SourcingMar 16, 2022
Join Gem Legacy on ‘Adventures’ in East AfricaSourcingApr 07, 2022
Gem Legacy Targets Silicosis in Miners for Next Initiative
The nonprofit will buy masks and filters for 5,000 miners in Merelani, Tanzania, to prevent the inhalation of silica dust.
Gem Legacy is raising money to prevent silicosis in Tanzanian miners. Pictured is an artisanal gem miner in a Merelani tanzanite mine.
Royal Oak, Mich.—Gem Legacy is tackling silicosis next.
The industry nonprofit announced the launch of a fundraising initiative to prevent silicosis in the tanzanite mining areas of Merelani, Tanzania.
Silicosis is caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust, resulting in irreversible damage to the lungs and often premature death.
Tanzanite miners are prone to it due to the geology of the region and the largely underground, enclosed mining practices that often happen without sufficient ventilation, the organization said.
Gem Legacy has committed to buying masks and filters, which cost $30 per set-up, for 5,000 miners to help stop the inhalation of silica dust.
The miners will also go through training on silicosis and why the equipment is essential.
The JCK Industry Fund has awarded Gem Legacy with a grant for the initiative’s seed money.
But even with that funding and the money Gem Legacy has earmarked for the project, there is still a $66,480 deficit.
“We are so passionate about reaching our goal for this important initiative,” said Gem Legacy board member Rachel Merisheki. “We are asking 2,216 members of the industry to fund one mask and filter to reach this goal. Together, we can deliver life-saving equipment to the members of our industry who mine one of its most cherished gemstones.”
For more information, email info@gemlegacy.org or visit GemLegacy.org.
Related stories will be right here …
The industry nonprofit announced the launch of a fundraising initiative to prevent silicosis in the tanzanite mining areas of Merelani, Tanzania.
Silicosis is caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust, resulting in irreversible damage to the lungs and often premature death.
Tanzanite miners are prone to it due to the geology of the region and the largely underground, enclosed mining practices that often happen without sufficient ventilation, the organization said.
Gem Legacy has committed to buying masks and filters, which cost $30 per set-up, for 5,000 miners to help stop the inhalation of silica dust.
The miners will also go through training on silicosis and why the equipment is essential.
The JCK Industry Fund has awarded Gem Legacy with a grant for the initiative’s seed money.
But even with that funding and the money Gem Legacy has earmarked for the project, there is still a $66,480 deficit.
“We are so passionate about reaching our goal for this important initiative,” said Gem Legacy board member Rachel Merisheki. “We are asking 2,216 members of the industry to fund one mask and filter to reach this goal. Together, we can deliver life-saving equipment to the members of our industry who mine one of its most cherished gemstones.”
For more information, email info@gemlegacy.org or visit GemLegacy.org.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
EditorsMay 25, 2022
7 Standout Tiaras in Sotheby’s Platinum Jubilee ExhibitionSenior Editor Brecken Branstrator chooses the pieces she’d most want to see in person.
MajorsMay 25, 2022
Anne Hathaway Is Bulgari’s Newest AmbassadorThe actress joins Zendaya and others in a new advertising campaign.
IndependentsMay 25, 2022
The Mexican Shack to Close After 47 YearsOwner Steve Delzio shares his thoughts on retirement after nearly five decades in the jewelry industry.
Brought to you by
Dive into GIA’s Pearl ExpertiseWhen it comes to knowing the identity and quality of your pearls, count on GIA as your independent pearl experts.
IndependentsMay 25, 2022
Designer Theo Fennell Has Written a Memoir “I Fear for This Boy” takes readers through the ups and downs of his business and is available for pre-order now.
Weekly QuizMay 19, 2022
This Week’s QuizTest your knowledge of the latest jewelry news with this quick test.
IndependentsMay 25, 2022
MVEye, Wedding Report Partner on New Jewelry Research Platform“Today’s Wedding Jewelry Consumer” shares data about engagement ring market size, lab-grown and natural diamonds, and more.
ColumnistsMay 24, 2022
The PR Adviser: 10 Questions to Contemplate Columnist Lilian Raji wants to walk you through the customer journey. But first, she’d like you to answer a few questions.
Brought to you by
A.I. Grading is Changing Conversations at the Retail CounterAdvanced technology levels the playing field, helping jewelers give customers what they want.
Events & AwardsMay 24, 2022
8 Gold Jewelry Designers Unveil New Platinum DesignsSeveral Couture brands have partnered with Platinum Guild International ahead of the jewelry trade show.
Lab-GrownMay 24, 2022
Kendra Scott Unveils Lab-Grown Engagement Ring CollectionThe jewelry company is moving into bridal just a month after branching out into the watch world.
Events & AwardsMay 24, 2022
WJA to Host Diversity Keynote at New Las Vegas Breakfast Event The Generating Community Impact fundraiser on June 11 will feature Karine Bah Tahé of Blue Level Training.
WatchesMay 23, 2022
Steven Kaiser, Watch Industry Veteran and Beloved Mentor, Dies at 68 Kaiser, whose illustrious career spanned decades, died suddenly on Friday.
IndependentsMay 23, 2022
Long’s Jewelers to Open New LocationThe family-owned jeweler is relocating its Braintree, Massachusetts, store to a new space.
IndependentsMay 23, 2022
Luxury Goods Veteran Olivier Stip Joins Chicago Jeweler CD Peacock He will step into the retailer’s newly created role of chief development officer.
GradingMay 23, 2022
Gem-A Launches Digital Entry-Level Gemology CourseGemIntro is meant to give a broad introduction to gems and gemology.
Recorded WebinarsMay 20, 2022
Watch: Responsible Sourcing and the Gold Supply Chain Three industry experts discuss “recycled” gold vs. mined, their challenges and benefits, and how jewelers can navigate the area.
FinancialsMay 20, 2022
Richemont’s 2022 Jewelry Sales in the Americas Nearly DoubleCartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Buccellati put on stellar performances.
AuctionsMay 20, 2022
Piece of the Week: ‘Birds in Flight’ by Oscar Heyman The New York jeweler made this incredible, colorful Art Deco bracelet featuring tropical birds in 1927.
SurveysMay 19, 2022
5 Predictions for Jewelry Retail in the Second Half of 2022From a slowdown in sales growth to rising costs, Fruchtman Marketing outlines its expectations for the second half of the year.
MajorsMay 19, 2022
As It Nears 75, Here’s How Grandview Klein Stays CompetitiveOnce a part of Julius Klein Group, the diamond company combines its direct supply and cutting expertise with a keen eye to the future.
CollectionsMay 19, 2022
Brilliant Earth Collaborates with Jade TrauThe two have partnered on a capsule collection.
MajorsMay 19, 2022
Jewelers Mutual Adds 2 Industry Veterans to Its Board John A. Green of retailer Lux Bond & Green and Niveet Nagpal of Omi Privé have joined the board of directors as of May 18.
FinancialsMay 18, 2022
Watches of Switzerland’s Jewelry Sales More Than Doubled in Q4The retailer also said demand for Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet watches continues to exceed its supply.
AuctionsMay 18, 2022
Jewels from Bette Midler Are Headed to BonhamsThe auction house’s upcoming sale also includes collections from American heiresses.
IndependentsMay 18, 2022
Jeweler Lewis Baribault Celebrates 50th Work AnniversaryThe Connecticut jeweler reflected on five decades in the industry and what the future holds for the family business.
Events & AwardsMay 18, 2022
Visit A Mine in New Jersey With WJA New York MetroThe chapter has organized a day trip to the Sterling Hill Mine and Museum in Ogdensburg on Saturday, May 21.
SourcingMay 17, 2022
A New Source in Tanzania Is Producing Cobalt-Blue SpinelThe stones come from a deposit close to Mahenge and have been on the market for several months.
