Introduction:
In an UK publication, Springfair.com, author Rachael Taylor outlines how precious jewelry sales have remained strong, even in this economy. Of particular interest to the readers of this blog are these passages: [Read more →]
Introduction:
This statement by the ICA hints at the real damage that the Burmese gem boycott will cause. This is a courageous and important release, given how risky it is for anyone in the jewelry sector to oppose this boycott which was so strongly pushed by JA and CRJP.
Ironically, the boycott impacts the very artisan miners that are probably supporting the grass roots pro-democracy movement. [Read more →]
Introduction:
China is heavily investing in Africa in order to lock up resources for its growing economy. This extensive article published in Bloomberg details the continued tragic exploitation of resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Quoting directly from the article:
“The mines are like poison,” says Bambi, 61, who wears a black gown with a pattern of apples and blossoms and is known as Mama Betty to the children in her orphanage. “The kids work without any safety equipment. The Chinese don’t care about the kids. All they’re after is the minerals.”
– Marc Choyt, Editor
Read The Full Article Here:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&refer=australia&sid=aW8xVLQ4Xhr8
Introduction:
Ken Gassman, the Head of the International Diamond Exchange (IDEX) Online Research , writes about factors that are effecting that jewelry sector’s sales, which he states, could be worse. One factor that he lists is the growing green movement:
“…the mining of these stones is about as eco-friendly as any mining operation, we would think that consumers who want “green” products would consider jewelry to be a “friendly” industry. But the “green” movement has moved beyond green: it is now more about shunning conspicuous consumption and bling. Jewelry is both.”
Of course, for those designers and manufacturers who are working on moving toward green, the green movement represents an incredible opportunity. At m own company, Reflective Images, for example, our first shipment of recycled Harmony Metal from Hoover and Strong arrived at our international manufacturer this week. This will allow all our international and domestic production to be made with entirely recycled precious metal.
Other companies can do the same. Here’s the link to Mr. Gassman’s article which is worth reading. ~ Marc Choyt, Editor
Eighty percent of gold used in jewelry comes from mines. Your wedding ring might have caused about three tons of toxic laden waist. Now, an investigative piece published on the website of ABC news documents how child labor is rife in African Gold mines.
The AP tracked the gold to Swiss companies where it entered the world market secretly. Quoting from the article, “If you wear a gold ring on your finger, write with a gold-tipped fountain pen or have gold in your investment portfolio, chances are good your life is connected to these children.”
This extensive story provides makes it clear that unless gold can be traced to a specific mine that follows strong ethical and human rights standards, the most ethical choice is to support jewelers who fabricate only with recycled precious metal.
Read this excellent feature article off this link.
http://abcnews.go.com/International/WireStory?id=5551166&page=4
Introduction:
In the gathering information about the artisanal gemstone mining sector, a European gemstone dealer emailed me with this comment. This post really isn’t directly connected to either Mohamed or Jim, yet I decided to include it anyway.
It points to why we need some kind of new structure that will break the post colonial cycle based on exploitation and greed. The person commented here wished to remain anonymous, but has had decades of gemstone trading experience in both Africa and South America.
This short post is the last in a series of five consecutive posts covering the issue of artisanal gemstone mining from a macro perspective of two people in the field. ~ Marc Choyt, Editor
“What no one seems to understand is that EVERY one of the dealers ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD will sell you synthetic or misrepresented goods ANY TIME they get the chance. I’ve been screwed by guys I’ve known for years in Africa and South America. All these people trying to enhance artisanal miner’s lives need to understand they are not always innocent, poor people. They have robbed “foreign dealers” as often as “foreign dealers” have robbed them. That is something all these Madison/Eco-minerals/CASM and all the other NGOs will never understand.”
Introduction:
In early August, Mr. Mnzava posted a comment on the Madison Dialogue List Serve: “Foreign gemstones dealers notably from USA and Europe, Far East undermine miners and governments in Africa.” His post was in response to Jim Fiebig’s work in Madagascar. I followed up with this interview.
This post is the fourth in a series of five consecutive posts covering the issue of artisanal gemstone mining from a macro perspective of two people in the field. ~ Marc Choyt, Editor [Read more →]
Introduction:
Here, Jim Fiebig responds to Mohamed Mnzava. Thanks to both for their permission to post which previously had been exchanged only in a private email.
This post is the third in a series of six consecutive posts covering the issue of artisanal gemstone mining from a macro perspective of two people in the field. In the next post, Jim responds to Mohamed. ~ Marc Choyt, Editor [Read more →]
Introduction:
In early August, Mr. Mnzava posted a comment on the Madison Dialogue List Serve: “Foreign gemstones dealers notably from USA and Europe, Far East undermine miners and governments in Africa.” His post was in response to Jim Fiebig’s work in Madagascar. Jim responds in subsequent posts.
This post is the second in a series of five consecutive posts covering the issue of artisanal gemstone mining from a macro perspective of two people in the field. In the next post, Jim responds to Mohamed. ~ Marc Choyt, Editor [Read more →]
Introduction:
Jim Fiebig (www.sellmorecolor.com) has been a passionate advocate for the artisanal mining sector for many years. Here, he describes the current situation in Madagascar, and his work in that country.
This post first appeared on the Madison Dialogue list serve, which elicited a response from Mohamed Mnzava, who questioned his work. Jim then responds to Mohamed Mnzava. I followed this up with an interview with Mohamed and a comment from another gemstone dealer.
This post is the first in a series of five consecutive posts covering the issue of artisanal gemstone mining from a macro perspective of two people in the field. ~ Marc Choyt, Editor.
