MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
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.
The Latest
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
