Aquamarines Mined at Lukusuzi Form Centrepiece of British Jewellery Collection

Extraordinary aquamarines, which have been mined from Lukusuzi, in eastern Zambia, have been sold to the British jewellers, Pragnell, forming the basis of their latest jewellery collection.

The mine, which lies just south of the Lukusuzi River, has been worked for its aquamarine and heliodor for some years.

Some of these extraordinary gemstones have been bought by Pragnell, who have spent the last two years developing their Lukusuzi Aquamarine Collection. They have described the stones as “so pure it is as though nature has preserved the lost water in precious droplets.”

The mining of gemstones has had a very problematic past due to the environmental damage and worker exploitation it has often entailed. However, Lukusuzi is a very different story.

The mine is owned and run as a cooperative between three tribes: the Tombuka, Ngoni, and Chewa. As a result, profits from the mine are fed back into the villages. The 25 gem hunters receive a living wage that fairly compensates their work, and supports their wider community of 500 people.

Furthermore, at Lukusuzi, the gemstones lie close to the surface of the land. This means they can be mined using alluvial methods, and so limit damage to the landscape.

The Pragnell family said they are “delighted to support the cooperative run mine, which focuses on the welfare of the miners and the local community.”

Its collection of aquamarine rings and necklaces is now on sale, with starting prices of $3,680.