Who We Are
Afghan International Gems is a multinational and internationally recognized Gemstones Company, with expertise in natural fancy colored gemstones. The close-knit family business began in 1993 and is a prominent supplier to renowned jewelers, designers, manufacturers, and collectors worldwide. Our mission is to share uniquely cut raw and designed gemstones with you, while passionately inspiring and educating the industry about gemstones.
Founder
My name is Zia Ullah Afghan, and my affinity for gemstones has been ingrained in me since childhood. As a trained and professional geologist/gemologist, my passion for minerals and gemstones is profound, driven by a deep appreciation for the remarkable intricacies of our planet. Growing up surrounded by the enchanting beauty of gemstones, I was inspired from an early age to delve into the hidden marvels of Earth’s treasures, thanks to the nurturing environment provided by my family.
I pursued my Bachelor’s degree in Geology at the esteemed University of Peshawar in Pakistan, laying the foundation for my academic journey. Subsequently, I was awarded a scholarship to pursue my Master’s degree, specializing in Ore Deposits and Mining Engineering, at the renowned Politecnico Di Torino in Turin, Italy.
During my educational endeavors, I conducted extensive research in the Kunar Dara-i-Pech region of Northeastern Afghanistan, focusing on pegmatite fields. Over the past decade, I have immersed myself in the gemstone industry, equipped with a comprehensive understanding of gemology. Now, I am driven to share the intrinsic beauty of each colored stone, from its raw form to meticulously crafted finished products.
My goal is to enrich your jewelry collection with gemstones that not only dazzle the eye but also carry with them stories waiting to be told. With a decade of experience and a passion for unveiling the allure of gemstones, I am dedicated to showcasing the absolute beauty encapsulated within each precious piece.
C0-Founder
I am Inam Ullah Safi, the younger sibling of Zia Afghan. Inspired by the legacy of my family, I harbor a vibrant vision for the future – one where esteemed and aesthetically pleasing gems are accessible to all. With over seven years of experience in marketing and as a gem broker, I have honed the necessary skills to bring this vision to fruition. I derive immense satisfaction from assisting others in cultivating and refining their lifestyle.
Beyond my professional pursuits, I find solace and enjoyment in visiting mining sites, meticulously selecting the finest quality gems for our discerning clients. This hobby not only allows me to indulge in my passion for gemstones but also ensures that our clientele receives nothing short of excellence.
Co-Founder
I am Inam Ullah Safi, the younger sibling of Zia Afghan. Inspired by the legacy of my family, I harbor a vibrant vision for the future – one where esteemed and aesthetically pleasing gems are accessible to all. With over seven years of experience in marketing and as a gem broker, I have honed the necessary skills to bring this vision to fruition. I derive immense satisfaction from assisting others in cultivating and refining their lifestyle.
Beyond my professional pursuits, I find solace and enjoyment in visiting mining sites, meticulously selecting the finest quality gems for our discerning clients. This hobby not only allows me to indulge in my passion for gemstones but also ensures that our clientele receives nothing short of excellence.
Our History
Our family’s journey into the world of gemstones began with our grandfather, a humble shepherd in 1980. One day, as he returned home from tending to his flock in the hills, he stumbled upon peculiarly colored stones along his path. Describing them to our grandmother, he likened their appearance to “flowers sprouting from a main stem” amidst the white rock. These stones, as it turned out, were Tourmalines and Kunzite nestled within Quartz, found within the widespread Granitoids of Dara-i-Pech Kunar, Afghanistan.
Initially, little attention was paid to these stones. However, over time, their peculiar yet captivating beauty gained recognition, particularly in Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan. Capitalizing on this realization, our father and uncle ventured into the gemstone business prior to the 1990s. It was during this period that I entered the world, amidst the backdrop of unrest and civil strife, as we resided in Pakistan.
Recognizing the greater value of gemstones in Peshawar, Pakistan, they established an office in Namak Mandai, alongside another in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. Thus, our family’s legacy in the gemstone trade was born, rooted in the serendipitous discovery of beauty amidst the rugged landscapes of Afghanistan.
Our History
Our family’s journey into the world of gemstones began with our grandfather, a humble shepherd in 1980. One day, as he returned home from tending to his flock in the hills, he stumbled upon peculiarly colored stones along his path. Describing them to our grandmother, he likened their appearance to “flowers sprouting from a main stem” amidst the white rock. These stones, as it turned out, were Tourmalines and Kunzite nestled within Quartz, found within the widespread Granitoids of Dara-i-Pech Kunar, Afghanistan.
Initially, little attention was paid to these stones. However, over time, their peculiar yet captivating beauty gained recognition, particularly in Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan. Capitalizing on this realization, our father and uncle ventured into the gemstone business prior to the 1990s. It was during this period that I entered the world, amidst the backdrop of unrest and civil strife, as we resided in Pakistan.
Recognizing the greater value of gemstones in Peshawar, Pakistan, they established an office in Namak Mandai, alongside another in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. Thus, our family’s legacy in the gemstone trade was born, rooted in the serendipitous discovery of beauty amidst the rugged landscapes of Afghanistan.
With over three decades of experience in the industry and possessing stakes in various mines across Afghanistan and Pakistan, Afghan International Gems has meticulously cultivated a vast global network of loyal clientele. This enduring loyalty is a testament to our unwavering commitment to not only meet but consistently surpass customer expectations. Central to our ethos is the ethical sourcing of gems, mined sustainably to ensure environmental integrity and social responsibility.
Our clients benefit from a range of advantages, including complimentary international shipping, a comprehensive no-questions-asked money-back guarantee, and personalized attention from our dedicated team. Despite the retirement of my father and uncle, the reins of Afghan International Gems are firmly in the hands of myself, Zia, and my younger brothers.
We actively engage with our industry through participation in numerous trade shows, industry functions, and press conferences worldwide. From Germany to Italy, France to the USA, and Bangkok to Pakistan, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering meaningful connections and advancing the gemstone trade on a global scale.
With over three decades of experience in the industry and possessing stakes in various mines across Afghanistan and Pakistan, Afghan International Gems has meticulously cultivated a vast global network of loyal clientele. This enduring loyalty is a testament to our unwavering commitment to not only meet but consistently surpass customer expectations. Central to our ethos is the ethical sourcing of gems, mined sustainably to ensure environmental integrity and social responsibility.
Our clients benefit from a range of advantages, including complimentary international shipping, a comprehensive no-questions-asked money-back guarantee, and personalized attention from our dedicated team. Despite the retirement of my father and uncle, the reins of Afghan International Gems are firmly in the hands of myself, Zia, and my younger brothers.
We actively engage with our industry through participation in numerous trade shows, industry functions, and press conferences worldwide. From Germany to Italy, France to the USA, and Bangkok to Pakistan, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering meaningful connections and advancing the gemstone trade on a global scale.
