Sourcing

Nonprofit Sends Compressor to Precious Women Mine in Kenya

SourcingMar 08, 2019

Nonprofit Sends Compressor to Precious Women Mine in Kenya

Gem Legacy raised $9,500 for the machine, which allows for the use of power tools and pumps oxygen into the mine.

20190307_GL-compressor.jpg
Industry nonprofit Gem Legacy raised $9,500 this winter to help purchase and ship this compressor to the Precious Women Mine in Kenya.

Royal Oak, Mich.—The Precious Women Mine in Kenya now has its compressor.

Gemstone cutter Roger Dery and his family launched 501(c)(3) Gem Legacy in the fall, dedicated to supporting communities directly involved in the gemstone mining sector.

In December, the nonprofit kicked off a campaign to raise $9,500 to buy a compressor for the mine in Mwatate, Kenya, which is run entirely by women, many of whom are widows. They have been working for almost a year and are finding small tsavorite garnet.

Gem Legacy reached its fundraising goals and announced last week that it has delivered the compressor.

It allows the women to use power tools, instead of having to mine by hand with farming tools, and pumps oxygen into the mine.


The funds raised by Gem Legacy also paid for three types of jackhammers for the Precious Women Mine in Kenya. In addition to the machine and its installation, the money also funded replacement parts, miner training and three varieties of jackhammers.

“We are thankful for donors from all over the industry who made this happen,” Dery said. “We chose the Precious Women Mine as our first long-term mine partnership because of their will to succeed and their dedication to serving their community.

We can’t wait to see what they do in 2019. They are excited, invigorated, and driven with new hope because of their new tool that has the power to forever transform their progress.”

Because of the interest in projects such as this supporting artisanal miners, Gem Legacy said it added an Equipment and Tools Initiative to allow the industry to give back to miners of colored gemstones on a regular basis.

For more information, visit GemLegacy.org.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Stock image of paper money and coins
Policies & IssuesOct 08, 2026
Third Wave of IEEPA Tariff Refunds Begins

This round of tariff refunds is for importers that have sued over IEEPA tariffs in the Court of International Trade and won.

Brent Neale Back to Basics Collection Pink Garnet Capsule
CollectionsOct 08, 2026
Brent Neale’s New Collection Goes ‘Back to Basics’

It revisits the brand’s most requested silhouettes, from "Pillow"-set necklaces and bracelets to "Signature"-set rings and earrings.

Ara Chanakian Overall Design Winner
Events & AwardsOct 08, 2026
Pattons Fine Jewelry Sweeps Local Design Contest

Ara Chanakian, a jeweler at Pattons, took home top honors in every category at Jewelers of Louisiana’s annual jewelry design competition.

1872 x 1052 Gemolite.jpg
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional Edition

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

Reba McEntire belt buckle
AuctionsOct 08, 2026
Reba McEntire’s Jewelry, Watches Head to Julien’s Auctions

The live charity benefit sale in Nashville will also feature gowns, boots, and other memorabilia from the country music legend.

Weekly QuizOct 08, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
overnght sb 1026.png
Supplier BulletinOct 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Helps Jewelers Turn Custom Design into a Hands-On Selling Experience

Sponsored by Overnight Mountings

The entrance to The Plumb Club pavilion at JCK Las Vegas
Policies & IssuesOct 07, 2026
The Plumb Club Amplifies Its Voice as Geopolitical Pressures Mount

The supplier organization recently joined JA and JVC to have more input on political issues affecting the jewelry industry.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Woman wearing Blue Nile Royal Asscher jewelry
CollectionsOct 07, 2026
Blue Nile, Royal Asscher Collection Highlights Natural Diamond Beauty

Blue Nile, a Signet Jewelers-owned brand, is now Royal Asscher’s exclusive licensed retailer in North America.

Audemars Piguet Risoud Eclipse Necklace
CollectionsOct 07, 2026
4 Standout Pieces in Audemars Piguet’s First High Jewelry Collection

“Royal Oak” pays homage to the brand’s most popular watch model using 18-karat gold as well as diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires.

Juan Morales and Joseph Nicosia
MajorsOct 07, 2026
Empire Safe & Vault Promotes Juan Morales to CEO

As part of the transition, Joseph Nicosia has stepped into the role of COO.

Stock image a police car
Policies & IssuesOct 06, 2026
6 Charged in Connection to String of New Jersey Smash-and-Grabs

The alleged thieves used crow bars and sledgehammers to smash into jewelry stores across the state.

The Retail Smiths Principal Partner Sherry Smith
ColumnistsOct 06, 2026
Sherry Smith: Is the Consumer Really Trading Up?

Ahead of the holidays, Smith urges jewelers to take a hard look at who’s buying jewelry, what they’re purchasing, and who’s stopped buying.

Molly Stillman @fashionveggie, Beth Jones @bjonesstyle, Helene Cortez @cortezhelene, and Haley Jordan @haleyjordan12 
SourcingOct 06, 2026
DDG Taps Influencers for ‘My Diamond Does Good’ Campaign

In the new consumer-facing campaign, four fashion and lifestyle creators share the stories behind their natural diamond pieces.

Bryan Cowan and Tom Schwartz
MajorsOct 06, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names COO, CMO

FGI President John Orrico is also leaving the company after more than 13 years.

JIS Miami fall
Events & AwardsOct 06, 2026
JIS Fall Returns to Miami

The 2026 edition will feature presentations on alternative materials and design trends, as well as pop-up activations on the show floor.

Gahcho Kue rough diamonds
SourcingOct 05, 2026
De Beers to Take Full Ownership of Gahcho Kué

It is the last fully operational diamond mine in Canada following the recent closures of Ekati and Diavik.

Tiffany gold cat pin Sandy Lerner
AuctionsOct 05, 2026
The Star Cats of the Sandy Lerner Auction

These jewels stood out at Bonhams’ sale of the cat-loving tech entrepreneur’s collection of objects depicting the feline form.

Sorellina Postscript Collection Campaign Imagery of Paper Plane Pendant
CollectionsOct 05, 2026
Sorellina Writes Another Love Letter for ‘Postscript’ Collection

The fine jewelry brand has expanded the collection that debuted at Couture with four new designs based on its most popular styles.

Bruce Bridges CIBJO
SourcingOct 05, 2026
Bruce Bridges Joins CIBJO Board

The AGTA president was elected for a two-year term on the board of directors.

Aerial image of the Lungwebungu River
SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership

The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.

Pandora facility Vietnam front view
MajorsOct 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New $150M Manufacturing Facility in Vietnam

The new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.

Hearts On Fire Dream Heart Pendant
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart Pendant

The special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.

Surveillance images of robbery suspects
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab Robbery

Dubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 in 18-karat Jubilee gold with aventurine dial
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says

YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.

Peoples Training & Research Centre Gujarat India
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ Fundraiser

Proceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.

Jason of Beverly Hills Stanley Cup Championship Ring for Carolina Hurricanes
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck Pendant

The rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy