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.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary CongressThis year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends TalksNearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse CampaignThe “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand DirectorThe precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.
