Recorded WebinarsDec 11, 2020
Watch: Three American Lapidaries Talk Trends and Today’s MarketSourcingJan 25, 2022
Virtu Gem Launches National Gem Cutting Course in 3 Countries
The aim is to create jobs, a value-add proposition, a differentiated product, and national pride through country-specific cuts.
The Virtu Gem National Gem Cut program has engaged cutting schools in three countries to help provide resources to students. (Photo credit: Virtu Gem)
New York—Since launching as a marketplace to connect ASM miners with buyers during the pandemic, Virtu Gem has expanded its efforts to bring equity to the colored stone sector.
It has already created a few gem cutting programs designed to help women in the trade learn the skill.
Now, it’s again targeting faceting with an online course to design specialty gemstone cuts for Virtu Gem partner countries.
The aim is to create more jobs as well as provide a value-add proposition for these countries through an innovative product unlike others found on the market.
The Nomad Jeweler’s Jessica Hudson and Susan Wheeler, designer and founder of The Responsible Jewelry Transformative, said they already enlisted Adriano Mol, head of the Center for Gemstone and Jewelry Design at the University of Minas Gerais State, for workshops to encourage more diverse cuts.
After an initial positive response, they decided to expand it to create the National Gem Cut Course.
Supported by the World Bank, the new class sets a unique goal: to collaboratively create a national gemstone cut for the three countries where Virtu Gem operates: Zambia, Malawi, and Kenya.
The inspiration for developing a national gem cut stemmed from a piece created by Mol and Fernando Maculan that features Brazilian amethysts carved in formation of the topographic view of the country’s Itaimbezinho canyon.
The goal is to have one fully developed cut for each country and several design concepts the students can follow up on later.
“By doing so we hope to contribute to product innovation, and improve the production and market sustainability of the associated artisans,” Mol told National Jeweler over email.
They are focusing on one gem variety per country so they can optimize cuts to each. Amethyst will be used for the Zambian cut and pink garnet for Malawi. As of press time, the project was still deciding between yellow tourmaline and green garnet for Kenya.
The online class is open to anyone in the gemstone trade at all skill levels. So far it includes more than 50 people.
“Since the objective of the training is creative problem solving, everyone can contribute, from the beginner students to the 30-plus-years experienced cutters,” Mol said.
“Based on my experience with gemstone producing communities in Brazil, every initiative has to start from the bottom up, to adapt for the environment and to promote instruments to reinforce the uniqueness of the local production. It makes no sense for me to import gemstone cutting know-how from Brazil, the U.S., Germany, or China to the cutters in East Africa, but to respect their own.”
The students have taken inspiration from culturally significant aspects of their country to develop their ideas for a national gem cut.
The Malawi National Gem Cut, for example, will be based on colorful fish called cichlids, found in Lake Malawi.
The class holds weekly meetings, in which the students are mostly separated according to country of residence.
Before advancing each step, the whole group is asked to bring forth their opinions so everyone has a say. When a consensus is reached, they move on to the next phase.
They are now in the final phase, which includes assisting in the production and marketing of stones, gathering feedback, and more. They are also fine-tuning the cut for Zambia and for Malawi, as well as weighing three options in Kenya before choosing the final.
Virtu Gem has also involved schools and groups in each country, which support the project, engage the students, and allocate professionals, materials, and a place for gem cutting.
They are the Gemstone Processing & Lapidary Training Centre in Ndola, Zambia; the Voi Gemstone Cutting and Value Addition Centre in Kenya; Nyasa Lapidary & ASM Training Centre in Lilongwe, Malawi; and the Mzimba Gemstone Mining Cooperative in Malawi.
“The gem cutting program is a great initiative which seeks to empower gem cutters in source countries with advanced innovative cutting skills. For a very long time, gems from source countries are being cut elsewhere, which has always deprived skills development and revenue,” Chiko Manda, Virtu Gem’s country coordinator for Malawi said.
“Therefore, this program intends to reverse the current trend by promoting in-country gem cutting through skills development by developing the national cuts attributed to the source country’s national heritage. The cutters will collectively develop a cut association with their countries. By doing this, they are contributing towards something big and a national pride.”
Wheeler confirmed they plan to expand the program but noted they can’t yet divulge which countries will be on board next.
In the meantime, Virtu Gem will have a display of the cut prototypes from each country at the upcoming Ethical Gem Fair, scheduled for Jan. 29-Feb. 1 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
To follow the class’s journey or get an idea of what might be seen in Tucson, visit the Virtu Gem Instagram account.
“Besides the fact that students can think outside the box in terms of cuts, the vital lesson to many is that one must learn to do several sketches or pencil drawing of designs before arriving at the ultimate cut. They have also realized that branding is beneficial when it comes to marketing,” said Lameck Thole, head of skills training at the Gemstone Processing and Lapidary Training Centre in Zambia.
“It is a welcome initiative. All believe that it will help in improving the quality of cutting and boost business for the locals, especially [since] Virtu Gem is now standing in as a front to market the capabilities of Zambian Cutters as well as Zambian gemstones.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See EventsWith more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.
MajorsNov 18, 2025
Lugano Diamonds Files for Bankruptcy, Looking for BuyerThe Chapter 11 filing follows the resignation of CEO Moti Ferder, who stepped down after an investigation into the company’s finances.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
A Giant, Bejeweled Moldy Berry Is on Display in LAThe artwork is part of an exhibition featuring works by Kathleen Ryan, an artist known for her gemstone-studded rotting fruit sculptures.
CrimeNov 17, 2025
Police Searching for 2 Suspects in Murder of Father, Son Jewelers Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alamo, were gunned down following an armed robbery at their jewelry store.
GradingNov 17, 2025
IGI Announces New President of North AmericaTiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.
MajorsNov 17, 2025
Look Inside Robbins Brothers Fine Jewelers’ New Pasadena FlagshipThe showroom is located in a historic 1920s building in the Playhouse District.
Policies & IssuesNov 14, 2025
U.S., Switzerland Reach Deal That Drops Tariff to 15%The Swiss government announced the deal, which cuts the tax on Swiss imports by more than half, on social media Friday morning.
AuctionsNov 14, 2025
Napoleon’s Diamond Brooch Blows Away Auction Estimates A buyer paid $4.4 million for the piece, which Napoleon wore on his hat for special occasions and left behind when he fled Waterloo.
FinancialsNov 14, 2025
Richemont’s Q2 Jewelry Sales Up 12%Plus, how tariffs and the rising price of gold are affecting its watch and jewelry brands.
CollectionsNov 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Butterflies in Flight’ Jewelry BoxFurmanovich designed the box to hold Mellerio’s “Color Queen,” a high jewelry collection consisting of 10 rings.
