CrimeAug 11, 2025
Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Death of Colorado JewelerPeter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.
EditorsDec 19, 2018
Help This Woman-Run Mine in Kenya Get a Compressor
Gem Legacy is raising $9,500 to install the equipment at the Precious Women Mine in Mkuki.
The Precious Women Mine in Mkuki, Kenya has been operating for almost a year. The woman-run mine is currently finding small tsavorite garnets.
Though there are more and more women working in gemstone mining, it’s still a small number and it still piques interest when we hear about them.
It’s important for the trade to take care of all of miners doing the hard work of pulling our precious materials from the ground, but I especially love when we can throw our support behind the women in the industry that are cutting their own paths in the sector.
So I was very excited to hear about a recent project to raise money for a woman-run mine in Kenya that also has a personal aspect for me.
In early 2016, Gichuchu Okeno, a Kenyan gemstone dealer, miner, broker and friend to many, died from kidney failure. Aside from mourning the loss of his life and the places he would’ve taken the East African gemstone market, I think those around him also worried about the family for which he provided.
Tsavorite garnet rough from the Precious Women Mine in Mkuki, KenyaOkeno was a close friend and business colleague of gemstone faceter Roger Dery and his family.
The latter launched Gem Legacy this fall, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting education, vocational training and the local economies of East Africa.
Having met Okeno and his family while I was traveling with the Derys in January 2016, when I called to talk to them about the new 501(c)(3) in August, they mentioned Okeno’s widow, Esther Yaro, and how well she has been doing. I can’t tell you what a gift that was to hear.
In fact, she found her way into the gemstone business herself and is now the head of the Precious Women Mine in Mkuki, Kenya. The mine has operated for almost a year and is currently finding small tsavorite garnets as they follow the indicator minerals.
Now, Gem Legacy wants to help them take the next step by launching a year-end giving campaign goal of $9,500 to install a compressor at the mine, which would make the use of power tools possible instead of having them mine by hand with farming tools.
[Update: The campaign has raised nearly $8,500 so far, making it just $1,000 short of its goal.]
[Update: The campaign has raised nearly $8,500 so far, making it just $1,000 short of its goal.]
The sum will fund a used compressor and jackhammer with installation, replacement parts and miner training.
In launching the campaign, Gem Legacy is continuing the work started by Chrysa Cohen and her team at Delaware’s Continental Jewelers, partners of Gem Legacy. After visiting the mine this summer, Cohen was moved by the women’s work and their struggles and started the initiative to fund the compressor.
Roger Dery said, “We selected the Precious Women mine as Gem Legacy’s first long-term mine partnership because of its female leadership and unique impact in the local community. The mine is run by a group of Kenyan women who have rallied together. Most are widows and all have challenges to keep food on the table. Their goal is to share the wealth of the mine with those in greatest need in the local community.”
To donate, visit GemLegacy.org.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Editors
The Latest
IndependentsAug 11, 2025
Lisa Bridge to Depart Ben Bridge JewelerThe retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2025
Bethenny Frankel to Give Keynote at CBG’s Experience ShowThe Continental Buying Group’s 2025 Tampa Experience Show is slated for Sept. 8-10.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales RiseThe company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.
Weekly QuizAug 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsAug 08, 2025
GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope Celebrates 10 Years of FundraisingThe organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel BangleThe brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony BennettThe first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown GemstonesThe catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.
TechnologyAug 07, 2025
Rembrandt Charms Debuts New Website, Bird CharmsThe company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ CollectionDesigner Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami JewelerOmar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane KatrinaThe New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of CoverageLilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.
Events & AwardsAug 05, 2025
JA Announces Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship WinnersThe organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.
Events & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging DesignersThe winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.
TrendsAug 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: August’s Bright BaublesAs summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.
CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in QueensMoshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.
MajorsAug 04, 2025
Borsheims Welcomes New Assistant Facilities ManagerXavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet JewelersThe addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.
