James Fiebig's Gemstone Trips to Madagascar

You have an opportunity to buy well made gemstones at their source.

Madagascar is the most diverse source of gem material in the world today. Famous for it's vast Sapphire mining, the mines of Madagascar are also rich in Aquamarine, Amethyst, Citrine, Alexandrite, Spinel, Spessartite, Rhodolite, Almandite and Color Change Garnets as well as Zircon and Sphene. There are countless mineral and fossil specimens available too.

This is not an expensive tour. Experience one of the most amazing yet safe cultures anywhere. You will stay in great hotels and eat French cuisine and then stay in breathtaking rain forest lodging with top quality Malagasy cooking. We will take time for the beach and the high plains. All during 12 days in Madagascar. Take the ultimate gemstone tour to Madagascar.

If you are a jeweler or absolute gemstone aficianado, join us for a gemstone trip of Madagascar. We take care of you during your entire stay in Madagascar.

Read the cover story about Jim in the March issue of The Michigan Retailer!

Madagascar President Marc Ravalomanana with James Fiebig

Jim Fiebig answers “Why should I spend several thousand dollars to travel to Madagascar and buy gemstones for my store?”

During my 25 years as a store manager/owner, our sales increased a total of 400%. This was during tenuous economic times in our community and a huge loss of market share in bridal. The major reason for this success has been my passion for colored gemstones. This passion has led me to really get involved with many aspects of the international gemstone trade: Education, Buying, SELLING, travel, and friendships. (read more).

above - Jim Fiebig (left) with President Marc Ravalomanana of the Republic of Madagascar at a US - Madagascar Business Coalition luncheon before the first Millenium Challenge Grant signing in Washington, DC.

The public relations impact after your return can be a marketing bonanza. We supply you with great digital images for local print articles and advertising. The most effective marketing will be all the local news about the incredible journey you just took, and that is all free of charge.

The most effective paid advertising can be local cable TV. We supply you with solid footage tailored for your local cable production company to create super TV ads. It cost about $200 to take my raw footage and create a TV ad. (see the spot)

below are photos from a recent Madagascar gemstone trip.

Bret Dougherty of Studio 2015 Jewelers
in Woodstock, IL holding a large piece
of Green Beryl rough in Iakaka

One of the thousands of 10 meter sapphire mines

Jim overlooks a gemstone mine

Tom Dougherty with sapphire mine
owner Jean Noel, in Ilakaka

Jim looks at a stone that has just been mined

Jim and sapphire merchant in Ilakaka

Virtually 100% of Malagasy boys are circumcised. This old photo hangs in the Sakamanga Hotel lobby. Look at the boy's face. His Grandfather or Uncle must eat the foreskin with a banana to ensure the continued virility of the family. This tradition continues even today.