AFGHAN - TREASURE CHEST OF GEMSTONES BY THE FAMOUS GEMOLOGIST JINAGNA SHAH

We, at Jina’s Jewels, are mesmerized by diamonds. However, Gemstones hold an exceptional place in our hearts. And when you mention Gemstones, you cannot miss mentioning Afghanistan. We’ll take you through the unexplored lands of the country, which are regarded amongst the richest minerals.

Afghanistan is located in the southwestern Asia border. Surrounded by major countries like China and Pakistan and has been amongst the vital trade routes.

UNEXPLORED SECRETS

Gemstones are widely spread amongst various regions of the world and gemstone buying is an expert’s game where people of Afghanistan have a much tedious learning process with no proper educational exposure or gemology institutes.

Situated approximately 60km southeast from the country’s capital Kabul, is Jegdalek, where Bilal resides. He comes from a finance background and initially used to work with Afghanistan’s Ministry of Finance. He wanted to continue the family tradition as Afghanistan’s Gem Trader and switched his profession to Gem Hunter & Trader.

The only way to stick with the trade is through self-learning and numerous trial and error. As Bilal mentions- “It takes a seller to have a better understanding of the cycle after about 10 back and forth deals, while the initial three years for a new seller are the most challenging ones with roughly no pioneer knowledge due to lack of world exposure and zero opportunities”. It's always learning through bitter experiences, observations, and breaking the deals.

 Lack of knowledge also includes not considering a qualified gemologist or labs with the desired equipment to identify, test, and get proper authentication. Everything goes as per assumption due to the unavailability of assistance. Hence, sometimes they make deals at a lesser price for gemstones which are later sold at higher prices in the international market.

The vast mountains alone are the first step to exploring the lands, but it has a minimal road network and many parts are inaccessible, which has to be travelled only by foot. The land is so rich and solid, which in turn makes it a demand for unique minerals. 

GEOGRAPHY

Primary Gem producing areas and their deposits –

●      Panjshir for Emeralds,

●      Jegdalek for Ruby,

●      Badakhshan for Spinel, Sapphire, Lapis Lazuli, Tourmaline, Kunzite

●      Nuristan for Tourmaline

●      Kandahar for Calcite

●      Jalalabad for Grossular Garnet, Nephrite, Jadeite

●      Laghman for Tourmaline

●      Konar for Red Tourmaline

QUALITY AND PRICING

Most active mines are operated by independent miners, usually locals who begin mining expecting to find gems of a kind just out of pure luck. The extraction and mining here are the most bizarre processes adapted due to no proper equipment and machinery – through explosives, which damages the stone and lowers the quality and price.

The Stones which are mined in good Condition have been sold at a premium price. Operation mining, trading, crossing the border, cutting, polishing, and sending to market for selling is risky and being carried out under threat of being caught. So the Price adds up due to operation.

Sometimes, these dealers have to wrap up a deal in secrecy as well. They help each other to get the source, Buyers & Sellers. And also crack business deals. Through observations, without going to Gem School, they learn to purchase, sell, and do ethical business.

Although only 10% of the land has been explored for majorly rough gemstones, which at times are polished by local polishers with traditional tools as they do not have access to required machinery. Or the gems leave the country as rough. Panjshir Emeralds usually take a route to Dubai and Pakistan for cutting, polishing, and selling. They sometimes find their way to India or European Countries.

“There is no fixed channel of sending the gemstone out of the country; we just need to make sure we are not examined when the gemstone crosses the border illegally to Pakistan - where it is usually sold,” as Bilal shared.

Our detailed research says that only a few minerals get the authentication certificate for the border crossing while the rest have illegal grounds of shipment. If mining improves and further operations there become legal and accessible for foreign investors, the country will get a new change and be born in a new era.

Bilal speaks on behalf of his fellow gem enthusiasts and tries to explain the love of gemstones. And how it is the only business, they feel close to their heart as it is nearly impossible or rare to venture into any other business keeping in mind the country’s conditions.

With a heavy heart and words, he concludes, “Afghanistan’s geological resources can make the country the most valuable mining region of the world. Where it has the highest potential to contribute for the country and its people for a better living condition as well as economic development.”

CONCLUSION

Afghanistan in the 1960s was one of the modern countries, just like any other European Country.  They were rich, Academically Sound, Knowledgeable, and Forward in their thinking. Countries and citizens there have so much potential and courage to live even in this situation and think of doing business & Developing the market. Pathans are as strong as Afghanistan's Mountains. 

We at Jina’s Jewels work with all the sources directly.  Afghanistan is one of them. While working with Afghan’s gemstone the price which we pay is the Operational costings.