Gems Uncut

Women Reshaping the Gemstone Industry | The Truth About Ethical Diamonds & Sustainability

This International Women’s Day, we’re having an honest conversation about lab-grown vs natural Diamonds, ethical sourcing, women in mining, and the future of the gemstone industry. Are lab-grown Diamonds truly sustainable? What happens to mining communities when production shifts to Western labs? Can mining actually empower women and local economies? In this powerful episode, we’re joined by three industry leaders transforming the Diamond and jewellery world from mine to market: 💎 Lyssa King – Founder of Diamonds de Canada & Lands Collection, championing Canadian Diamonds and transparent mine-to-market sourcing. 🌍 Cristina Villegas – Global sustainability expert and one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Mining. 🤝 Esther Finda Kandeh – Executive Director of Women in Mining & Extractives (WoME), Sierra Leone. 💠 Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds Lab-grown Diamonds are rapidly growing in popularity — but what is the real impact? We discuss: • The shift from mining economies to lab production • How developing communities may be affected • The value, rarity, and human story behind natural diamonds • Whether lab-grown diamonds are innovation — or disruption 👩‍🏭 Women in Mining & Leadership Women make up nearly a third of the mining workforce — yet leadership representation remains low. We explore: • Barriers women face in global mining industries • First-hand stories from Sierra Leone • Why financial inclusion matters • The power of recognising women in extractives 🔗 Mine to Market & Traceability Transparency is redefining jewellery. From Canada to West Africa, we unpack: • Why cutting out middlemen protects value • Beneficiation and local economic empowerment • Artisanal mining initiatives like Moyo Gems • How traceability builds consumer trust 🌱 What Does Responsible Mining Really Look Like? From Canadian environmental standards to community-led artisanal projects, this episode challenges assumptions and explores what ethical mining truly means. This conversation goes beyond headlines — and into the real human impact behind the stones. If you care about: ✔ Ethical jewellery ✔ Sustainable diamonds ✔ Women in business ✔ Supply chain transparency ✔ The future of mining This episode is essential viewing. ✨ Subscribe for more conversations from across the gemstone and jewellery world. 💬 Comment below: Where do you stand on lab-grown vs natural diamonds? 🔍 Have a story of your own? We’d love to hear it. Share your gem-hunting tales, discoveries, or family legends with us, and don’t forget to follow along on our socials for more from the world of gems.  Instagram: Gemporia (@gemporia) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/gemporia/] TikTok: http://bit.ly/4o3KGSe Facebook: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Gemporia/]

Debby Cavill on Paraiba Tourmaline, Red Carpet Jewellery & The Truth About Lab-Grown Diamonds

What does it take to build a high-end gemstone jewellery brand and where does the future of luxury lie? In this episode, Abigail sits down with renowned gemstone jewellery designer Debby Cavill, founder of Cavill & Co, to explore her journey from designing jewellery at just nine years old to creating statement art pieces worn on international red carpets. Debby shares the evolution of her brand, the realities of the luxury jewellery market, and her honest perspective on whether lab-grown gemstones and diamonds truly have a place in high-end jewellery. As one of the early pioneers who helped introduce Paraiba Tourmaline to the market, one of the rarest and most sought-after gemstones in the world. Debby discusses the power of rarity, the value of gemstone investments, and why some of her clients have seen returns increase tenfold. This conversation dives deep into:  • The story behind Cavill & Co  • The art of designing red carpet jewellery  • Natural vs lab-grown gemstones  • The investment potential of rare stones  • Industry insight from decades at the top If you love luxury jewellery, gemstones, design, or want insider insight into the fine jewellery world, this episode is not to be missed. 🔍 Have a story of your own? We’d love to hear it. Share your gem-hunting tales, discoveries, or family legends with us, and don’t forget to follow along on our socials for more from the world of gems.  Instagram: Gemporia (@gemporia) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/gemporia/] TikTok: http://bit.ly/4o3KGSe Facebook: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Gemporia/]

The Steve Bennett Episode: 21 Years of Gemporia

Join us for an unfiltered conversation with Steve Bennett, the man who’s been there from the very beginning — from the birth of GemsTV to the evolution of Gemporia. In this episode, Steve opens up about the incredible journey that shaped his career, from his early days as a software entrepreneur (before selling his company to Argos) to his first day in the world of gemstones. He shares never-before-told stories from his global adventures — including the time he was held at gunpoint on a gemstone hunt — and reflects on the highs, lows, and lessons from over two decades in the business. It’s candid, surprising, and full of the passion that’s driven him all these years. Steve truly leaves no stone unturned. (Yes, we went there!) 🔍 Have a story of your own? We’d love to hear it. Share your gem-hunting tales, discoveries, or family legends with us, and don’t forget to follow along on our socials for more from the world of gems.  Instagram: Gemporia (@gemporia) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/gemporia/] TikTok: http://bit.ly/4o3KGSe Facebook: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Gemporia/]

The Toby Cavill Episode - A Conversation with a Gem Expert

In this episode, we sit down with gem expert Toby Cavill for a fascinating deep dive into his life and career in the world of gemstones. Toby shares how he found his way into the gem trade, influenced by a rich family legacy—starting with his mother, Debby Cavill, and her early days at Rocks & Co. We explore Toby’s six years in Chanthaburi, Thailand, where he immersed himself in both the culture and the gem trade, learning the language and honing his expertise at the source. Toby also reflects on his experiences at Gemporia, offering unique insights into the jewelry industry and his passion for colored stones. 🔍 Have a story of your own? We’d love to hear it. Share your gem-hunting tales, discoveries, or family legends with us, and don’t forget to follow along on our socials for more from the world of gems.  Instagram: Gemporia (@gemporia) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/gemporia/] TikTok: http://bit.ly/4o3KGSe Facebook: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Gemporia/]

The Shape of Fortune - A discovery by Julius Petsch

Before he became a legend in the gem world, Julius Petsch was just a determined adventurer chasing whispers of a rare, uniquely shaped gemstone deep in the heart of Madagascar. In this episode, we trace his perilous journey through unforgiving terrain, chance encounters, and the ultimate discovery that would change everything — a tale where fortune beckons, adventure unfolds, and tragedy waits in the shadows.  🔍 Have a story of your own? We’d love to hear it. Share your gem-hunting tales, discoveries, or family legends with us, and don’t forget to follow along on our socials for more from the world of gems.  Instagram: Gemporia (@gemporia) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/gemporia/] TikTok: http://bit.ly/4o3KGSe Facebook: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Gemporia/]