A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
A gemstone’s journey, start to finish
While I was in Tucson earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending a small event to meet the team behind a documentary that’s in the works called Sharing the Rough.
Orin Mazzoni, who grew up in what is now a third-generation family jewelry business and also spent a decade appraising colored gemstones and diamonds before making the switch to film, directed the documentary.
Sharing the Rough gives a unique view of the process that takes a gem from mine to finished jewelry.
Rather than being anything like the Travel Channel’s Gem Hunt show, according to the team, Sharing the Rough follows the life of one gem (the type will remain secret until release) through the whole process--from the hands of the East African miners, to the gem cutter before finishing with the designer that brings it to life in fine jewelry--and looking at the relationships formed in between.
It features the real-life experiences of gem cutter Roger Dery as he travels to Africa to find the best stone as well as the story behind the many relationships that he’s built over years of traveling to Africa, which includes those from the support given to local faceting schools.
Filmmakers just finished the initial interview with Mark Schneider, the featured designer, and have two more locations to film--in Dery’s lab in Michigan as he cuts the special stone found in Africa, and with Schneider through his design and completion process.
They’re still raising money on the film’s website to help finish production.
The expected completion and release of Sharing the Rough is this summer. The team says that they’re exploring all options for distribution, including film festivals--which would lead to both international and domestic distribution deals, as well as potential award nominations--and distribution via Netflix, among other things.
Everyone involved seems so excited, and I personally can’t wait to see the final product. I think that this could be a great thing to get in front of consumers, especially to give them a better idea of the work that goes into the creation of fine jewelry and the lives of the people behind the process.
You can see a little preview below, which is a glimpse of some of the raw footage captured in Kenya and Tanzania.
The Latest
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.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
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
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
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.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.