The pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.
Watch: An Update on the Moyo Gems Project 2 Years In
Three of the key players talk about the challenges involved, how the project has changed miners’ lives, and where it goes from here.
NGO Pact and wholesalers Anza Gems and Nineteen48 collaborated with the Tanzania Women Miners Association to launch Moyo Gems in early 2019, bringing colored gems mined by women in Tanga, Tanzania to market.
The stones officially were available to purchase through the wholesalers later that year.
Now, two years in, the program continues to expand.
To check in on project’s progress and where it might go from here, Senior Editor, Gemstones Brecken Branstrator chatted with Anza Gems Founder Monica Stephenson as well as Pact’s Cristina Villegas and Norbert Massay in the latest “My Next Question” webinar.
Watch the full session above.
Join us again next Wednesday, April 28 at 10 a.m. Eastern for a discussion between Senior Editor, Fashion Ashley Davis and Elle Hill about how to launch and grow a business.
For more information or to register, visit NationalJeweler.com/webinars.
The Latest

Julien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.

Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.


Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.

The annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Seized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.

Rodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.

“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.

The AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.

The jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.

Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.

The retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.

The “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.

The alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.

The “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.

As demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.

The “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.

Sally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.

McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.

Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.

Kalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.

“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.

The campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.


















