Paris-based Garaude stands at the forefront of the gemstones trading industry, celebrated for its meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to ethical sourcing and production. Here, we explore founder François Garaude’s pioneering legacy which shapes industry with innovation and unwavering commitment to excellence.
In the prestigious gemstones trading sector, innovative award winner François Garaude has carved a remarkable legacy spanning more than four decades. His journey began unexpectedly in Bahia, Brazil, where an encounter with an emerald sparked a passion that would define his life’s work. Today, as the driving force behind Garaude, a renowned name in coloured gemstones, François Garaude embodies a commitment to excellence and innovation that has earned global acclaim.
Understanding the Gemstone Sector
At its core, the gemstone sector involves the discovery, mining, and processing of precious stones such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. These stones are then supplied to various markets, from high jewellery houses to independent jewellers, designers and auction houses. The journey of a gemstone – from mine to market – requires expertise, ethical practices, and a deep understanding of the materials.
Ethical practices play a pivotal role throughout this journey. Responsible sourcing is essential to ensure that the mining and processing of gemstones do not harm the environment or exploit labour. Leading companies like Garaude set the standard in adhering to stringent ethical processes which promote transparency and sustainability at each stage.
Once polished, the gemstones enter the market where they are sold to a diverse range of clients. High jewellery houses seek the finest, most exquisite stones for their exclusive collections, while independent jewellers and designers look for unique and varied gems to create custom pieces. The global demand for these precious stones drives a vibrant market, with auctions, trade shows, and direct transactions facilitating the flow of gemstones from source to consumer.
The gemstone sector is dynamic and ever-evolving, influenced by trends in fashion, technology, and consumer preferences. Innovation in cutting techniques, advancements in gemology, and growing awareness of ethical practices continue to shape the industry.
A Journey Rooted in Discovery
François Garaude’s career journey unfolds with a captivating journey through the world’s most prized gemstone regions. It began fortuitously in Bahia, Brazil, where an encounter with an emerald set the course for his lifelong fascination with coloured gemstones. From the emerald-rich mines of Bahia, where his journey began, Garaude ventured onward to the vibrant markets and remote mining communities of Sri Lanka, Burma, and Colombia. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a deep respect for the art of gemstone mining, he sought to unearth the stories and secrets hidden within these landscapes.
However, it was in Mandalay, Myanmar where Garaude made a transformative discovery. Here, he discovered a trove of polished roughs of rubies, sapphires and jade – unique gems which had yet to be fully appreciated in the European market. Garaude’s keen eye for quality and his commitment to authenticity led him to showcase these gems to the world, reshaping perceptions and setting new standards in the gemstone industry.
His journey through these gemstone-rich regions not only expanded his expertise but also solidified his reputation as a visionary within the industry. Each gemstone discovered added to his narrative, illustrating his dedication to uncovering the finest, most ethically sourced materials and sharing their beauty with a global audience.
Setting New Standards
Garaude continues to distinguish itself from its competitors with more than simply the brilliance of its stones, but also its unwavering dedication to ethical sourcing and transparency. Long before these principles became industry norms, Garaude pioneered the concept of traceability from “mine to market”. This forward-thinking approach not only earned the company recognition as one of Les Échos magazine’s top 65 Champions of Growth in 2024, but also fuelled a remarkable 280% growth from 2019 to 2022.
A Model of Integrity
In 2016, Garaude expanded its global footprint by opening a strategic office in Bangkok, a pivotal move that positioned the company at the heart of the international gemstone trade. Bangkok was chosen specifically because it is where auctions for rough gemstones – Mozambique rubies, Colombian and Zambian emeralds and Australian sapphires – takes place. Each gem undergoes meticulous scrutiny and is crafted into homogenous, color-coordinated sets highly sought after by jewelry connoisseurs. Today, Garaude’s international reach extends to supplying gemstones to many prestigious brands across Europe, especially in France, as well as the United States and Asia, cementing our reputation as a trusted supplier in the global market.
Beyond Business: A Legacy of Impact
Far beyond the sparkle and allure of its gemstones, Garaude remains unwavering in its commitment to the communities and environments from which these precious stones originate. At the heart of its operations lies a deep-seated dedication to ethical sourcing and sustainability. By adhering to stringent ethical standards, Garaude ensures that every step of its supply chain upholds the highest industry benchmarks. This commitment is reflected through its RJC certification, making the company a trusted an ethical supplier for jewellers and designers with the highest ethical standards. Moreover, full traceability, from ‘mine to market’ is ensured by the production, cutting and sorting of gemstones.
Crafting the Future
At the core of Garaude’s success lies a relentless pursuit of innovation and quality. The establishment of a New York office in 2023 marked a new chapter in the company’s growth trajectory, highlighting its commitment to expanding its influence while upholding its founding principles.
In addition, the company had the opportunity to master its excellence in the cutting process of Estrela de Fura in 2023, the largest ruby in the world. The 55.22ct stone, cut in the Bangkok atelier of Garaude, was a historical discovery. The rough stone, weighing 101 carats and discovered in Mozambique, was acclaimed for its “pigeon’s-blood red” hue, a mark of the finest rubies. Using innovative techniques and cutting-edge materials, Garaude’s skilled artisans transformed this extraordinary rough into a magnificent gem. The meticulous cutting and polishing of Estrela de Fura not only enhanced its natural beauty but also set new standards for transparency and traceability within the industry. This landmark achievement was solidified when the Estrela de Fura sold for an impressive USD 34.8 million at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels auction on June 8, 2023 – the highest price ever achieved for any coloured gemstone at auction.
Through these initiatives, Garaude not only enriches the world of high jewellery with its exceptional gemstones but also leaves a lasting legacy of positive impact. By championing sustainability and ethical integrity, the company demonstrates an important concept—that luxury and responsibility can harmoniously coexist, setting a standard that resonates throughout the global gemstone industry.
Looking Ahead
As François Garaude reflects on over four decades of influence in the gemstone and jewellery industries, his vision remains resolute: to consistently redefine boundaries, present unique stones and maintain high standards in ethical gemstone sourcing. He is committed to presenting his unique vision, and has never been afraid to be a pioneer in the industry. .
Garaude’s journey transcends mere business triumph; it stands as a testament to the profound impact of unwavering passion and integrity in the realm of gemstone sourcing. His commitment to innovation and ethical standards shapes the future of the industry, inspiring a legacy of excellence which undoubtedly resonates globally.
Further information – (including a unique video showcasing how the company recently had the opportunity to cut the Estrela de Fura, the world’s largest gem quality ruby ever discovered) – together with contact details and social media links can be found on the company website: https://garaude.com/
