Lost Opportunity in Export of Uncut Gems

The bulk sale of Iranian quality products is not exclusive to saffron and pistachio, as Iranian gemstones are also being transferred in bulk to other countries. 
According to Mansour Namdar Zandi, a senior member of Iran Gold, Jewels, Silver and Precious Stones Producers Union, Iranian gemstones are being exported to Turkey and other countries, and after they are processed and branded, they generate up to 300% in added value for those countries.   
“Several semi-precious gemstone mines, including citrine, amethyst, jasper and a wide variety of agate, are in 18 Iranian provinces.