Jewelry Journeys with Amina Egwuatu
The content of this article is the opinion of the writer and was written for The Source
Amina Egwuatu is a Nigerian gemologist and owner of Mina Stones, a vertically-integrated social business founded in 2011. The brand name comes from her Hausa name “Amina,” meaning “Trustworthy and Honest,” after Queen Amina of Zazzau. Amina holds a Masters in Science from Lancaster University in Business and Innovation. Mina Stones, in collaboration with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), hosted the first ever Gemstone and Jewelry Exhibition in Nigeria, in October 2015.
Hand-patterned Earrings featuring Aquamarine gemstones from Nasarawa, Nigeria and Diamonds Accents set in 18K Gold. Image credit: Amina Egwuatu.
CB: Did you always know that you were going to start what would become a successful jewelry business? Was that your motivation behind going to business school?
AE: Not at all, the only thing I knew for certain was that I loved gemstones, everything else kind of followed.
CB: Mina Stones prides itself on being a vertically-integrated jewelry brand where gemstones such as tourmaline, amethyst and aquamarine are sourced locally and traced using blockchain technology. What would you like consumers and jewelry professionals to know about gemstone miners’ circumstances in Nigeria?
AE: Gemstone mining in Nigeria is largely unstructured, the miners are also subjected to a lot of unethical dealings and practices which ultimately affect the value they receive from mining. However, we are trying to use various methods including technology to mitigate some of these things.
Aquamarine Mine in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Image credit: Amina Egwuatu.
CB: What are some of the biggest obstacles in Nigeria with regard to ethical gemstone sourcing?
AE: The unstructured nature of the market as well as ineffective policies makes sourcing stones very strenuous. It’s difficult to build anything substantial with lack of information and data.
CB: Have you faced any challenges as a woman jeweler in Nigeria, and if so, how have you overcome them?
Amina wearing the “Statement Sparkle Necklace” with Natural Amethyst & Fresh Water Pearls. Image credit: Amina Egwuatu.
AE: Yes I have, not only as a jeweler but as a woman in the industry. I have received a number of offensive behaviors and comments, but I am not one to dwell on these things. I guess my purpose is larger than what I consider distractions.
CB: You’ve previously mentioned to the media that you are passionate about educating Nigerians, as well as people outside of your home country, about Nigeria’s little-known but beautiful gemstones. One of the ways in which you have achieved this has been through co-founding the Nigerian Gems and Jewelry Exhibition (NGJE), the first-ever jewelry expo in Nigeria. Can you talk about what the response has been to the exhibition? What are your hopes for NGJE going forward?
AE: Back then it was the NGJE, and now we have evolved to AGJES (African Gems and Jewelry Exhibition and Seminar) starting in 2017, in order to make the platform much bigger and allow for more African countries to participate. Covid-19 constraints forced us to cancel the show for 2020, but we have begun weekend training classes as a way to expand the knowledge of industry personnel and other stakeholders. AGJES still has the same goal we had starting out, eventually we want to be able to help build a formidable gemstone and jewelry sector in Africa.
CB: Can you tell us about some of the other educational projects you are currently involved in?
AE: I’m involved in mentorship, gemstone training, and sharing educational resources and materials online. We also want to take this to schools and educational institutes.
CB: What is your favorite aspect of the mentorship you have with younger professionals in the jewelry industry?
AE: I’m first of all honored to be mentoring. Getting to share my experiences and encourage people and then seeing their growth gives me great joy.
CB: How has being in a community through EM and the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) inspired you towards action?
AE: I am inspired by the ladies and their passion to do things differently. WJA has been a great resource and help. I also won the 2015 educational grant which I used to go to the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and am grateful for that.
Mina Stones’ “Amethyst Pear Studs.” Image credit: Amina Egwuatu.
CB: Do you have a favorite gemstone to work with?
AE: I have moments or phases when I prefer a gemstone over another. Right now my favorites are Sapphire & Aquamarine, but I do love them all!
CB: How important is it to you to incorporate aspects of Nigerian culture into your designs?
AE: Culture is quite important to me. Some of my pieces have incorporated Nsibidi symbols, Ife markings, patterns, shapes, and textures that represent the Nigerian & African culture. For me it gives the jewelry a unique identity and the ability for it to be influenced by where it originated.
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