How do we determine ethical sourcing for fine colored gemstones? This is a question that I get asked regularly when a client is looking for a colored gem rather than a natural or lab grown diamond.
Having been in the business for over 50 years, I have certainly acquired some amazing resources. I also work for one of the finest gem dealers in the industry. Collecting colored gems is habit forming! There are many factors that contribute to their lineage. As a Graduate Gemologist from GIA, I have learned how to identify colored gemstones, and grade diamonds, but learning about their geographical sources is very complex. When I began my colored gemstone journey in the 1980's, I studied at the Colorado School of Mines with Mr. Hal Leith. He was a Gemologist, a good friend of Mr. Liddicoat, and a commercial airlines pilot that traveled the world. In his adventures he learned about, and purchased gemstones in the countries that he visited.
The first thing to know about colored gemstones is that the politics of the country determines the availability of the gems. The second most important factor is the amount of gem material existing within the mines. Over time, it is necessary to mine deeper and deeper into the ground to continue to produce the limited amount of gem material.
For instance, did you know that Turquoise is a by-product of gold, silver or copper mines, and that once it is mined out of the metal, it is usually closed and the gemstone is no longer available? On occasion if the gem is desirable enough to warrant opening the mine again, for instance Sleeping Beauty turquoise, it is often for only a short time.
Geologic formations are also responsible for the mineral development and the amount of gem material that is found. Specific areas of the world are known for certain gemstones. Colombia was for hundreds of years the only source of emerald in the world, however deposits have been more recently found in Zambia, Brazil, Russia, and Ethiopia.
Sapphires are generally found in Sri-Lanka but now there is a fairly recent deposit in Montana. Rubies are located in Myanmar and Beryl like aquamarine or Morganite can even be found in the United States. The primary diamond mines are in Africa, but there are some in Canada as well.
Artisanal mining around the world, is often unsafe, and very politically charged, however they can be the only source of income to many smaller communities around the world.
I am the owner and designer of Christine Marguerite Designs. I work with the most ethical sources of colored gemstones there is available. My local Colorado resource has site holdings at the mine locations, often sits with the manufacturers who sort and cut the rough, and oversees the vertical integration of most of the gems. Sometimes determining source is not always possible, as I also manage a collection that is over 50 years old, but sales from this collection support the original investor. If you are interested in knowing the exact mine your gemstone comes from, I will work with you to get you the gem that speaks to your heart, and supports all the right people.