The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
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.

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.
“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.
The Latest

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.


Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

The 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.