About Us
About himalayan gem
At Himalayan Gems & Jewelry, we bring the brilliance of Afghan gemstones to the world, celebrating craftsmanship, ethical sourcing, and industry-leading innovation. Every gemstone carries a legacy of tradition, responsibility, and precision.
A Message from Our Founder
*”Welcome to Himalayan Gems & Jewelry. I founded this company on August 20, 2016, in San Diego, California, with a mission to share the beauty of Afghan gemstones with the world. My goal is not only to introduce these exceptional gems to international markets but also to empower the people of Afghanistan through education in the gemstone industry. By fostering knowledge and expertise, we strive to contribute to a more stable economy and stronger communities.
We proudly offer rare and exclusive Rubies from Jegdelak, Emeralds from Panjshir Valley, and exquisite spinels from Badakhshan (Balas Rubies)—each carrying a story of tradition and natural beauty. Soon, we will be adding Sapphires from Northern Afghanistan to our collection as new sources emerge.”*
— Ahmad Khaled, Graduate Gemologist (GIA Carlsbad), AGA Senior Gemologist
Himalayan Gem
Ethical Mining & Responsible Sourcing
Afghanistan possesses vast mineral wealth, yet decades of conflict have hindered its development. At Himalayan Gems & Jewelry, we believe that giving back to communities through responsible business partnerships is the key to revitalization.
- We only source gems from conflict-free regions and uphold ethical mining practices.
- Many artisanal miners lack modern tools, often using hazardous methods that reduce gem quality. We work alongside local communities to provide better mining equipment, improving safety and preserving traditions.
- Our proprietary tracking system ensures that each gem is traceable, identifying its miner, source, and handling journey.
- We strictly prohibit child labor in mining or cutting operations and continuously work to improve safety measures and increase wages.
- Our ethical mining system ensures that every gem purchased is legally sourced, making you the first owner of a rare and responsibly obtained gemstone.
Customs & Export Compliance
Transparency and legal compliance are fundamental to our operations.
- Official Export Process: Every rough gemstone is inspected, evaluated, and taxed by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines before undergoing Afghanistan Customs clearance for legal export.
- Industry Leadership: Himalayan Gems & Jewelry is one of the few firms commercially and officially exporting Afghan gemstones, ensuring fairness and compliance with Afghan Customs Laws.
Over 90% of Afghan gemstones in global markets are NOT compliant with legal export processes. Our commitment to ethical trade protects both Afghan communities and gemstone buyers worldwide.
Cutting, Training & Craftsmanship
Gem cutting has evolved over centuries, yet Afghanistan’s industry lacks access to modern training and equipment. We are changing that.
- Most Afghan rough gemstones are exported to other countries for cutting, resulting in lost economic opportunities.
- Himalayan Gems & Jewelry is establishing Afghanistan’s first advanced gem-cutting center, introducing Ultra-tech faceting machines and professional training programs.
- We will provide hands-on training for Afghan men and women, equipping them with industry-leading skills to ensure precise, high-quality cuts that enhance gemstone brilliance.
- Our polishing process utilizes 50,000 and 100,000 grit diamond discs, far superior to the standard 14,000 grit used in commercial cutting houses, resulting in unmatched clarity and brilliance.
Additionally, we accept custom orders, tailoring gemstones to exact specifications to meet the highest standards of quality and design.
Crafted for You
At Himalayan Gems & Jewelry, every gemstone tells a story. Whether through its ethical origins, artisanal craftsmanship, or unmatched precision, our collection reflects a legacy of passion, transparency, and excellence.
Explore our selection and discover pieces that are ethically sourced, meticulously crafted, and designed for generations to cherish.
