The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
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.
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.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by ANZA Gems (@anzagems) on Oct 25, 2019 at 3:10pm PDT
The Latest
In this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
Several jewelry designers are lending a helping hand to charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
A pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
The peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
Schneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
A Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
Gemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
With versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
The executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.
The New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
Adrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
The pair will work together to support independent retailers in India with marketing assets, training materials, and other tools.
Officers in Champlain, New York valued the jewels, if genuine, at nearly $30,000.
The “Moonlight Rhapsody” collection is overflowing with gemstones, from raw opal to morganite and spessartite.
The seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.
The artist collaborated with industry creatives on the project, which features five fictional stories and five corresponding paintings.
Nine jewelers donated jewels for a raffle to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Miss Piggy shared her thoughts on being fabulous, the importance of accessories, and how to be your own cheerleader.
“Promise by Effy” includes fashion jewelry and engagement rings.
The Texas-based jeweler is closing all three locations.
Zendaya’s ring, featuring an east-west set elongated cushion-cut diamond, is said to be from British designer Jessica McCormack.
Micro-influencers, customer reviews, and shoppable videos are going to be key to getting customers’ attention, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Garnet is comprised of a group of minerals, giving those with a birthday in January options when it comes to their birthstone.
The annual award, created in memory of business coach William “Wag” Wagner, went to a retailer in Fairfax, Virginia.