”Take a virtual "gem safari" in Africa with Marc Sarosi of AfricaGems.com, as he lives, negotiates, mines, and buys loose gemstones in Africa. See a video about Marc Sarosi mining loose colored gemstones in the remote African bush. Watch Gem Mining Video. See a video about life of Marc Sarosi, professional gemstone dealer living in Africa in the 1980's and 1990's. Watch Living in Africa Video.
Colored Gemstone Mining
Small-scale gemstone miners produce the vast majority of the colored gemstone production in Africa, as in most parts of the underdeveloped world. Sometimes using only rudimentary tools, fire and occasionally home brewed explosives, these gem miners are remarkably efficient and knowledgeable. These images will give the viewer a better idea of how most loose semi precious and precious loose colored gems are mined in Africa.
Buying Gemstones in Africa
As a direct source for loose gemstones, Marc Sarosi of AfricaGems.com frequently travels to Africa to purchase the raw loose gemstone materials, or “rough”, which is then processed into finished loose gemstones. These images will provide the viewer with a first-hand look at Marc's experiences buying gems in Africa, both in the bush and in gemstone offices in the major cities.
Processing
Gemstones
One of the most difficult parts of being a importer of loose semi precious and precious loose gemstones is acquiring high quality gemstone "rough", which is always in short supply and in high demand. The processing of the gems by skilled cutters is often the difference between making and losing money. These pictures illustrate the highly skilled process where "rough" gem materials are turned into polished gems
Life
in the Bush with Marc Sarosi
Get a taste of the African bush life. See just a few of Marc Sarosi's fascinating experiences wheeling and dealing with gem dealers, miners and villagers. See how he buys, mines and lives in the bush when buying and mining loose gemstones all over Africa.
SHOP GEMSTONES
