In the Field

We are passionate about gem mining, an endeavor that is often the target of unfair criticism, politicking and deliberate misdirection. The truth often requires careful investigation. Every country has long-established legislation governing the extractive industries. Ethical sourcing is not a question of taking a holiday to an exotic locale and purchasing from peddling locals. Similarly, the spurious claim to “traditional lands” is not the same as an approved and registered mining claim. Greenwashing for marketing purposes discredits all of us.

An effective supply chain audit demands a knowledge of mining, an understanding of the legislation governing the operations and the subsequent exports, and an appreciation of the local environment and the social impact. It must be documented, checked and monitored. Money transfers need to be transparent and auditable in both tax jurisdictions. Changes in legislation, political leadership and public sentiment are business risks, and they must be factored in.

Swat Valley

Mine-to-market audit in the Swat Valley, Pakistan, covering remote operations, permits, cutting and export paperwork.

Opsydia

First commercial sub-surface laser inscription in colored gemstones, with Opsydia, placing the Myne mark inside emerald melee from that supply.

“In an era of heightened social awareness and responsibility, jewelry is too easily dismissed as a discretionary luxury. Such a view overlooks the extraordinary human endeavor behind its creation. The motivations or means of the eventual purchaser are irrelevant. A single piece of jewelry may represent the combined skills, livelihoods and craftsmanship of countless individuals across several countries, each contributing to its journey from the earth to the high street. Their right to meaningful employment and economic opportunity should not be diminished.

Understanding this journey, and the people whose livelihoods depend upon it, gives jewelry a significance far beyond its material value. Every purchase represents the culmination of an intricate international chain of human effort, enterprise and expertise that makes our industry unique.

Ultimately, success should not be measured by sales figures alone. It lies equally in closing the emotional loop: when the eventual owner derives pleasure and pride not merely from the beauty of a piece, but from an appreciation of its origins, the hands that shaped it, and the lives bettered along its journey.”

In the Laboratory

With a strong understanding of scientific gemology, experience in a laboratory environment, and a solid commercial experience of the wider industry, Remarkable Rocks brings a unique perspective to the gem trade.

Experience teaches one that a strong measure of success is not only the sales figures but closing the feedback loop to share the pleasure and pride expressed by the easily forgotten miners at the start of the supply chain. Accurate identification is one way that happens: it allows a stone to be described properly and the story of its source to carry weight.

That experience has included establishing a gemstone laboratory. There is more to it than knowing what instrumentation is required, Data must be correctly interpreted, current research followed and accumulated knowledge should add value in commercial settings. Peer-reviewed articles can be found here.

Gem-A Laboratory

Rebuilt and equipped the Gem-A laboratory, leading to the partnership with Birmingham City University on the first BSc in Gemmology and Jewellery Studies.

World's oldest Tourmaline Carving

Pivotal role in the identification of the world’s oldest known tourmaline carving (Ashmolean Museum, with Pat Daly).

On the Bench

As an independent appraiser with the further qualification of Certified Insurance Appraiser (USA), we have a thorough appreciation of “value” according to all the definitions and specific purposes of the appraisal. Faceting is a personal indulgence. We often have a selection of gems cut in the American meet-point tradition. This is a generous way of saying that way more time and effort has been spent on an elaborate and unusual cut than the stone is worth. We always indicate the source of the rough.

The two together are a useful combination: an appraiser’s understanding of the different views of value, and a cutter’s knowledge of the stone.

Faceting and Appraisal

In the Wild

One of the joys of the gemstone industry is sharing knowledge with others. Presentations and teaching have been a constant thread at Remarkable Rocks. Invitations have come from industry associations and trade audiences, including webinars, on-camera teaching for JTV, and longer films on Gemstones.com. Some of these are on the Media page.

Being invited to judge the work of others is a particular honor and has included:The Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Awards and an invitation to judge the Stuller Color of the Year Award at the 2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards in Dallas.

Judging Awards

Here and Now

The culmination of experience has led to an incredible role where the rubber meets the road in so many ways. Charles, the gemologist behind Remarkable Rocks, is currently purchasing gemstones for the largest supplier in the jewelry industry in the USA, supporting the commercial gemstone supply for the U.S. trade. This is done with a data-driven focus on what the customers need, fed into a global network of diligently vetted suppliers. Since it is also a leading manufacturer, collaboration with the designers and makers ensures challenges on the creative side align with commercial realism in an environment where innovation, quality and beauty are driven by customer satisfaction.