About Virtu Gem

Virtu Gem started as a call for action to sustain the gemstone supply chain at the outbreak of the pandemic. Monica, Jessica, and Susan the founders of Virtu Gem combined their cumulative ASM and jewelry relationships and harnessed the benefits of technology to create a new business model which would open markets directly from mining communities to jewelers internationally. VIrtu Gem launched in Zambia, then moved into Malawi and Kenya with plans to continue expansion bringing equitable gem trade across the globe. In 2021 the EGPS (Extractives Global Programmatic Support), a part of the World Bank Group, awarded a grant to the Responsible Jewelry Transformative for the Virtu Gem program. The grant facilitated a strong business foundation, the implementation of the CRAFT Code in eight mines, and the National Gem Cut workshop, that brought training and facet design development, carbon tracking data, and reduction. Virtu Gem charges a 10% premium to gems that are returned to the mining community for giveback initiatives. The premiums, donations, and grants are processed through and overseen by the Responsible Jewelry Transformative, a registered nonprofit. Virtu Gem has proven popular for miners, cutters, gem traders, and jewelers, resulting in better business relationships for all and good gems for sale.

"Virtu Gem works with host countries' miners and dealers Associations, Cooperatives, and Country representatives. The country representatives are responsible for the operations in-country, forging and maintaining relationships with all stakeholders."

Traceability & Transparency

Virtu Gem uses the Provenance Proof Blockchain from Gübelin Lab to assure you of full traceability.
We back up that technology with the knowledge of mine site connection and verification of who cut your gemstone.

Information on mine sites is essential, many of the mines we source from have needs such as safety equipment and mining equipment. Through knowledge about the mines you source from you are able to improve your buying relationships with those in your supply chain.

PROVENANCE PROOF
The world's first fully functional blockchain platform leveraging blockchain technology to track and trace gems and jewelry.
PROOF OF AUTHENTICITY
With Provenance Proof Blockchain, transparency and accountability are guaranteed at every stage of the gemstone supply chain.

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How it works

Meet The Team

Woman Power (ˈwumənˌpauər) –Women available and prepared for work (as in industry or a particular line of endeavor) ”Merriam-Webster Dictionary.We believe Artisanal and Small Scale Mining can help facilitate accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals. Through partnering with ASM associations we can achieve equitable supply chains, empowerment of all people and respect for communities and the environment

Susan Wheeler
Founder
Susan is devoted to brining the jewelry industry together to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. As a jewelry designer at Susan Wheeler Design, she purchases all of her gems and gold with a keen focus on purpose and providence. In her non profit The Responsible Jewelry Transformative (and The Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference) Susan activates initiatives and dialogue to move the jewelry industry towards a more responsible future. As a founder of Virtu Gem, Susan brings her commitment to equitable supply chains and sustainable development to the program.
Jessica Hudson
Founder
Jessica is a GIA Graduate, Jeweler and Gemologist, owner and designer for VIPĀKA Jewelry and founder of The Nomad Jeweler. She has dedicated herself to advocating for more trust and transparency within the jewelry industry and believes in the purpose driven purchases model. As one of the founders of Virtu Gem, she helps to facilitate communication between buyers, designers and cutters. She takes great joy in applying her design skills and gem knowledge to assist in the creative process for both the jewelry designer and cutter. It is an honor for her to act as one of the “connectors” of Virtu Gem. To her, the best part is meeting such wonderful people from all over the world who share the desire to be a part of making a difference within our industry.

Country Representatives

Virtu Gem works with host countries miners and dealers Associations, Cooperatives and Country representatives. The country representatives are responsible for the operations in country, forging and maintaining relationships with all stakeholders.

Caroline Muchira - Kenya

A gemologist (GIA graduate GG) and a gem cutter. She enjoys transforming rough gemstones into beautiful cut stones for jewelry making. She enjoys training youth and women in Kenya on gemstone identification, gemstone faceting, gemstone drilling, gemstone tumbling, and basic jewelry making.

Ashley Simbeye - Malawi

Ashley Simbeye is passionate about colored gemstones. She was a local trader in Malawi in her onward right before taking on the role of Malawi Ambassador for VirtuGem. She overseas the gem cut training of Queen for VirtuGem and is very active in engaging local women in livelihood improvement through gemstone mining and value addition. She is currently, Vice President of The Federation of Women and Youth in Mining in Malawi, Chairperson; Malawi Women in Mining Association - MAWIMA Central Region and a member of the Gemstone Association of Malawi.

Pauline Mundia - Zambia

Pauline has over 25 years work experience in the mining sector. Pauline brings her expertise to gender equity in ASM and the gemstone sector to VirtuGem. She utilizes her knowledge in TB to create awareness throughout the VirtuGem multi country network.
She was appointed as the first woman board member of Kariba Minerals Limited. She has served as treasurer for the association of Zambian Women in Mining, chairperson for Kalomo Miners Association, first woman steering committee member of the World Bank gemstone project, Secretary-General of the Association of Zambian Women in Mining and currently is the Vice President of the Federation of Small-Scale Mining Associations of Zambia.