August Mayer e.K.* was founded in 1907 as a lapidary company. It has been a family enterprise since the beginning and is owned today in fourth generation by Heinz-Ulrich Mayer in sole proprietorship. The subject of the business is the production and distribution of fine colored gems which are being sourced all over the world, predominantly from African and South American countries. The long experience in this trade paired with the expertise of its cutters creates a product of superior quality. Currently the company has 10 employees and the overwhelming part of the production is cut and polished in house to guarantee complete control during the whole cutting process and maximum quality. The gems are being exported virtually all over the globe, the strongest markets currently being North America and the Far East. Those countries with their insatiable quest for the finest colored gemstones provide a large market for traditional and contemporary cuts. August Mayer e.K. is a member of national and international trade associations like Bundesverband der Edelstein- und Diamantindustrie e.V., the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), supports national and international institutions related to the gemstone and jewelry industries . The company complies with the highest ethical codes for fair trade practice and will give full disclosure on eventual enhancements and treatment of the gems.