When you look at a gorgeous gemstone do you think about where it comes from and who uncovered it from the earth?
Tens of millions of people worldwide work in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). The majority of colored gemstones are mined by people in the ASM sector, often in very underdeveloped regions.
The gem and jewelry industry generates a tremendous amount of revenue, but this wealth is not equitably distributed along the supply chain to source communities.
In our business model, we are committed to sharing the profits we benefit from as participants on the privileged side of the jewelry industry with the people and communities we depend on for materials.
We are very grateful for the work of Gem Legacy - their fantastic initiatives are one of the primary ways we are able to redistribute a portion of our profits back to one of our most important gem sources.
Meet Gem Legacy, in their own words:
Gem Legacy is a 501c3 nonprofit launched in 2018 and dedicated to supporting education, vocational training, and local economies in East African colored gemstone mining communities.
Gem Legacy’s vision is to entrench itself in gemstone mining communities and work alongside them, supporting whatever challenge is facing them at the present moment.
We can ensure that they are encouraged, seen, and uplifted to continue their work.
Many of Gem Legacy’s initiatives don’t directly relate to gems, but support the children of mining regions because we believe in the power of education for future success.
Founder Roger Dery believes in the power of gems to impact lives for generations because he’s seen it over and over again:
In 36 trips to Africa, I have met thousands of people in East Africa’s remote villages and bush mines. Gems have a remarkable power to change the trajectory of the lives they touch. Gems are a beacon of light for those who find them: second chances, new beginnings, and security to struggling families. These are the husbands, wives, daughters, sons, brothers, sisters, granddaughters, and grandsons of gemstones. They are the pioneers, the unsung heroes who walk a long, arduous journey filled with days, weeks, months, and even years to bring gems to light. Our legacy is to thank them for their life’s work.
Gem Legacy was birthed in the belief that gems have a remarkable power to change lives and impact the world. It focuses its efforts on kids, education, and entrepreneurship initiatives in Tanzanian, Kenyan, and Malawian colored gemstone mining communities. 100% of all donations return directly to Gem Legacy’s initiatives and the Gem Legacy Team visits the initiatives 2-3 times each year to ensure donations are used appropriately.
Gem Legacy is committed to serving by providing knowledge, resources, and support to those who need it most in gemstone mining communities in East Africa. Our goal is to unite many others in this vision alongside us. We delight in gems; let’s delight in those who mine them.
Gem Legacy allows donors to direct where they would like their contributions to be used. To contribute, please visit gemlegacy.org/donate and start your Legacy today.