Diamond Analysis in Angola

 

At the end of 2023, I had the opportunity to travel to Angola for a 10-day mission dedicated to the analysis of rough diamonds on behalf of a client buyer. This stay was particularly enriching, both professionally and personally. From France, access to Angola is generally via Portugal, with a stopover in Lisbon before a flight to Luanda.

 

Upon my arrival, I quickly understood that caution was essential. Security remains a significant issue in the country, and certain situations, particularly those involving authorities can be delicate. This reality requires constant vigilance throughout the stay.

 

Angola is a unique country, shaped by a history and a system that give it a distinct identity, sometimes even disconcerting. Yet beyond these aspects, it reveals exceptional richness.

With its spectacular landscapes, authentic culture, and flavorful cuisine, Angola offers a unique and memorable experience that leaves a lasting impression.

 

The diamonds I was able to observe in Angola are found exclusively in their rough state, with little to no availability of cut stones. The country does not appear to have well-developed infrastructure for cutting or sorting, and the diamond trade remains a sensitive subject, often surrounded by discretion.

 

The rare cut stones available locally are generally imitations, such as moissanite, which can be easily identified using techniques like Raman spectrometry. Other counterfeits are also in circulation, including octahedron-cut moissanite and colorless topaz. Some of these topazes are even engraved with fake trigons to imitate natural diamonds, making the illusion sometimes very convincing for those unfamiliar with gemology.

 

However, I was unable to acquire or photograph these imitations in order to document them more precisely. The rough diamonds presented to me were mostly colorless and appeared in various forms: octahedral crystals, rounded stones, and flattened shapes. Some have strong potential after cutting, while others are much more complex or even unsuitable for cutting. More rarely, some sellers also offer colored diamonds.