Jagoda Gems is a privately owned company, established in 1991 through the foreign investment program. Its goal is to render skills in the fields of cutting and polishing of gemstones, jewellery manufacturing and the grading and preparation of rough (mined) material for the international market. The owners first came to Zambia in 1984 and for 6 years worked with other companies developing their mines in the east and south of the country. While production methods in those days were labour intensive, Zambia became recognised as a new source of fine rough gemstones, most notably for aquamarine, emerald and amethyst. The marketing of these stones was however, very difficult given the lack of exposure to those other than the few buyers in the trade who ventured to these parts of Africa. Intent on resolving this hurdle, Jagoda has established a wide international market base, not only for its own production but also to assist other mining companies in Zambia find the much needed turn-over to develop their mines and further their marketing skills.