Success With Jewelry Podcast Episode 117: Championing Responsible Gem Mining with Monica Stevenson
Release Date: February 10, 2025
In Episode 117 of the Success With Jewelry podcast, hosts Laryssa Wirstiuk and Liz Kantner engage in a profound conversation with Monica Stevenson, the visionary founder of Anza Gems and co-founding collaborator of Moyo Gems. Monica, also known as idazzle, brings to the table her extensive experience in the jewelry industry, focusing on responsible gem mining and sustainable business practices. This episode delves deep into defining and sharing values, authentic storytelling, and the transformative impact of ethical practices in the gemstone trade.
1. Monica Stevenson's Journey in the Jewelry Industry
Monica begins by tracing her roots in the jewelry business, highlighting nearly a decade with Anza Gems and her pivotal role in launching Amazon's jewelry business in the early 2000s. Her transition from retail to an internet-based business in the late '90s set the foundation for her future ventures.
Monica Stevenson [01:28]: "I realized, oh, that's kind of a milestone. And it's a big milestone in a lot of small businesses to be around for 10 years."
After a brief hiatus to focus on her family, Monica reignites her passion by starting idazzle.com, a jewelry blog that connects her with numerous jewelry designers and provides insider access to their creative processes. This platform became the catalyst for her shift towards responsible gem mining.
2. From Blogging to Gem Dealer: Embracing Responsibility
Monica's foray into responsible gem mining was sparked by her curiosity about the origins of gems and the stories behind them. A turning point came in 2013 when she learned about a documentary tracing gems from Tanzanian mines to finished products. This inspired her to pivot from blogging to becoming a gem dealer committed to ethical practices.
Monica Stevenson [03:57]: "And that's kind of the Anza Gems sort of trajectory and business model. So it's a circular model that kind of gives back into those communities and helps them participate more in the global gem trade."
Her business model with Anza Gems emphasizes sourcing rough gems directly from licensed brokers in East Africa, cutting them in the US, and reinvesting 10% of sales into community initiatives supporting education, vocational training, and development through her 501C3 organization, Gem Legacy.
3. Founding Moyo Gems: Empowering Women Artisanal Miners
Monica's travels to East Africa revealed the significant yet marginalized presence of women in the gemstone mining industry. Discovering the Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) artisanal mining training program for Tanzanian women miners, Monica saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Monica Stevenson [05:28]: "GIA was doing an artisanal minor training program specifically piloted to the Tanzania Women Miners association in the exact regions that I had been traveling."
This collaboration led to the creation of Moyo Gems, a venture that sources gems from women artisanal miners in Tanzania and Kenya, ensuring fair market access and empowering these women economically.
4. The Evolution of Industry Conversations on Sustainability
Monica reflects on the gradual shift in the jewelry industry's focus towards sustainability and ethical sourcing. While pioneers like Eric Braunwort of Columbia Gem House and Jen Dawes had initiated conversations about responsible materials, it wasn’t until the past five to eight years that these discussions gained substantial traction.
Monica Stevenson [07:31]: "It's not just a fringe topic anymore. It's actually important for people to be investigating where things come from."
The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this shift, prompting businesses to reevaluate their supply chains and adopt more responsible practices.
5. Defining and Sharing Business Values
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the importance of defining and sharing business values. Monica emphasizes that establishing a value-driven business is as crucial as having a clear vision or strategy.
Monica Stevenson [10:25]: "It's as important as any kind of vision or strategy or planning... really thinking about what drives you. What's the why behind your decision making?"
For Monica, redistributing wealth within the supply chain and supporting women miners are foundational values that guide every business decision. This intentional focus ensures that her business not only produces beautiful gems but also fosters positive social impact.
6. Authentic Storytelling in Marketing
Monica and the hosts explore the role of storytelling in marketing jewelry. While some argue that excessive storytelling can dilute a brand’s message, Monica believes that authenticity and consistency are key.
Monica Stevenson [17:03]: "Your actions actually kind of meet that messaging."
She advocates for transparency, where customers are informed about the origins of their gems, the miners who extracted them, and the cutters who shaped them. This approach not only differentiates her products in a crowded market but also builds trust and loyalty among consumers.
7. Communicating Values to End Consumers
While Anza Gems operates on a wholesale model, Monica ensures that the values and stories behind each gem are conveyed to designers and retailers, who then pass them on to end consumers. She discusses the potential of utilizing blockchain technology to enhance traceability and provide consumers with detailed information about their purchases.
Monica Stevenson [22:06]: "I can give you the miner's name... Who faceted it, and who ultimately benefits from it."
This level of transparency offers consumers a compelling reason to choose ethical gems over others, aligning their purchases with personal values.
8. The Future of Value-Based Jewelry Consumption
Looking ahead, Monica is optimistic about the rise of value-based consumers, particularly among younger generations like Gen Z, who prioritize ethical considerations in their purchasing decisions.
Monica Stevenson [29:22]: "There's these, the big brands, but then the small ones... want to support also even recently all the messaging around, you know, supporting causes."
She envisions a future where jewelry not only serves as personal expression but also as a testament to the wearer’s values and support for meaningful causes.
9. Practical Tips for Designers
Monica offers actionable advice for jewelry designers aiming to integrate and communicate their values effectively:
- Choose Meaningful Values: Identify a few core values that resonate deeply with you and your business.
- Consistency is Key: Ensure that your actions align with your stated values to build authenticity.
- Transparent Storytelling: Share the stories behind your products, including sourcing and production processes.
- Leverage Technology: Explore tools like blockchain to enhance transparency and traceability.
- Engage with Your Community: Support initiatives and causes that align with your mission to foster trust and loyalty.
10. Connecting with Monica Stevenson
Listeners are encouraged to follow Monica’s journey and connect with her through her platforms:
- Instagram: idazzle and Onza Gems
- Moyo Gems: MoyoGems.com
Monica’s commitment to ethical gem mining and empowering women in East Africa serves as an inspiring model for jewelry entrepreneurs seeking to make a positive impact in the industry.
Conclusion
This episode of Success With Jewelry underscores the significance of embedding ethical values into business practices. Monica Stevenson’s journey from a blogger to a champion of responsible gem mining exemplifies how passion and purpose can drive meaningful change. Her insights offer valuable lessons for jewelry designers and entrepreneurs aiming to build sustainable, impactful brands in the ever-evolving jewelry landscape.