The Life of a Colored Stone Dealer

Traveling around the world to buy rare colored gemstones is a thrilling experience, and one that I wouldn't trade for any other career - but it isn't all beautiful locales and pristine untouched settings. Working in remote areas of the world is fraught with unique challenges and dangers, to include disease, sanitation concerns, and limited access to potable water, to name a few of the biggest difficulties. Remote areas frequently go hand-in-hand with civil unrest, and because of the lack of infrastructure it isn't always easy to get word of rapidly evolving events that can have an immediate impact on the stability of a region and its government.

In short, there is no denying the beauty and appeal of the life of a colored gem trader - but the rewards come with very real risks that must always be carefully weighed. The job requires rapid decision making and thinking quickly on one's feet in physically and psychologically taxing environments. Yet when the stars align and the plan comes together in these remote, wild landscapes, the reward is immeasurable.