Projects
A selection of projects I've worked on:
Rwanda Women Gemstone Project
My colleague Aline and I are developing a project in Rwanda to train women in lapidary and jewellery-making, using Rwanda's beautiful amethyst.
Alumni Forum on Coloured Gemstones, Nairobi
Advisory Council Member. Australia's Minerals and Energy for Development Alliance brought together its alumni from East and Southern Africa, as well as industry, academia, civil society and government, to discuss coloured gemstone supply chains.
The Empowerment of Tanzanian Women Through Jewellery Manufacture
On behalf of the Geological Survey of Sweden, I studied the coloured gemstone industry in Tanzania from mine to market, and recommended the development of micro-financed jewellery manufacturing enterprises to empower Tanzanian women.
Field Trip to Namibia on behalf of the Geological Survey of Sweden
I travelled to Namibia to meet with members of the gemstone community and recommend capacity-building initiatives.
Writing
A selection of articles I've written:
A Future in Amethyst
Rwanda is known for some of the finest amethyst in the world.
A Sustainable Experience
Challenges, opportunities and sustainability issues in the coloured gemstone trades of East and Southern Africa.
Past, Present, Future
The history of diamonds in South Africa is inextricably entwined with the history of the country itself, but today the South African diamond industry is under pressure.
Greenland Ruby: The Mighty Aappaluttoq Arises
With an opulent supply of rubies and pink sapphires, mining company Greenland Ruby is set to become an influential supplier of coloured gemstones.
Can gemstones bring prosperity to Malawi?
Peaceful, democratic Malawi remains one of Africa's least-developed countries. Can Malawi's nascent gemstone industry create prosperity for the country?
Canadian Treasures
Canada's mining heritage informs the Royal Ontario Museum's impressive collection of gemstones and precious metals.
Photos & Videos
Sights and sounds from the road:
Memberships
Member (FGA, DGA) since January 2015. The Gemmological Association of Great Britain, or Gem-A, is the world’s longest established provider of gem and jewellery education.
Member since May 2019.
