My Story

Agere Treasures was founded in 2015 to support artisanal miners of sub-Saharan Africa - specifically those of Ethiopia. Seismic activities, since the ice ages, have shaped the geological formation of the region. As a result, the Ethiopian plateau is rich of sedimentary rocks that house some of the world’ finest, rarest and most sought after gemstones.

Hello! My name is Hewan Zewdi. I was born and raised in Ethiopia where the art of smithing is as old as the land itself. The craft is passed down from generation to generation and homemade jewelries adorned with various stones are common finds at most local markets. Looking back, I believe most people bought them for their vibrant colors as opposed to their values.

So it was one morning, in my early years, that I woke up having dreamt of colorful rocks spewing out of the ground. That phenomenon picked my curiosity of the ornamental rocks I so often saw but overlooked. My desire to learn more about these pearls of earth was furthered after reading a book called “Gemstones of East Africa” by Peter C. Keller. Other books followed and as my knowledge started to develop; my appetite to learning more rose sharply as well. I was ready for formal education in the fascinating field of gemology. The lack of such institutions in Ethiopia put my dream on hold until I came to the United States in 2005. Soon after, I was able to enroll and subsequently, Earned my gemological education from Gemology Institute of America distance education program. I have been involved in gemstones trading ever since.

In 2009, prospectors started excavating opals and other gemstones which led Ethiopian gems to quickly gain prominence in the world market of precious stones. The following year, I attended a gemshow in Denver, Colorado, U.S.A., and noticed a discrepancy in the value of Ethiopian opals. These higher grade gems were selling cheaper than their nearest competition. It was a strategy used to rid smaller producers and their suppliers, the artisan minors, by undercutting prices.

I have started Agere treasures to empower independent suppliers by helping evaluate their gems and paying fair market value for them . I am hopeful my efforts will bear fruit