As the owner of Gemstone Detective, my mission is to explore the world’s most fascinating gemstone, diamond and gold locations, capturing their beauty through the lens and sharing their hidden stories with you. Through my tours, I aim to offer unforgettable travel experiences that delve into the rich culture and history of these sites. This trip to Sierra Leone was an exploration to pave the way for a new diamond and gold tour in 2025.
In a remarkable turn of events, I found myself heading to Sierra Leone much sooner than planned, travelling with the brilliant Kiptieu Fatty Sherrif. Originally from Freetown, Kiptieu has made significant contributions both locally and abroad—she founded the SheriffInc18 Library in Sierra Leone and the Abbey Wood Tennis Club in London. Currently, she’s also running Bongo’s Kitchen, an African food catering business in partnership with Adam Stott, a renowned UK business coach. Our paths crossed at one of Adam’s business events, sparking an instant connection and a shared dream of visiting Sierra Leone together in 2025. Little did we know, our adventure was about to unfold much sooner.
The following day, I received an email from Rappaport about a Trade Mission to Sierra Leone. Brimming with excitement, I applied and anxiously awaited a response. However, instead of hearing from Rappaport, news came via a Facebook message—apparently, the mission had been cancelled due to Hurricane Milton striking Florida. Though initially disheartened, Kiptieu and I decided to carry on with our plans. In an unexpected twist, I later discovered that the cancellation was merely a mix-up; the mission was still on, but since we’d already arranged our travel, we decided to proceed with our independent adventure.
We arranged to stay with Lovetta, Kiptieu’s dear friend, who kindly welcomed us to her home in Imatt near Freetown. Lovetta’s culinary skills were extraordinary; her spicy fish dish was unparalleled, and her savoury sweet potatoes, cooked with salty oil and cut into hearty wedges, was a revelation to the brightly coloured orange sticks sold in my local Sainsbury.
During our initial days in Freetown, I had the privilege of sharing in Kiptieu’s joy as she surprised her family with an unexpected visit. These moments, filled with love, were treasured memories captured on my camera. I felt honoured to be part of such a special time with Kiptieu’s family.
With 24 hours' notice, Kiptieu invited me to speak to children at her library, SheriffInc18, the first private library in Sierra Leone. Engaging with these bright young minds about the importance of reading was a joy, and their enthusiasm was infectious.
Before leaving London, I took to LinkedIn to find potential contacts in Sierra Leone, specifically focusing on the diamond and gold industry. This digital networking linked me with influential figures who knew Kono, the heart of Sierra Leone's gold and diamond sector. I met with the founder of the Diamond Centre in Freetown, who proudly showed me a classroom dedicated to diamond examination and introduced me to Seynabou Ijeoma Nze, Africa’s youngest rough diamond evaluator at just 21 years old, paving the way for future generations.
He also kindly agreed to escort me to Kono and back.
In Kono, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the heart of Sierra Leone's diamond and gold exploration. Visiting the village near the renowned Peace Diamond discovery site was not just a glimpse into the country's rich mining history, but also into its present-day challenges and triumphs. This massive 709-carat diamond, the 14th largest ever found, could have brought significant improvements to the region.
Sierra Leone diamond and gold exploration
The artisanal mining here, which has roots stretching back centuries, remains a vital part of the local economy. Small-scale miners, often using just hand tools, diligently search for these precious resources, their work rich in tradition but fraught with challenges. Witnessing the tireless efforts of these miners was eye-opening, as I watched them sift through gravel with attentive skill. Their resilience and dedication to the craft were a testament to the enduring spirit found within Sierra Leone's diamond and gold industries.
Meeting the Paramount Chief of the village was a significant moment. Paramount Chiefs hold immense cultural and historical importance in Sierra Leone. They are the traditional rulers of different regions and oversee local governance. There are about 149 Paramount Chiefs in the country, each representing different chiefdoms. They are symbolically linked to Sierra Leone’s 18 rivers and bridges, embodying the connection and leadership within their communities. Presenting him with a monetary gift to support the community's welfare, I was honoured to receive his blessing to use my camera and explore the village freely. The children's excitement and happiness were evident and deeply moving as they posed eagerly for photos.
Broken Promises at the Diamond Peace Village
However, this joy was overshadowed by the ongoing challenges the villagers face. Despite the promises of development following the Peace Diamond discovery, issues like the lack of running water and non-functional solar lights continue to persist. The hospital still remains poorly equipped, showcasing the stark gap between potential promises and the actual reality. These resilient people endure these hardships daily, their smiles often concealing a deeper story of survival and hope that persists to this day. There is a desperate need for help!
On a brighter note, Sierra Leone’s abundance of fresh produce was plain to see—chilli peppers, limes, coffee beans, and much more were readily available. A generous local woman shared a freshly cracked coconut with us, offering a refreshing glimpse into the vibrant local lifestyle.
A visit to the artisanal mining sites was particularly eye-opening. Watching miners sift through gravel in search of diamonds was a testament to their skill and patience. I attempted to help, but quickly realised the complexity and stepped back, appreciating their expertise.
Throughout the trip, I adapted to the local ways. However, this joy was often overshadowed by the ongoing challenges that permeate daily life in both Kono and Freetown. Electricity issues are a constant struggle, impacting everything from household tasks to modern necessities like WiFi. These challenges highlighted the resilience required to live in Sierra Leone. The people here are incredibly strong, navigating these difficulties with grace and determination. Their unwavering smiles often hide deeper stories of survival and enduring hope that continue to this day.
Reflecting on my journey to Sierra Leone, it was rich with adventure, cultural insight, and meaningful connections. The warmth and vibrancy of its people, coupled with the serene beauty of its landscapes, left a lasting impression. I eagerly anticipate returning in November 2025 for more fascinating adventures. Would you like to join me? Discover our upcoming tours here: https://www.gemstonedetective.com/gemstone-tours
Stay curious, explore deeply,
Kim Rix GG GIA
Gemstone Detective
Be sure. Be smart. Buy with confidence
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