Nigeria is set to benefit from an array of activities by global gemstones merchant, Orion & Sirius Gems, targeted at giving back to Nigerian mining communities in the North.
Following the recent announcement of its “Fingerprint” campaign set to be launched this October, the brand has revealed that it will be hosting the Fingerprints trio series – Nigeria Day, Homecoming Day and Masterclass targeted at giving back to the host communities by providing basic needs and empowering them with ethical trading practices and hands-on gemstones cutting trainings.
Gemstones are of precious or semi-precious stone, it is a piece of mineral crystal and they are of various kinds, colour and grades, examples of gem stones include turquoise, emerald, diamond, labradorite, Kyanite, sapphire, ruby, aquamarine, topaz, garnet, amethyst, ammolite, benitoite, zircon and many more.
Nigeria has been blessed with a plethora of gemstones; from the Western states such as, Oyo and Ondo, down to the North, such as Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, There are gemstones that are in small quantities and some that are deposited in large quantity, such that are available in large quantities includes aquamarine, emerald, sapphire, ruby, amethyst, zircon, tourmaline, topaz, garnet and others.
Orion & Sirius Gems is a global merchant of responsibly produced African coloured gemstones. Each gem produced is handpicked directly from their extensive network of African gems mines. The company has been built by international gemologists and commodity traders who envision the modernization of the African coloured gemstone sector in building sustainable livelihoods within gems mining communities.
With a 7-year long experience, the African gemstone supplier has discovered unique gems in different African countries including Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Nigeria. Gems like aquamarine, tourmaline, garnet, emerald, sapphire and many other gems are handpicked and graded directly within the mines. Orion & Sirius gemmology expertise led them to explore Jos, Bauchi, Nasarawa and Taraba states (among others) to identify the best gems deposits in Nigeria.
“It has been more than 7 years that we have been exploring African gems fields. It has been a rewarding journey. Now, we can confidently state that the coloured gemstones industry represents a substantial development opportunity for Africa. The coloured gemstones industry is a 23 billion USD sector Africa should benefit from. Nigeria is endowed with a variety of precious and semi-precious gems. Beyond their international market trade value, they also constitute local development opportunities”.
“Sustainable trade and mining practices are the most effective models for Nigeria to reap long term growth benefits from the export of its natural resources. Beyond gemstones, solid minerals represent substantial trade opportunities internationally. The global jewellery market currently surpasses 272 billion USD. Then it is time for Africa to become a leading player in global jewellery sector.” -Solange Boccovi – Managing Director, Orion & Sirius.
Orion and Sirius works with locales in the region that pick these gems by hand. These people climb hills and walk distances to source these gems. They are directly in touch with the global gemstones merchant, and they work hand-in-hand with them. The brand envisions economic growth potential and employment opportunities all across the jewellery supply chain. It is through empowering collaborations that Orion & Sirius plans to meet gems with ethics in bringing at the forefront, the Made in Africa luxury.
Orion and Sirius recently announced the release of its global “Fingerprint” campaign in September which intends to focus on raising global awareness on the importance of sustainable gems mining practices in Africa. The brand will be unveiling different chapters of its gem journey and intends to start an open dialogue between international jewellery and fashion brands.
About the Company
Orion & Sirius Gems is a global merchant of responsibly produced African coloured gemstones. Each gem produced in handpicked directly from their extensive network of African gems mines. The company has been built by international gemmologists and commodity traders. They envision the modernization of the African coloured gemstone sector in building sustainable livelihoods within gems mining communities.
