Lapidary Partners

Fefe

Fefe studied gem identification and lapidary at the Institute of Gemology of Madagascar (IGM) in 2008-2012. His parents were convinced that despite years of family business and experience in the gemstone sector, formal training would bring the business to the next level. After graduating from IGM, Fefe started his own business as a gem broker. He later registered as a professional trader and exporter, and has since sold his stones at numerous international fairs and exhibitions.

Fefe and his wife run their own business, sourcing from gem mining communities that they've worked with for many years, and selling jewelry at the artisan market in the inner city market of Antananarivo.

Tahiry

Tahiry was trained at the Institute of Gemology of Madagascar (IGM) in cutting and polishing in 2008. He was a scholarship holder and received financial support from the international disability NGO in the program for the integration of people with disabilities into working life. After completing his studies at IGM he used it to develop a successful lapidary business, which now employs 4 people.

Tahiry's lapidary business in Antananarivo is one of only a small number which is fully registered, adhering to highest expectations of transparency and responsible business practice. The business has enabled him to build the family house, and support his children through their education.

Julia

Julia Ravaonorovola Zanarisoa is one of Madagascar's most accomplished female lapidaries. She developed her passion for gemstones through formal training in gemmology at École Supérieure Polytechnique de Vontovorona in Antananarivo, followed by additional advanced lapidary training at the Institut de Gemmologie de Madagascar (IGM). In recognition of her skill and dedication, she was awarded the title of Best Lapidary of Madagascar in 2018.

Julia is passionate about creating opportunities for other women in the gemstone industry. "Madagascar's mineral wealth has created many socio-economic opportunities for young people like me. I aspire to be among the few female lapidaries in Madagascar and to serve as an inspiration for others."

AWIM was founded in 2015 in response to calls in Africa Mining Vision (2009): in particular to engender women's inclusion in Africa's mining industry. AWIM works to address women's under-representation in the industry. AWIM invests in training, capacity building around sustainable mining practices, and advocacy in their efforts to empower women in the extractives sector, and enhance their economic participation.