Shaped like Africa and sparkling with a Zambian emerald, Mozambican ruby and stunning sapphire, the new Jewel of Africa x Gemfields pendant celebrates the ‘Big Three’ this September and is set to provide funds for a Foundation project to benefit education in sub-Saharan Africa.
Launching on the first day of September, for which sapphire is the birthstone, the pendants are available to buy online via The Alkemistry with the full sales price of GBP 795 per pendant supporting construction of a new computer training laboratory for children and adults displaced by the insurgency in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province.
The pendant celebrates the arrival of the third, and final, instalment in Gemfields’ series of books dedicated to the ‘Big Three’ coloured gemstones. Published by Thames & Hudson, Sapphire, Ruby and Emerald, are all written by Joanna Hardy, and created by Violette Editions in partnership with Gemfields. The much-anticipated release of Sapphire completes the trifecta, following the success of Emerald (2013) and Ruby (2017).
Gemfields’ CEO Sean Gilbertson said: “We’re delighted to mark the completion of our coffee table book trilogy with the continentally colourful Jewel of Africa x Gemfields pendant. Today, more value than ever accrues to Mozambique and Zambia from their coloured gemstone resources. In designing this piece, Jewel of Africa’s talented team in Zambia has brought to life a talisman signifying a key Gemfields tenet: that Africa’s gemstone wealth must contribute meaningfully not only to host-country economies but also to host communities and the next generation by way of education, healthcare and livelihoods projects. We look forward to seeing the new computer laboratory in action.”
The new computer laboratory is being led by our Foundation. MD Emily Dungey explains: “Families fleeing insurgent activity in the northeast of Cabo Delgado are seeking refuge in our area and are presently fully reliant on the support provided by charities, corporations and the government. Having already provided emergency supplies, Gemfields’ local operations are funding temporary schooling facilities. The Gemfields Foundation now wishes to fund a computer lab, providing access to critical learning tools so that education can continue despite the present circumstances.”
Jewel of Africa, a family-run business based in Zambia, partnered with Gemfields to design the pendant. Rashmi Sharma of Jewel of Africa said: “This particular collaboration is akin to completion of a puzzle, with Gemfields gemstones fitting perfectly into Jewel of Africa’s jewellery – two companies whose mutual goal is to benefit African communities. This is about Africa and its resources working for Africa.”
The Jewel of Africa x Gemfields pendant features a 0.20 carat round Zambian emerald, a 0.12 carat Mozambican ruby and 0.12 carat sapphire, all set in an 18-karat yellow gold outline of Africa.
Sapphire Book Publisher: Thames & Hudson in association with Violette Editions
Sapphire Book Author: Joanna Hardy
Sapphire Book Editor: Robert Violette
Sapphire Book Designer: Studio Frith
Gemstones: Diacolor and Gemcloud
Pendant: Jewel of Africa
Pendant Retailer: The Alkemistry
Photographer: Casey Moore
