Wholesale office

The Gemstones which we deal

Established by Franco-American certified gemologists born and brought up in East Africa, Swala Gem Traders is well recognized throughout the world.

Our offices are located in East Africa in order to be as close as possible to the mines. We purchase gems directly from the miners, this enables our prices to be extremely competitive.

Swala Gem Traders concentrates its business on tanzanites, rhodolites, colored spinels, and tsavorites. We have specialized in these stones which best represent the gem world of East Africa.

We also deal in rarer goods purchasing them if the quality meets our standards: rubies and sapphires, fancy color tanzanites, alexandrites, green and chrome tourmalines, umbalite garnets, green grossular garnets, spessartite garnets.

Rough material

We supply rough stones to two different types of clientele.

The bulk of the rough stones is sold to cutting factories throughout the world. The largest consumers are in India and Thailand. They purchase most of the smaller goods which will be "calibrated". Israel and Germany usually purchase the large stone.

Another outlet is to the collector, private cutter or hobbyist who wishes to purchase uncut goods.

Mark is our purchasing specialist. Not only is his eye extremely well trained but he also has the rare natural talent to quickly evaluate the stone's potential. From his initial analysis, we immediately know which customer will want to purchase the stone or parcel.

Overview of our B-to-B market

Our primary market is in exporting rough material and cut gems: to the U.S, Europe, the Far and Middle East. Each of these markets consumes specific goods and qualities.

We supply rough stones to two different types of clientele. The bulk of the rough stones is sold to cutting factories throughout the world. The largest consumers are in India and Thailand. They purchase most of the smaller goods which will be "calibrated". Israel and Germany usually purchase the large stone. Another outlet is to the collector, private cutter or hobbyist who wishes to purchase uncut goods.

Mark is our purchasing specialist. Not only is his eye extremely well trained but he also has the rare natural talent to quickly evaluate the stone's potential. From his initial analysis, we immediately know which customer will want to purchase the stone or parcel.

We mainly supply our cut gems to dealers based in the U.S and Europe. Our business relationships are based on trust and loyalty. We have been exporting to the same wholesalers for years. We know what they are looking for and can purchase on their behalf.

We prefer to work with a few solid partners and build on our relationships rather than multiply the number of customers.

Export

We export goods throughout the world. Our focus has been on six large markets: the U.S., Germany, Israel, India, Thailand and Hong Kong. We also serve smaller markets such as France and Australia. Each of these markets consumes specific qualities. The U.S. mostly purchases cut stones whereas the remaining destinations consume uncut goods.

Swala Gem Traders ships via KLM Cargo and UPS. Delivery time is between 2 and 7 days depending on the destination. You may be subject to import taxes, which are levied once a shipment reaches your country. Extra charges for customs clearance when applicable are paid by the purchaser. As they vary from country to country, we have no control over these expenses.

Consulting

Because of our geographic location, extensive knowledge of East Africa and its people, we are regularly asked to help out professionals in the U.S, Europe or Asia.

We speak fluent English, French and Swahili, giving us access to the important mining deposits of East Africa.

We mine but also participate in deposits not owned by Swala Gem Traders. We thus understand the challenges pertaining to such activities.

We can also arrange geological consulting in this part of the world.