Buying Diamonds from Africa
The continent of Africa is home to some of the world’s top diamond-producing nations. If you’re looking to buy diamonds from Africa, it’s worth knowing some of the top producers of diamonds in the continent. Diamonds have a wide range of uses due to their exceptional physical properties. Diamonds are most commonly known for their use in jewelry, but they are also valuable in various industrial applications, including optical components, heat sinks, industrial drills, and cutting & polishing tools. Diamonds are sometimes purchased as a form of investment. High-quality diamonds with desirable characteristics and rarity can appreciate in value over time.
Let’s look at some of the reasons why Africa is an excellent place to buy diamond and some important tips for buying diamond from Africa.
Reasons to
Top Five Countries in Africa That Produce Diamonds
Botswana
Botswana is the largest producer of diamonds in Africa, producing more than 20 million carats annually. The landlocked country in the centre of Southern Africa accounts for nearly a third of all diamonds mined globally. Diamond mining in Botswana is largely controlled by Debswana, which is a partnership between the government of Botswana and De Beers.
South Africa
Diamonds were first discovered in South Africa in 1867, and the diamond industry has been more profitable than the country’s gold-mining industry since then. South Africa produces close to 10 million carats annually. Although its diamond production has declined in recent years, the country still plays a significant role in the global diamond industry. Some of the top producers of diamonds in South Africa are Anglo American and Petra Diamonds.
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Angola
Angola is the second-largest producer of diamonds in Africa. With a production of nearly 8 million carats annually, Angola ranks among the top countries producing diamonds in the world. The majority of Angola’s diamonds are mined in the Cafunfo area, along the Cuango River. Angola’s diamond exports totaled 1.95 billion USD in 2022.
Republic of Congo
Despite the challenges it faces with conflict diamonds and illegal mining practices, the DRC remains a significant diamond producer in Africa. The country has substantial diamond reserves and contributes to the global diamond supply. The Democratic Republic of the Congo accounts for 12% of global production.
Namibia
Like South Africa, Namibia is known around the world for its diamonds. In 2022, Namibia produced 2.137 million carats. Diamond mining in Namibia is centred around Oranjemund, a town in ǁKaras region.
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is also one of the major diamond-producing countries in Africa. In 2021, Sierra Leone’s diamond production amounted to some 839 thousand carats. This was an increase of around 33.3 percent compared to the previous year. The diamonds are of good quality and purity.Diamonds are found in about a quarter of Sierra Leone in the south-east and east of the country, with the diamond fields covering 7,700 square miles. The main production areas are concentrated around the drainage areas of rivers in the Kono, Kenema and Bo Districts. Diamonds were first discovered in Sierra Leone in the 1930s by British colonialists. Significant mining efforts beginning in 1935 when De Beers legally took complete control of the mining prospects in Sierra Leone for the next 99 years.
In the early years, diamond mining operations were predominantly small-scale and carried out by local miners using traditional methods. However, the industry experienced notable growth and transformation in the 1940s when De Beers became the principal diamond mining company in the country and played a significant role in diamond production and export.
However, the 1990s brought significant challenges to Sierra Leone’s diamond industry. The country was gripped by a civil war from 1991 to 2002, fueled in part by the illicit trade of diamonds, often referred to as “blood diamonds” or “conflict diamonds.” Rebel groups, such as the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), exploited diamond mines to finance their armed campaign, leading to widespread human rights abuses and the tarnishing of Sierra Leone’s diamond industry.
Since the end of the civil war in 2002 and the implementation of the Kimberley Process, Sierra Leone has made significant strides in reforming its diamond industry. The government has focused on enhancing transparency, formalizing the artisanal mining sector, and promoting responsible diamond sourcing. Efforts have also been made to combat illegal mining and promote sustainable mining practices.
Today, the diamond mining industry plays a crucial role in Sierra Leone’s economy. The country has made efforts to combat illegal mining and ensure responsible diamond sourcing. The diamond industry has become a key source of revenue, contributing to infrastructure development and poverty reduction. The government, along with international partners, remains committed to ensuring responsible diamond mining practices and preventing the trade of conflict diamonds, aiming to create a sustainable and ethical diamond industry in Sierra Leone.
Tips for Buying Diamonds from Africa
If you’re looking to buy diamonds from Africa, it’s important to perform in-depth research about diamonds, their characteristics, and pricing. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight). Keep in mind that all the 4C’s determine the value of the diamonds, and not one single factor. Most importantly, choose a reputable diamond dealer such as us. It’s essential to buy from trusted and reputable sources to ensure the authenticity and quality of the diamonds. Be sure to ask the us about the diamonds we have available. Buying diamonds is a significant investment, so take your time, do thorough research, and seek expert advice if necessary.
As diamond dealers, Blue Nile Today bought their very first rough diamonds from Sierra Leone and it remains true and dear to our heart to be able to always source excellent quality rough gems from this beautiful country. Of course, we can deliver them to you in polished form of high GIA standards. Let us steer you in the right direction in purchasing the best diamonds in the world!