This article first appeared in the JNA January/ February 2023 issue.

Miranda Group Co Ltd is making a name for itself with its expansive array of layouts featuring exquisitely cut and matched coloured gemstones. Starring in these are Paraiba tourmaline, aquamarine, morganite, rubellite, pink tourmaline and green tourmaline, among others.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, the vertically integrated company specialises in coloured gemstone layouts for high-end international jewellery brands and designers, primarily from the US. It sources material from its own and associate mines in Brazil, Mozambique and Nigeria; processes these at its Hong Kong workshop under the watchful eye of its Brazilian master gemstone cutter; and then polishes the stones at its factory in China. All polished gemstones are then returned to Hong Kong for international distribution.

Managing Director Cam Li said, “Our strength lies in our ability to determine the best use of the material. Through experience, we know which cut and approach would suit the rough and how to bring out the inimitable sparkle of each coloured gemstone. We have mastered the process of delivering high-quality big stones with excellent cuts, without sacrificing either weight, beauty or value.”

Once a calibrated-stone specialist, Miranda Group began offering layouts in 2017 as a smaller part of the business. When the pandemic hit and production was largely suspended, it sorted more of its wide inventory of goods into sets and layouts. Today, these are its core product. Selections range from perfectly matched colours and cuts, multiple-colour sets and graduated colours to diverse cuts and colours.

“Our customers appreciate our efforts to assist them in creating cohesive collections. They can produce an entire set or line with a layout of 20 stones without worrying about matching colours and cuts,” Li remarked. “It would take them a long time to source such a selection from different suppliers.”

Smaller sets like four stones for a pair of earrings are also available and can be incorporated into larger groups. Miranda Group also accommodates bespoke requests from clients such as special cuts and specific colour variations in their chosen assortment.

“This strategy is relatively new for us. We pivoted to layouts due to market preferences as well as operational efficiencies. It works for our company. After the slump caused by the pandemic, business picked up again in 2022 and we aim for further growth in 2023, which will see us go full steam ahead with this business model,” Li shared.

Paraiba tourmaline comprises some 60 per cent of Miranda Group’s sales. The stone’s electrifying blue shade has been consistently sought after since the influx of African material around 2005, Li noted. Demand for other gemstones such as morganite, aquamarine and pink tourmaline is likewise on the rise.

International expansion

While Miranda Group has built a solid clientele in the US, it is keen on expanding its customer base in the Middle East, Europe and Asia.

Li believes the company’s selection of special cuts and spectacular gemstones would appeal to buyers in the Middle East. In Europe, Miranda Group has made strides in France, the UK and Switzerland. It now trains its sights on Italy.

Also on its radar is Southeast Asia, which is exhibiting strong potential for growth. Familiar mostly with diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires, the market is open to exploring other gemstone varieties, according to Li. Paraiba tourmaline, in particular, is making a big impression. The company intends to make further inroads in the region this year and tap its high-net-worth individuals.

“In 2021 and 2022, we strategised and prepared a new direction for the company, one that shifts to layouts and enables us to fully capitalise on our experience, expertise and inventory. This year is time for implementation, and we are ready to promote our finest gemstones to the international market,” Li said.