THE JOURNEY OF A GEMSTONE
A DOCUMENTARY FILM
From the depths of East African mines to heirlooms worn for generations, Sharing the Rough reveals the human journey behind colored gemstones — the miners, cutters, and designers whose hands transform nature’s raw beauty into wearable art.
Theatrical Release
Sharing the Rough documents the never-before-captured process of following a gemstone from deep within an East African mine to the creation of an heirloom meant to last for generations.
More than that, it tells the story of the intricate relationships that make jewelry more than beautiful objects—revealing it as an expression of our collective humanity. The film itself was shaped by the people it follows, whose shared passion and collaboration give the story its depth and authenticity.
This is the theatrical version of Sharing the Rough, seen by tens of thousands of viewers worldwide. Beautifully shot by Michael Street, with original score and sound design by Max Hirtenstien, and masterfully edited by Austin Anderson, the film reveals the true colors—both literal and figurative—of East Africa, precious gemstones, and the many hands involved in the creation of wearable art.
I hope you enjoy our film.
— Orin J. Mazzoni, III
