Tom is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and is the International Colored Stone Association Ambassador to Madagascar where he has been involved in gemstone trading for over 18 years. Tom founded and managed the Institute de Gemmologie de Madagascar under a grant from the World Bank. He has been active in small-scale mining policy and development in Madagascar for many years as a consultant to the Ministry of Mines and Energy and is a founding member of the Malagasy National Mines Committee. Tom opened Richfield Investor Services in Antananarivo, Madagascar in 2007 to assist incoming international investors navigate the Malagasy business environment. Richfields clients are primarily in natural resource industries. As the Country Manager of the NGO Artminers Madagascar, Tom is instrumental in building a strong domestic gem industry and is a leader in the development of Fair Trade Jewelry. In 2008 Tom was honored for his years of service by being knighted Chevalier de l Ordre National.
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