Post: #1

So I’m thinking about doing Sierra Leone, or the DRC in the near future. After reading Naughty Nomad’s Sierra Leone report I think I’m going to go that route. I have a kind of odd ball idea in mind though. You see I really want to get a raw diamond over there. Has anyone ever done anything like that? I didn’t think it would be hard to get 1 or 2 out, but who knows. If you’re curious why I want to do that the answer is just because. On a side note has anyone been to the DRC?

Post: #2

You're not going to find a diamond just walking down the street. LOL

I used to work for a guy that owned multiple businesses. His pet project was a getting Diamonds and Emeralds from Venezuela.

Every few years he would go spend a year down there and dredge the rivers with a floating barge and dredging equipment and a crew of locals he would hire.
He got lucky a few times. Pulled up some nice rough diamonds and emeralds and pieces of gold. You can't just bring that shit out of the country.

There are buyer there that will pay you cash for anything you find. Then you have to claim the cash and pay taxes on it when you leave the country.

It's a hard process and a gamble. You risk being out in the wilderness with people you don't know. You can get sick or killed
for your money or any diamonds you find.

It's not America where you can run and call a cop.

I regret not going with him one year. Would have been a fun experience. Venezuelan girls are some of the most beautiful.

Post: #3

I take it you watched "Blood Diamond" recently.

Anyway, in a lot of the unstable countries where you might theoretically be able to pick up black market diamonds they really do have things like army snipers firing at illegal (i.e. Not approved by the "Big Man") miners from helicopters. So getting invloved in that trade will seriously endanger your life.

In stable countries the supply is usually controlled by the CSO, a division of De Beers. While they won't shoot you, they wont let you undermine their business either - even in a tiny insignificant way.

Post: #4

Hey that’s a hell of a movie, but no, the idea stems from reading about conflict zones. And how many people have a rough diamond they got on the black market in the DRC or Sierra Leone? Sure it’s a bit off, but it beat my last collection idea (powdery substance that keeps the parties going). The problem with that one was finding it in every country; hopefully I have better luck with a diamond.

I’m not looking to mine it myself just looking for a seller if it works out I’ll let you know. Also if safety was a concern I wouldn’t be going to either of those countries. Best case scenario I pull some ass, pick up a flag that I don’t have, and come out with a diamond. Worst case I end up dead which doesn’t sound like it would be much fun

Post: #5

(09-19-2011 10:32 AM)cartman Wrote:  So I’m thinking about doing Sierra Leone, or the DRC in the near future. After reading Naughty Nomad’s Sierra Leone report I think I’m going to go that route. I have a kind of odd ball idea in mind though. You see I really want to get a raw diamond over there. Has anyone ever done anything like that? I didn’t think it would be hard to get 1 or 2 out, but who knows. If you’re curious why I want to do that the answer is just because. On a side note has anyone been to the DRC?

ur a brave man! lol

Post: #6

Funny just for fun a year or so ago I figured out 2 perfect ways to smuggle in diamonds since a friend of a friend takes monthly trips to south Africa

Post: #7

I've dabbled in this area.

Eastern D.R Congo is your best bet. I recommend you deal with the local Mai Mai militias - not the Hutus rebels or Congolese forces. You will find some rogue sellers in Goma, hire a translator and bikes are travel westwards on the road past Lac Verde. They're is a village/refugee camp a few kilometers out. Ask the locals there and they will find you a fixer. Be warned this is very dangerous. Furthermore you may require permits to travel to certain areas.

You need to do a lot of research on valuation. Cover your Cs and buy a diamond kit. There is money to be made, but the main thing is not getting killed, kidnapped or ripped off. You need to be an expert. We wanted to buy them, but we just be sure of the product.

Blood diamonds will need to covered up. Because of the Kimberly process you will need them certified and cut. This is usually done in India or Hong Kong, but you need connections.

Bottom Line: The margins are not as high as you think and it's a lot of effort.

Post: #8

"I recommend you deal with the local Mai Mai militias - not the Hutus rebels or Congolese forces."

Naughtynomad is a smooth motherf*cker.

Post: #9

CLR – are you gonna share the secrets with us?

Naughtynomad - I figured you would have some info to share on this. Were you actually able to get hands on the raw stones? Do you have any stories to tell about the process i.e. the dangers faced? And I’m sure pulling ass is unheard of there is it all P4P?
I’m not looking to get them cut or certified, in fact this isn’t for money it’s simply just a goal. Good advice on the quality control aspect. Hell you laid out a path for your treasure hunt right there, and I’m shooting to get it done. I love pussy, but sometimes there are stories that are better told.

Post: #10

I'll give one easy one, most private planes have ice bins, throw the diamonds in with the ice, as a normal person going though security you have to be more creative