Tanzania bans export of rough gems

[LD]

http://diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4889

 

[T L]

Well that just stinks considering so many great gems come out of that one region of the world. Ugh!!

 

[marcy]

Ugh is right! I hate to hear that.

 

[Swala Gem Traders]

I think Ed recently posted a note about this.

Such measures are common for countries producing gemstones. This is to promote the local cutting industry, which makes sense. You will still have access to the beautiful gemstones of Tanzania, nothing to worry about

 

[T L]

Date: 5/15/2010 7:22:12 AM
Author: Swala
I think Ed recently posted a note about this.

Such measures are common for countries producing gemstones. This is to promote the local cutting industry, which makes sense. You will still have access to the beautiful gemstones of Tanzania, nothing to worry about

Yes, but I don''t want to have to pay extra for a stone to have it recut because it''s a lousy native cut. Look at the example of Asian sapphires, most are cut horribly, and once you cut the rough down, it''s wastes more of the gem, and costs more to the consumer, if you have to have it recut. It''s nice that we can have some fine lapidaries buy the rough themselves and cut it.

 

[Swala Gem Traders]

Nobody wants a lousy cut gem, wherever they are from

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

I heard about this several yrs ago. I thought it was already passed. I''m in agreement with Eric. I''m glad they can benefit from their own resources. I thought that''s what the world wanted. I also think they can learn to be good cutters. I''m sure people like Eric would help steer them in that way. I wish them luck in this venture. I hope good cutters come in to help them get started. I think it would a great cause to support. Cutters could go on summer vactions to teach. Maybe start a small school for cutters.

Good luck to them! aND i LOVE tANZANITE.

tHANKS,
Annette

 

[virgoruby]

I'm also in support of this policy...
In theory, exporting finished products (as opposed to roughs) will give Tanzania the chance to develop its gem industry and in turn its economy, as it will boost their local employment as well as make higher profits than merely exporting roughs.

It will also potentially lead to better traceability, as gemstones will not be passing through numerous hands. I just hope that there will be more investment in faceting/polishing skills, so we can continue to enjoy beautiful Tanzanian gems. (well, actually I also hope fair trade practices are implemented, so that workers are paid fairly and guaranteed better working conditions etc... )