SEAM, which in French stands for Societe d'Exportation des Ammonites de Madagascar, was established in April 1994. Ms. Rasoarinoro Marie “Noro” Bernadette and her husband, Andrianirina “Hery” Herimanantsoa, created and founded the company. Malagasy people wholly own it, and it has been in operation for thirty years!
Over the past three decades, SEAM has come a long way despite often tricky economic conditions. The faith and perseverance of its founders have allowed the company to overcome challenges and achieve numerous successes while maintaining its reputation as one of the leading suppliers of minerals and fossils in the world. It has witnessed the evolution of the market and has been able to adapt to continue providing quality products to its customers.
Starting with just one small office and four employees, the company now employs over 200 people; it has a large transformation workshop with various machines and tools for cutting, carving, and polishing; it has a spacious office for employees; it has three branches around the world — in the U.S.A. (Madagascar Import SEAM), in Europe (SEAM Europe), and United Arab Emirates (Labradorite GT Dubai) — each branch has its showroom for displaying and selling products from Madagascar. SEAM exports up to thirty containers annually and participates in various major gem and mineral shows and expos in Europe (including Munich and Ste. Marie, France) and the U.S.A. (including Tucson and Denver).
The company's success results from the strategic policy pursued by its leaders and the sustained efforts of its employees. Faith in God is also a key element of SEAM's philosophy. SEAM started with the export of ammonites only and has developed to become an export company for mineral stones and other fossils. It works closely with miners to obtain high-quality stones, which its lapidaries prep and transform into attractive freeform displays and finished specimens.
Visitors to a SEAM tent or booth at a gem show quickly notice the high quality, stunning beauty, and rarity of Madagascar's minerals and fossils and the skilled craftsmanship of SEAM’s in-house artisans and stonecutters. SEAM is deeply proud to intr
International shows, like the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase, are important opportunities to mark further SEAM's presence, the excellence of Madagascan stones and minerals, and Malagasy art and culture worldwide.
In this spirit of openness and expansion, SEAM also has a large public boutique in Quartzsite, Arizona, and a showroom in Dubai, which opened its doors in 2018. In the short term, SEAM plans to open a transformation workshop for prepping and cutting stones in Dubai to expand its presence in the Gulf region. Additionally, SEAM will establish another branch in Canada in the short term.
A scripture verse on which SEAM stands is Proverbs 16:3, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."
Visit Madagascar Import SEAM September 6-15 at The Denver Show, National Western Complex, Tent NE2 on the northeast side of the Events Center.