The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
GIA Creates Gem Guide for Artisanal Miners
The Gemological Institute of America has partnered with an NGO to train about 45 miners in the Tanga region of Tanzania using the guide.
Carlsbad, Calif.--The Gemological Institute of America has developed a gem guide for small-scale miners and partnered with non-governmental organization Pact on a pilot program training women miners in Tanzania using the guide.
A team of GIA gemology, market, education and design staff chose the content and form of “Selecting Gem Rough: A Guide for Artisanal Miners,” and consulted colored gemstone experts who have extensive experience buying gems in rural areas as well.
The guide was developed to offer basic gemological and market knowledge for artisanal miners in gem-producing regions, and was written in both English and Tanzanian Swahili. It includes almost every gem species mined in East Africa with illustrations of rough and polished gems and graphical instructions on how to prepare and examine rough under a number of lighting conditions.
“This project is at the very core of GIA’s mission,” President and CEO Susan Jacques said. “We are moving practical gemstone education as far up the supply chain as possible, to people who can benefit tremendously from greater understanding of the beautiful gems they bring to market.”
After producing the resource, a team of seven people from the GIA and Pact traveled to the Tanga region in Tanzania in January to conduct training with the booklet for about 45 female miners of the Tanzanian Association of Women Miners (TAWOMA).
The area was chosen because of its diversity of gemstones and because the leadership of TAWOMA expressed interest in the guide, the GIA said.
The $120,000 cost of the pilot program came from the GIA’s endowment fund.
The institute provided the booklet and training at no cost, and the GIA said it will stay free of charge as it expands training to other small-scale rural miners in East Africa later this year.
The GIA said it and Pact will evaluate the program as it progresses to determine a time frame for the pilot.
“There is often a knowledge differential between artisanal miners and those further along the supply chain,” said Cristina Villegas, technical program manager for Pact’s Mines to Markets program. “This new GIA resource will help miners in rural areas better understand the quality and value of their products, which will help reduce that differential and improve their economic development opportunities.”
The Latest
The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
The Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.