Alongside agriculture, mineral production forms the backbone of the Guinean economy.  The West African nation, roughly the same size as the UK, is the world’s second largest producer of bauxite and is home to rich deposits of diamonds and gold.  Since the mid-1980s foreign assistance and investment has helped Guinea mine diamonds that are 90% gem quality.  The majority of the deposits are located in the South of the country in an area running from the border with Sierra Leone in the west to the deep green and biologically diverse slopes of the Simandou mountain range further to the east.  Reserves of jewellery-quality diamonds in Guinea in 2011 stood at 300,000 carats.  If you’re looking to delve under the surface of this exotic country, there are a few points to keep in mind.   
 
Where to Buy Diamonds
 
Look no further than the town of Banankoro and its surrounding areas.  Located in the Kankan region in the south-east of the country, the town hosts a diamond street market where buyers can shop for both large and small stones.  The major owners and shareholders of the mining companies meet regularly with street vendors and officials from Banankoro to ensure the smooth and safe flow of business in the town.  With trade running both day and night, business is intense and discussions are carried out in the traditional Guinean fashion.    
 
Who to Buy From
 
The first thing to take into account when buying diamonds or gold is to avoid buying from people who approach you in the street.  The diamonds markets of many towns, especially Banankoro, host experienced sellers who can provide a professional and reliable service.  Question the seller about their stones and the diamond trade as a whole to ensure that they have a sound knowledge of the business.  This is an indicator of the legitimacy of the seller and will help to ensure you are buying from the best possible source.  Also try and find out how long the trader has been selling diamonds to determine their reputation. 
 
What to Look For
 
The quality of diamonds found in Guinea is generally first-rate, with certain crystals possessing beautiful octahedral or dodecahedral shapes.  Clarity and colour can vary, but most of the stones are white; avoid the yellow colours that characterise poorer quality gems.  Take time to inspect the diamonds when buying; the protracted nature of negotiations at many of the markets allows you time to truly decide which stone best suits your needs.  Find out as much as you can about the stone that interests you and establish its origin (imported stones will often command a higher price than those sourced locally).  Arm yourself with knowledge of what makes a stone valuable and make sure that what is being advertised matches up with the product you are viewing. 
 
How to Do Business
 
Once you’ve found your perfect gem, it is important to then get the best price possible.  Bartering is expected in Guinea and a good rule of thumb is to halve the opening price and walk away if prices don’t come down.  Negotiations may be drawn out or exhausting but remain a good way of determining a fair price for both the buyer and seller.  Once a figure has been settled on, avoid payingany money until the goods are in your possession and you have personally ensured that the stone is of the quality, quantity, and value you expected.  It is also important to note that in Guinea, you only use the right hand to greet an individual or to exchange money as a sign of respect.  Once you have finalised the sale, take care to pay any custom duties and other fees directly to government officials and transport the product yourself rather than relying on a shipping or courier service. 
 
Buying gemstones in Guinea is a unique and often enthralling experience.  The vast number and type of stones that are native to the country mean you will struggle to walk away empty-handed.  So whatever you’re looking for, the markets of Guinea will no doubt be able to help and, what’s more, you’ll almost definitely come back a hardened and experienced haggler. 

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