Editors

You Can Now Buy Stones from Moyo Gems

EditorsOct 31, 2019

You Can Now Buy Stones from Moyo Gems

The faceted gems have been traced from mine—they were unearthed by women miners in Tanzania—to market.

20191031_Moyo-header.jpg
Theresia is one of the miners taking part in the Moyo Gemstones project. The 50-year-old is a single mother of four and relies on mining tourmaline and sapphire in Tanzania as a source of income. (Photo Credit: Pact)

Good news for anyone who’s been following along as the Moyo Gemstones project progresses, or who simply likes the idea of buying gemstones from women miners in Tanzania—colored gems from the pilot project are ready for purchase!

Moyo launched earlier this year to help rubies, sapphires, tourmalines and garnets extracted by female miners in Tanga, Tanzania move from mine to market while teaching the women about gemstones as well as improving their health, safety and working conditions.

Moyo is a collaboration involving the non-governmental organization Pact, Anza Gems and Nineteen48, with input from the Tanzania Women Miners Association (TAWOMA) and a blockchain addition from Everledger. It is a fascinating project that could pave the way for building marketplaces for other small-scale and artisanal gemstone miners.

(For more in-depth information on Moyo Gemstones, read my blog post from April.)

After taking some time to work out the best method for facilitating sales, training and other considerations, the gems are finally hitting the market.

Moyo is currently selling faceted stones through the two international trading partners mentioned above, both of whom are strong advocates of social responsibility: Anza Gems and Nineteen48.

“The idea that we can trace a single gemstone back to an individual miner in Tanzania really resonates with buyers,” Anza Gems’ Monica Stephenson said. “The fact that these miners are all members of the Tanzanian Women Miners Association in Tanga, have attended basic GIA gemstone training, free occupational health and safety training in their villages, and are legally licensed as miners is another huge selling point.

“We are trying to add value to the miners’ lives in more ways than just the purchase of their gemstones. It is about participation in the global gem trade and empowerment.”

For more information or to purchase gems, contact Stephenson at monica@idazzle.com or Stuart Pool at Nineteen48 at stuart@nineteen48.com.

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

The Latest

John Willard Craiger mugshot
CrimeDec 03, 2024
Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Florida Jeweler

John Willard Craiger, 83, fatally shot jeweler Ghazi “Gus” Michel Osta following an argument in the store.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsDec 03, 2024
Peter Smith: How a Leadership Hire Can Make or Break a Company

In his latest column, Smith provides a list of questions every business needs to be asking their next potential leader.

Glenn Lehrer
SourcingDec 03, 2024
Gemstone Cutter Glenn Lehrer Dies at 71

An innovative artist inspired by the natural world, Lehrer is remembered for being a visionary and a shining light.

undefined.png
Brought to you by
Protecting Your Sparkle: Why Screening Has Become Essential

While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.

Jérôme Lambert and Laurent Perves
WatchesDec 03, 2024
Jaeger-LeCoultre and Vacheron Constantin Appoint New CEOs

Jérôme Lambert returns as CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, while Laurent Perves takes the lead role at Vacheron Constantin.

Weekly QuizNov 26, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
A Neiman’s Fantasy Book and Messika Necklace
MajorsDec 03, 2024
Neiman Marcus’ ‘Fantasy Gifts’ Sparkle In Pavé This Holiday Season

The extravagant gifts in this year’s “A Neiman’s Fantasy” Holiday Book range from a Messika diamond necklace to pavé diamond cowboy boots.

Windsor Jewelry storefront Indianapolis
IndependentsDec 02, 2024
Windsor Jewelry Closing After 105 Years

Owners Greg and Lynn Bires are heading into retirement.

Jewelers Mutual Group Cybersecurity
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for Jewelers

From protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.

Craig Lynch
GradingDec 02, 2024
Jewelry Appraiser Craig Lynch Dies at 70

The industry veteran is remembered for his faith, his dedication to his family, his wealth of knowledge and his generosity in sharing it.

Holiday presents
SurveysDec 02, 2024
10-Year Rewind: Comparing 2024 Holiday Shoppers With the Consumers of 2015

PricewaterhouseCoopers’ 2024 holiday trends survey took a 10-year look back to see what mattered to consumers then versus now.

Monique Lhuillier and Monique Lhuillier Bliss & Kay Jewelers necklace
Lab-GrownDec 02, 2024
Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Set Sells for $55K at Charity Auction

Monique Lhuillier and Kay Jewelers collaborated to create the pieces, which were offered at the recent Baby2Baby gala.

De Beers rough diamonds in someone’s hand
Policies & IssuesNov 27, 2024
G7 Announces Botswana as Second Verification ‘Node’ for Rough Diamonds

Botswana joins Antwerp as a certification center for rough under the G7 ban on Russian diamonds.

Gemfields high-quality emeralds
SourcingNov 27, 2024
Gemfields Reports 'Disappointing' High-Quality Emerald Auction Results

The miner said its November sale, which earned $16.1 million, felt the effect of competitive pricing by a rival Zambian producer.

Mignon Faget Crescent Starry Night Tassel Earrings
CollectionsNov 27, 2024
Piece of the Week: Mignon Faget’s ‘Crescent Starry Night’ Tassel Earrings

Mignon Faget honors its hometown of New Orleans with a piece inspired by “The Crescent City.”

Team from Nivoda in the New York City Diamond District
TechnologyNov 27, 2024
Nivoda Secures Additional Funding

The London-based business-to-business diamond and gemstone marketplace just closed on a $51 million round of Series C funding.

Forever Present Campaign Me Myself & I
SourcingNov 26, 2024
De Beers Stays With ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ for 2024 Holiday Campaign

“Forever Present” highlights gifting opportunities for natural diamonds, celebrating familial, friendship, and romantic relationships.

Suzanne Belperron jewelry
AuctionsNov 26, 2024
Christie’s To Auction Collection of Suzanne Belperron Jewels

It’s one of the most impressive assemblages of the French designer’s pieces ever to come to auction, Christie’s said.

National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsNov 26, 2024
The Smart Lab: 7 Strategies for Refining Your Holiday Email Marketing Campaigns

Successful email marketing campaigns are all about timing, personalization, and compelling CTAs, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Lisa Bridge and Dr. Wendy Bohrson
MajorsNov 26, 2024
GIA’s Board of Governors Adds 2 New Members

Retail leader Lisa Bridge and geology professor Dr. Wendy Bohrson joined the organization’s board.

Ben Bridge Benny Bear
MajorsNov 26, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Unveils This Year’s ‘Benny Bear’

Look out for a black bear wearing a purple Santa hat and its zippered tummy pouch made for holding a holiday gift from Ben Bridge Jeweler.

William Goldberg book
SourcingNov 25, 2024
William Goldberg Celebrates 2 Major Milestones With New Book

“The William Goldberg Way” was released in honor of the company’s 75th anniversary and 25 years of its proprietary Ashoka diamond.

Lusix Lab Grown Diamonds at JCK Las Vegas 2022
Lab-GrownNov 25, 2024
Lab-Grown Co. Lusix Sold to 2 Companies for $4M

Fenix and Dholakia Lab-Grown Diamonds have jointly acquired the Israel-based company, which grows diamonds using solar power.

Sophie Bille Brahe New York Store Interior
IndependentsNov 25, 2024
Sophie Bille Brahe Opens First US Store

The Danish brand has opened an appointment-only location on Madison Avenue in New York City.

Original Miami Beach Antique Show sign
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2024
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Panel to Feature Fred Savage

The actor and watch enthusiast will be part of the show’s education lineup.

Xander Jane earrings
CollectionsNov 22, 2024
Piece of the Week: Xander Jane’s ‘Spiked’ Pearl Studs

These punk-inspired earrings from the new Canadian brand’s debut collection reveal the alter ego of the classic pearl.

Facets of Fire Pear and Marquise Diamonds
SourcingNov 22, 2024
Facets of Fire Expands to Include Pear, Marquise Diamonds

The company brings its nanotechnology to two new fancy cuts for diamonds that feature its signature color and brilliance.

5 main.jpg
Supplier BulletinNov 21, 2024
Tasha R Releases 2025 Labbelle Lab Diamond Jewelry Catalog

Sponsored by Tasha R

×

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