Sponsored by Italian Trade Agency
Another look behind the mining scenes
The work of gemstone miners and traders and how they extract minerals from the source seems to be a popular theme for documentaries these days.
After taking a look at the Sharing the Rough project earlier this year, which follows the story of one gemstone from mine to market, I recently found out about another cool film along the same lines that just was released.
Filmmaker and director Philippe Brunot created Follow the Zebra, which focuses on the lives behind the scenes of gemstone mining and trading in Tanzania, following the miners who spend their lives uncovering rare stones in remote parts of the country.
(For those that may be unfamiliar, as I was, “zebra” is a slang word that refers to the veins in the rock that indicate a concentration of gemstones, according to the film.)
The film examines not only the hardships miners endure as they work--doing hard physical labor as they try to find gems and sometimes going several hundred meters underground to do so--but also a look at their hopes and dreams for the future.
It also features the Gemological Institute of America’s Vincent Pardieu, who was chosen by colleague Richard W. Hughes to lead the expedition to help him gather data for an upcoming book.
The film is Brunot’s directorial debut, created through his company, Philm 80 Productions.
Follow the Zebra premiered for broadcasters at the 2014 Toronto Hot Docs International Film Festival earlier this year. It also was honored at the 81st Gemstone Gathering at the GIA Laboratory in Bangkok in May.
Brunot said that they are definitely planning on a mass release, aiming for television first and then DVD and video-on-demand distribution. They also have begun screening the film in theaters. There are currently two upcoming screening events: in San Francisco on July 23, and in Franklin, N.C. on July 25.
He added that they are hoping to organize a screening in New York City soon, details of which have yet to be confirmed. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this comes to fruition; I’d love to get a chance to see it.
You can stay updated on the screenings and other news about Follow the Zebra’s distribution on its Facebook page.
In the meantime, check out the trailer below for a preview of the film.
The Latest

David Prager virtually sat down with Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff to answer questions about the rollout of Tracr at scale.

Jewelry and objects belonging to Bette Midler, heiress Hélène Irwin Crocker Fagan, and Lady Sylvia Ashley were among the highlights.

When it comes to knowing the identity and quality of your pearls, count on GIA as your independent pearl experts.

The company opted not to raise its fiscal guidance, citing a slowdown in the U.S. market as a key reason.


From “old-school” eBay to new kid on the block 1stDibs, we asked jewelers about their experiences selling jewelry in non-traditional places.

She has nearly 30 years’ experience in the gem and jewelry industry and a background in nonprofit management.

Advanced technology levels the playing field, helping jewelers give customers what they want.

The actress joins Zendaya and others in a new advertising campaign.

Owner Steve Delzio shares his thoughts on retirement after nearly five decades in the jewelry industry.

“I Fear for This Boy” takes readers through the ups and downs of his business and is available for pre-order now.

“Today’s Wedding Jewelry Consumer” shares data about engagement ring market size, lab-grown and natural diamonds, and more.

Columnist Lilian Raji wants to walk you through the customer journey. But first, she’d like you to answer a few questions.

Several Couture brands have partnered with Platinum Guild International ahead of the jewelry trade show.

The jewelry company is moving into bridal just a month after branching out into the watch world.

The 2008 economic crisis, COVID-19, and sanctions on Russian goods have set the stage for an interesting decade for natural diamond supply.
The Generating Community Impact fundraiser on June 11 will feature Karine Bah Tahé of Blue Level Training.

Kaiser, whose illustrious career spanned decades, died suddenly on Friday.

The family-owned jeweler is relocating its Braintree, Massachusetts, store to a new space.

He will step into the retailer’s newly created role of chief development officer.

GemIntro is meant to give a broad introduction to gems and gemology.

Three industry experts discuss “recycled” gold vs. mined, their challenges and benefits, and how jewelers can navigate the area.

Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Buccellati put on stellar performances.

The New York jeweler made this incredible, colorful Art Deco bracelet featuring tropical birds in 1927.

From a slowdown in sales growth to rising costs, Fruchtman Marketing outlines its expectations for the second half of the year.

Once a part of Julius Klein Group, the diamond company combines its direct supply and cutting expertise with a keen eye to the future.

One analyst cited rising diamond prices and the sanctions on Alrosa as contributing factors.