee cup
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24

The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.

Ophelia Eve Scroll Toggle Pendant
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your Secrets

The “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith, partner at The Retail Smiths
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher

Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.

Tiffany & Co. Nathalie Verdeille
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic Officer

In her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.

Jacob & Co. The Godfather II Musical Watch
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch

“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”

Jesse Itzler
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote Speaker

Organizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.

Alan Hodgkinson
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New Award

The Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.

Oris CEO Rolf Studer and Oris CFO Claudine Gertiser
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFO

The Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.

Hearts On Fire What’s Your Signature Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a Question

The “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy