Gemfields is a world-leader in supplying responsibly sourced, colored gemstones. Over a decade ago, they had the vision of becoming a responsible and transparent gemstone business, long before “sustainability” was the word on everyone’s mind. Their transparent approach begins underground, and travels downstream all the way to the consumer.
In addition to promoting legitimacy and integrity in the mining industry at large, Gemfields has also been actively raising the profile of rubies and emeralds alike. The company owns 75 percent of the Kagem emerald mine in Zambia and the Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique, where they’ve implemented state-of-the-art operating procedures, a proprietary grading system, an auction platform, and more.
Gemfields looks carefully at how best to extract gems in terms of impact on the environment and surrounding communities. They address issues of best practice, employee benefits, health, safety and wellbeing, and health, education, and long-term livelihoods of communities and wildlife around their mines.
So, what does that look like on the ground? It means in-depth environmental studies on site, collecting seeds of indigenous plant life, in the aid of replanting once mining is completed. It also means supporting the local community through employment, the establishment of farming associations, the building of primary schools and health clinics, as well as providing infrastructure and disaster relief.
Gemfields is transparent in paying taxes and royalties to the governments of the countries in which they operate, carrying out business improvement audits, selectivity in downstream partnerships, and a careful watch of the chain of custody and traceability.
And once the gemstones are responsibly extracted from the ground (where many have remained for over 500 million years!), Gemfields has worked to raise the profile of colored gemstones in the precious gemstone industry. The company works directly with emerging and established jewelry designers, from Fabergé to Francis de Lara, sourcing gems to be used in unique pieces, from necklaces to elaborate eyewear.
Recent artistic collaborations such as the “Every Piece Unique” film with Gutenberg Global and adam&eveDDB, an installation at London Design Festival this fall with Dan Tobin Smith, and an upcoming project with Sebastien Leon in Miami, are expanding Gemfields’ activations with the creative industries to shine a light on colored gemstones.
As Gemfields’ Group Marketing and Communications Director, Emily Dungey, says “We want to bring to life the many stories behind responsibly sourcing precious gemstones in Africa, as there is far more to our business than industry-leading mining and geology.”
To learn more about responsibly sourced colored gemstones, visit Gemfields.