GIA Field Researchers Document Sri Lanka's Industry from Mine to Market

Press Release via GIA:

GIA Field Researchers Explore the Island of Jewels

Documenting Sri Lanka’s industry from mine to market, Feb. 2014

Jewelry composed of substantial amounts of 22K gold is popular throughout
Sri Lanka. Photo by Andrew Lucas; © GIA. 

In a Feb. 2014 GIA expedition to Sri Lanka, Field Gemologist Andrew Lucas and Video Producer Pedro Padua gained access to a gemstone world rich in tradition and potential. The team spent two weeks on the island documenting their findings for a series of research articles and videos. The country – known in Sanskrit as “Ratna Dweepa” or “Island of Jewels” – is a centuries-old gemstone source and center for mining, trading and cutting that has made evolutionary and revolutionary changes to its industry over the last two decades, making it a key international participant in the modern market.

River mining involves constant dragging motion with mammoties
to scoop out the illama for washing. Photo by Andrew Lucas; © GIA

The research duo visited gemstone mining, cutting, trading, jewelry manufacturing, pawning, and retail centers and businesses that represented the activity for each market sector. There they discovered a dynamic industry that blends traditional methods and market practices with a definite movement to modernization for the global marketplace. Updated import and export regulations have opened the path for Sri Lankans to acquire rough gemstones from around the world, revitalizing their trade, while a domestic retail, manufacturing and pawning industry for 22K gold jewelry continues to thrive alongside new jewelry markets for younger generations.

At this pit mine in Ratnapura miners haul the overburden and gravel
up in buckets by a hand powered winch. Photo by Andrew Lucas; © GIA.

“I’ve never seen such a complimentary combination of traditional practices, new technologies, skill sets and strategies to meet the needs of future domestic and international markets as in the exotic gem-rich island of Sri Lanka,” said Lucas. “Traditional cutting lives side-by-side with modern technology, producing cuts with the highest standards. Modern business practices incorporate the trading expertise of generations of Sri Lankans, creating a brisk marketplace. And artisanal mining practices blend harmoniously with mechanized mining where logical.”

As Sri Lanka develops their industry some traditional practices, such as the
 mining of this pit with hand tools, prove to still be effective.
Photo by Andrew Lucas; © GIA.

In keeping with its mission to ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry, GIA regularly conducts research field trips to important gem and jewelry centers around the globe, incorporating findings into research practices and education programs and relaying information to the trade and public through a series of channels. Findings from the Sri Lanka field trip will be featured in an upcoming Gems & Gemology (G&G) article, as well as field reports and video documentaries on www.gia.edu.   

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.

Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu. 

#JWLV - Rio Tinto Always Brings the NEW!!! New Designers - New Tech! #JCKLV

Rio Tinto always has an impressive display at LUXURY and JCK!  With cases featuring all the many brands that tell their story.

From the Diamond Mines in Australia and Canada to the Emerging and Award Winning Designers they chose to represent the Brand - it never dissappoints.

DON'T MISS RIO TINTO IN LUX105

Prestige International - Champagne Diamonds

Stefan Leman for Casa Gi

Alexandra Hart's Stunning Gold Leaves

 

Krishna for Helzberg Diamonds

Chester 

Reena Ahluwalia's Award Winning Canoe Neckpiece for Crossworks

Sheetal Group

What the Argyle is known for  bringing the PINK

The Brilliant rough diamond collection from Casa Gi

InterJem

...and this year they brought the TECH!!!  do not miss out on your opportunity to take a virtual trip into a diamond mine!!

From the displays of Kimberlite and Geological features (that the layman rarely gets the opportunity to see) like core samples ...

...to the fabulous Virtual Mine Tour!

3 DAYS LEFT - Sharing The Rough - Crowd Funding Opportunity!

How many times have you, as a Jeweler or Lapidary said that it would be so great if the consumers truly understood just how difficult and time consuming the process is of getting a piece of Jewelry from the Mine to the piece of Jewelry in your store...

"Sharing the Rough" is a documentary that aims to do just that!   ...and YOU can assure that it happens!!!!

The project will document the process of mining a gem - cutting a gem - designing a piece of jewelry to present that gem to the market - and the actual production of the piece of jewelry. 

YOUR Donation on their Indiegogo Funding Page is crucial to seeing this project happen...and you have several funding options with some really great PERKS!   

BUT - if you do nothing more than coming in at the $30 or $50 level - insuring that you will get a copy of this film when it is produced...PLEASE - do just THAT! 

Imagine the value! If you are  hosting a "Colored Gem Roundtable" at your Jewelry Store or Lapidary Club and could include a private viewing of this dramatic film documenting the journey of a gem to its final destination as a piece of jewelry.  Click thru the icon below

This is the story of "Sharing the Rough":

The world of colored gemstones is still dominated by individual miners and artisans; and each has a powerful and extremely unique story to tell. 

"Sharing the Rough" is an endeavor that will capture the realism and appreciation of this world.  We will follow it through the hands of the East African Miners who bring these treasures to the surface, to The Gemcutter who breathes life into the gems that make them radiate with brilliance, and finally to The Jewelry Designer who creates a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of art that will accentuate the beauty of the gem. 

Never before has a film documented this process from start to finish! Our story will be conveyed in both an educational and informational way, while also using a style of filming that will create a visual force that will be dramatic and stimulating.

From "The Miners" - This will be the first film of its kind that documents the true story of the East African Miner, without self-interest, and how they make it possible for precious gemstones to be part of our lives.  The intention of this film with respect to the miner is to serve as a documented piece of history, and bring the world an understanding of their lives.

To Roger Dery, "The Gem Cutter":

We will document his real life experience as a world-renowned faceter. His ability to take a rough gemstone and see the final cut is that of a visionary that molds something rough into something beautiful. Our gifts of precious gems come from our Earth, but it's the human element that enables it to shine. 

Included in this section will also be the art of gem cutting in Roger’s studio, showing his precision, and how he literally breathes light into a gem.  His knowledge and expertise will serve as a true testament to the craft of gem cutting that will be both fantastic and entertaining.

...and finally, "The Jewelry Designer":

Here we will document the design techniques of Jorge Adeler, from the mental imagery to the actual creation of the piece of jewelry, and how Jorge finds the vision to create the perfect design for each gemstone individually. Whether his inspiration comes from those we meet in our travels, or from the inner glow of the gemstone itself, his artistry will be nothing short of amazing to capture on film as the final piece of the puzzle.

...and as if that is not enough..."Sharing the Rough" will serve not only as an educational piece, but also as a means of support, helping to enhance the lives of the people in East Africa.  They have partnered with The Devon Foundation, founded by Nancy Schuring of Devon Fine Jewelry in Wyckoff, New Jersey. 

Nancy began her support in Madagascar, where she helped fund scholarships for those less fortunate to attend lapidary training. This allowed them to have a career while also supporting the mining of the precious minerals in their country. She is now working in Arusha, Tanzania, and has already raised funds for four students to attend the Arusha Lapidary and Gemological School

From the Director and Screen Writer, Orin Mazzoni:

"In the spirit of true independent film, "Sharing the Rough" is meant to be a gift to the gemological community, from the miners and families in East Africa that work to bring these precious gems to the surface, to the final unique piece that is set into a stunning piece of jewelry. We will capture not only the hardships, but also the successes of the miners. We will be assisting in raising funds for lapidary schools such as scholarships, books, and equipment. This documentary will be a dramatic force for entertainment, while still serving as a means of education and awareness. 

With subtle humor and heartwarming heroism, this film will reveal a new perspective on the world of colored gemstones, and will truly make an impact around the globe."