Madagascar is believed to supply around 40% of the world’s sapphires—a staggering figure for a country where most mining is done by hand. This photo story takes you into the heart of Ilakaka, capturing the quiet intensity of the hunt for these coveted gems. It reveals the raw, unfiltered reality behind the sparkle.

Miners, often working without protective gear or stable income, labor under harsh conditions. Entire families migrate in search of fortune, building temporary homes around shifting mines. Meanwhile, buyers and middlemen move quickly, funneling stones into global markets — many without passing through official channels.

This series explores the tension between natural beauty and human cost. Madagascar’s sapphires may light up luxury showcases around the world, but their journey begins in fragile soil, shaped by resilience, risk, and hope. What lies beneath the brilliance we wear — and who pays the price for it?