Thanks for asking!
I approached this answer as if I were the one considering importing
emeralds. In addition to the guidance of your own questions, I tried
to indulge my own curiosity about *learning* the import business from
a gemstone perspective.
Gemstone Importation
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U.S.G.S. Commodity Summary Report 2002
The U.S. Geologic Survey Commodity Summary Report for 2002 describes
the state of the gemstone market worldwide, including trends.
U.S.G.S. Commodity Summary Report 2002
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/gemstones/290302.pdf
The U.S. Tariff Schedule describes the tariffs and duties related to
the importation of semi-precious stones.
Harmonized Tariff Schedule - Basic Edition plus Revision 4-- July 12,
2002
Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones,precious
metals, metals clad with precious metal and articles thereof;
imitation jewelry; coin.
Harmonized Tariff Schedule Chapter 71
http://dataweb.usitc.gov/SCRIPTS/tariff/0204c71.pdf
General Rules of Interpretation
http://dataweb.usitc.gov/SCRIPTS/tariff/0204gn.pdf
Online Articles
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Historical Study of Precious Stone Valuations and Prices
A reprint of the historical study of gem prices from Sydney H. Ball
(1877–1949). This is one of the few scholarly studies of gem prices in
existence. Reprinted from Economic Geology, August, 1935, Vol. 30, No.
5, pp. 630–642.
Historical Study of Precious Stone Valuations and Prices
http://www.palagems.com/ball_gem_prices.htm
The Emerald Deposits of Muzo, Colombia
Scholarly examination of these famous emerald mines. By Joseph E.
Pogue. Illustrated. Reprinted from Transactions of the American
Institute of Mining Engineers, 1917.
The Emerald Deposits of Muzo, Colombia
http://www.palagems.com/munich_minerals_2001.htm
2001 Munich Mineral Show:
The Munich Mineral Show is Europe’s finest. For an insider taste of
just what it’s all about, one of the world’s great mineral collectors,
Bill Larson, has written up a report of the 2001 show.
2001 Munich Mineral Show
http://www.palagems.com/munich_minerals_2001.htm
Publications
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Importing Into the United States: A Guide for Commercial Importers
Importers can get an overview of the importing process and general
information about importing requirements. Includes chapters on entry
of goods, informed compliance, invoices, assessment of duty,
classification and value, marking, special requirements, fraud, and
foreign trade zones. Also includes sample forms, definitions, and
contact information for other agencies. 1998. 113 p. Price $10.50,
available for online purchase.
S/N: 048-002-00132-0 (Located about halfway down the page)
http://bookstore.gpo.gov/regulatory/exporting.html
ExtraLapis (English) Back Issue #2 Emerald
http://www.lapisint.com/bookshop.html
Geology Economics
The webpage is quite frightful, you'll need to highlight all of the
text with the cursor to be able to read this low contrast information.
http://www.mines.utah.edu/~wmgg/SEGHP/The_Society/Journal.html
Gemology and Lapidary Trade Magazine Directory
http://members.shaw.ca/simonparker/sjd/mag_gems.htm
Upcoming Trade Shows
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AGTA Show
Tucson Convention Center
February 5–10, 2003
Westward Look Resort Mineral Show
Westward Look Resort
February 7–11, 2003
Tucson Gem & Mineral Show
Tucson Convention Center
February 13
ProfessionalJeweler.com offers an International Industry Calendar of
shows and events. Also, visit their Guide to Industry Websites, and
select the Associations Category. They list 106 Industry Associations.
2002 Trade Events
http://www.professionaljeweler.com/calendar.html
Google Directory Trade Shows
http://directory.google.com/Top/Business/Consumer_Goods_and_Services/Jewelry/Trade_Shows/
Gem and Jewelry Trade Networks
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Professional trade networks for professional jewelers and gem trading.
Trade Networks
http://directory.google.com/Top/Business/Consumer_Goods_and_Services/Jewelry/Trade_Networks/
Suppliers of Loose Stones - Wholesale
http://directory.google.com/Top/Business/Wholesale_Trade/Jewelry/Supplies/Loose_Stones/
Emerald Specimen Importers
The importers website Emeralds.com is an example of a current importer
of Columbian emerald specimens direct from Columbian mines. Their
business is briefly described, along with maps and locations of
Columbian emerald mining. As a similar importer, but not direct
competitor, you might be able to contact this company for first-hand
information about the Columbian emerald trade.
Emerald Importers
http://www.emerald.com
Education
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You asked: Where can I go to learn everything anyone wanted to know
about importing precious stones into the U.S?
Gemological Institute of America School of Business Diploma Program
U.S. Business Law and International Trade
Offering four diploma programs — Jewelry Business Principles, Jewelry
Finance, Merchandising (coming in January, 2003), and U.S. and
International Law and Trade (coming in April, 2003) — the GIA School
of Business is the only one of its kind to teach real-world business
principles that apply specifically to the jewelry industry.
GIA School of Business
http://www.gia.org/wd_3302.htm
GIA Store - Books and Instruments
Use the Product Search box at the bottom of page to search on
"emeralds" (without quotation marks)
http://www.gia.org/geminstrument/index.cfm
Emerald Mining Resources
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Emerald Mining in Brazil
http://www.cigem.ca/brazil/brazil.html
Emerald Mining in Columbia
http://www.gemtec.com/noframes/mining.html
The Emerald Empire
http://www.angelfire.com/fl3/theroz/map.html
Security Issues in Columbia
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"Crime, particularly robbery and theft, is very high in Colombia and
has increased as families fleeing the guerilla and paramilitary
warfare in the rural areas move into marginal areas of the major
cities. Security at airports is also lacking rigor and travelers
should never leave their belongings unattended at any time. One should
be careful of pickpockets on the streets and individuals approaching
unsuspecting people for the purpose of robbery. It is recommended not
to engage in conversation with any strangers on the streets or to
carry large sums of money or wear expensive jewelry.
Police are generally poorly trained, poorly equipped and poorly paid;
therefore, one cannot expect the same type of police services
available at home. By taking careful common-sense precautions and
exercising care in day-to-day activities, Canadian business persons
(and their families) living in Colombia have been able to adapt
themselves comfortably to life in this country. Canadian and other
foreign companies operating in Colombia usually seek professional
advice on security matters and in selecting safe-living accommodations
and office facilities.
The security threat to personnel and non-personnel assets in Colombia
comes from three directions. The first is the general criminal element
as mentioned above. Colombia in this regard is not unlike, though
probably worse than, most other countries in Latin America. There is a
high level of urban crime. The second threat is from the guerilla, in
their insurgency against the government and military, financing their
activities largely through extortion, kidnapping and other means that
impact the foreign business community (although the foreign community
is not targeted specifically - it is usually a case of being in the
wrong place at the wrong time). The third element of danger in
Colombia comes from vigilante and paramilitary groups which have
become increasingly active. These are group that are sometimes
allegedly connected to the military and/or to the Colombian business
community; they normally are regarded as being on the political right.
Their targets are the guerilla, their families and suspected
sympathizers. They are not perceived as a major threat to the business
community, either Colombian or foreign."
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=6182&gid=191
Insider Info
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The following article, four years old, describes the state of the
emerald trade in Columbia in 1998. The article bibliography should
also prove useful for further study.
Drillbits and Tailings
Emerald Emperor of Columbia To Go Legal
http://www.moles.org/ProjectUnderground/drillbits/980207/98020701.html
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Google Search Terms:
emeralds importation U.S. Columbia
"importing emeralds"
U.S. imports publications
gem OR gemstone OR mineral publications
columbian emeralds geology OR mining
professional associations gems OR minerals
"professional education" jewelry OR import
In addition, I spoke with a friend, a professional jeweler with many
years of experience, via e-mail for opinions and sources of insider
information. Her first piece of advice was to look into the
Gemological Institute of America School of Business. In her opinion, a
major shortcut to entry into the import field. She also recommended
reading/absorbing as many of the trade publication back issues as one
could find (try local and university libraries), and attendance of the
Tucson Trade Shows in February.
Should you have any questions about the information and links
provided, or require further explanations, I will be happy to assist
you.
larre-ga |
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