- Title: African store promotes ‘Fairtrade’ gemstones in Canada
- Date: 3rd April 2018
- Summary: NAIROBI, KENYA (FILE) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF JEWELLERY ON DISPLAY
- Embargoed: 17th April 2018 18:21
- Keywords: precious stones crystals gemstones fairtrade
- Location: TORONTO, CANADA
- City: TORONTO, CANADA
- Country: Canada
- Topics: Economic Events
- Reuters ID: LVA00289VLLQV
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Nigerian entrepreneur Yemi Wellhauser sells gemstones from Africa at her store in Toronto, Canada.
She has travelled the continent with her husband searching for items of value, artifacts and souvenirs since 2002.
The couple started NHARO! - a brand which runs a warehouse and online store selling crystals like amethyst, zultanite, rose quartz and tiger's eye among other precious stones.
At their Toronto store, the gems are displayed according to size, colour type and rarity.
Yemi says they are sourced according to 'Fairtrade' guidelines, which promote ethical mining. Buyers want to know that miners received a fair price and that the environment was not harmed in the extraction.
By cutting out middlemen notorious for exploiting miners on the continent, NHARO! is able to ensure these Fairtrade processes.
"We've been going for many years. You know initially in order to get to certain people certain communities, if you're looking for a particular kind of stone, you might need a guide or a middle man. But after going, you know, over and over you do get to the people and it's just a lot better when you're dealing with the person who's mining because they get the money directly," said Yemi.
African gemstones are popular among jewellery shoppers seeking exquisite and rare crystals set in precious metals, but failure by many firms to scrutinise their supply chains fuels child labour and abuse in artisanal mines.
Yemi's clients buy crystals because of their traceability as well as the variety on offer.
"Just the Fair Trade that goes along with it, it is really important to buy crystals that are from Africa that I understand that are coming from a place where I am supporting the country, I'm supporting my culture and I'm supporting my ancestors as well as I'm practicing that here in Canada as well," said Rae Young, one of Yemi's customers.
Gemstones are also sort after for use in crystal therapy. Some are associated with esoteric beliefs and related religious practices.
Shayne Adams is the co-founder a clothing business called of Mask Toronto. He says the crystals feed his creativity.
"I use crystals in two parts of my business. I use it when I am designing clothes for a client and I use it when I am also selling to clients as well. I believe that when I use the crystals when designing I am surrounding myself with positivity. I'm surrounding myself with love and light. And that carries over to when I'm giving, selling to the clients as well," he said.
Having secured a market and a steady demand for gems, Yemi says sourcing the stones and making sure suppliers get what they deserve remains the most challenging part of the job.
Most of her crystals come from South Africa, Namibia and more recently Zimbabwe.
"The difficulties are getting from point A to point B. It's getting to the actual places you know. There isn't a straight road. There aren't clear roads. Some roads exist and some road don't exist. It's difficult - buying is difficult. It sounds glamorous, but it is far from Glamorous. It can be a challenging process," she said.
Africa is abundant in gemstones with about 1,900 gem variations but limited government support for small scale miners means millions are lost through smuggling and investors remain cautious due to poor legislation. - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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