Inaugural ‘Gems Keep Giving’ Project Brings Clean Water to Kenyan School
The Kamtonga Primary School Potable Water Project will expand to the larger community in its second phase.
ICA launched Gems Keep Giving last year to aid and support colored stone mining and cutting communities around the world.
Key areas of concern are safety, human rights, fair work, inclusiveness, environmental impact, resource sustainability, and community amenities, the organization said.
ICA’s board of directors identified the Kamtonga Primary School Potable Water Project for its first project based on information that had been gathered by directors Miriam Kamau and Evan Caplan as well as reports from engineers and hydrologists.
With a population of about 3,000, the village of Kamtonga—located in Kenya’s Taita-Taveta district—is home to many miners, mine workers, and their families. The area produces tsavorite garnet, rhodolite garnet, tourmaline, ruby, sapphire, aquamarine, and other colored stones.
But Kamtonga is a dry area with no piped water. According to ICA, the village’s school and its 550 students, as well as the local community, depend on unprotected springs, shallow wells, and rainwater through roof harvest for domestic and livestock needs.
The school received two water tanks a few years ago, but those are only filled once a year, and the water in the tanks are generally depleted in a month.
This leaves the women and children in the village with the task of walking several kilometers every day or two to fill plastic jugs with water. But this isn’t even possible when there’s bad weather, which is when they would then try to collect the rainwater in pots and buckets.
Needing to help with these tasks often impacts the kids’ school attendance, ICA said.
But with the Gems Keep Giving project, their school is supplied with clean water for the students and teachers to drink and wash.
The second phase of the Kamtonga project will provide the piping of water to kiosks in the wider community.
Gems Keep Giving’s funds are generated from ICA member donations and an award from the JCK Industry Grant, but the team behind it said it welcomes donations from anyone.
One hundred percent of donated funds are spent directly on its projects.
Donations can be made to Gems Keep Giving at 132 West 31st Street, 9th floor, New York, NY 10001, or online at GemsKeepGiving.org.
The team also invites anyone with an idea for a future project to reach out.
The Latest
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.