The late Mr. Edward Poone grew up in the beautiful mountain kingdom of Lesotho where diamonds are plentiful and the people are open and welcoming. It is because of his background in the friendly Basotho nation that the late Mr. Poone was able to relate to peoples of all nationalities, colors and creeds across the globe. A successful self made businessman who has built an excellent reputation in the diamond industry. “During the apartheid years many people were not given the opportunity to acquire a diamond dealers licence, therefore many in the industry became diamond smugglers. Today society still associates diamond dealers as crooks and smugglers”. I had no formal training in rough diamonds, everything I know is self taught hence I implemented the training programme. Two of the beneficiaries who received training from Florio Poone Diamonds have since opened their own diamond dealerships. Through our mentorship programme we hope to create more black Licenced diamond dealers in the country. We serve and grow constantly to be able to contribute not only on an economic level to our country, but also to our community.

Ms. Florio Poone has extensive knowledge of diamonds as she has been a Licenced diamond dealer in rough diamonds since September 1995 in Lesotho where she retained her office. She later moved to Ladybrand (Free State) where she operated as “Antonella Florio Poone Diamonds”. In November 2004 she was issued and granted a temporary dealers licence by the South African Diamond Board. In March 2005 she opened an additional office in Barkly-West (Northern Cape) before moving to Kimberley Northern Cape.

“Everything I know about this business I learned from my father who had a diamond cutting business in Lesotho for over twenty (20) years; and employed approximately two hundred (200) employees. My passion on the other hand is developing previously disadvantaged woman through information sharing, mentoring and financial assistance. I believe if every wealthy person took at least one entrepreneur to mentor/finance the world would become a better place. I have identified a black female digger; whom we have an ongoing mentorship programme with as I see great potential in her. We have since assisted her through funding of small scale mining machinery, working capital and training her employees on rough diamond valuation; however her project was short-lived due to unfair circumstances beyond her control. Subsequent to this I decided to enter into a joint venture with her together with another young black female to open our own diamond mining company called “Basadi Mining” which is in process of acquiring mining permit. My goal is to empower woman, young and old to become independent successful business woman.

Quick-witted and ambitious Ms. Florio-Poone is not only a Licenced diamond dealer; she possesses a BA Honours degree in languages and Co owns a party shop (Party and More) with her husband Mr. Edward Poone. The business is also located in Kimberley and it’s the only party shop that offers a range of catering equipment and function decor that’s commonly used in conjunction with party equipment rental businesses. The party shop also offers an onsite kiddies party venue, renting of mascots and dress up clothes as well as party accessories.