About ZeeGems
A legacy of discovery since 1982, from Peshawar to the world.
A legacy of discovery since 1982
His vision went beyond buying and selling gemstones. He wanted to discover Pakistan's natural treasures and introduce them to the international world.
ZeeGems was founded in 1982 by Mr. Zahid Iqbal, a pioneer of the gemstone and mineral specimen trade in Peshawar, Pakistan.
Mr. Zahid Iqbal, known as "Mr. Zee"
From the beginning, his vision went beyond buying and selling gemstones. He wanted to discover Pakistan's natural treasures and introduce them to the international world.
In the international gemstone community, friends, collectors, and business partners came to know him affectionately as "Mr. Zee." The name became associated with his passion for Pakistani gemstones and mineral specimens, and his commitment to introducing Pakistan's geological treasures to international markets.
Through his efforts, Mr. Zee helped create greater international awareness of the remarkable gemstone resources found in Pakistan.
In 1984, Pakistan arrived at Tucson.
Mr. Zahid Iqbal became the first Pakistani to introduce Pakistani gemstone specimens at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show in Arizona, USA. It was an important milestone in the international promotion of Pakistan's gemstones and mineral specimens.
From one man's passion to a global network
ZeeGems is founded
Mr. Zahid Iqbal starts trading gemstones and mineral specimens in Peshawar, Pakistan.
Tucson Gem & Mineral Show
The first Pakistani to present Pakistani gemstone specimens at the show in Arizona.
Connections across markets
Relationships with collectors, dealers, jewelers, and gemstone enthusiasts in Italy, France, Switzerland, the United States, and other countries.
Swat Emerald, minerals, and mining
ZeeGems introduces Swat Emerald to China and expands into exploration and mining projects.
Himalayan Emerald, from Swat
ZeeGems has been involved in introducing Swat Emerald to the Chinese gemstone market. Our efforts helped promote the unique beauty and origin of Swat Emerald among international gemstone professionals and collectors.
Swat Emerald has also received recognition in the international gemological community, including being described as "Himalayan Emerald" by GRS Laboratory.
For ZeeGems, this is more than a gemstone. It is our continuing commitment to putting Pakistan's natural treasures on the world map.
The Zee family carries it forward
Today, the legacy of Mr. Zahid Iqbal continues through his sons and the next generation of the Zee family. Together, we carry forward the principles on which ZeeGems was built: passion for natural treasures, quality, authenticity, trust, and international connections.
While gemstones remain at the heart of our heritage, ZeeGems has expanded its activities into mineral exploration, nephrite, and other metal and mineral mining projects. This evolution reflects our vision of discovering not only exceptional gemstones, but also the wider mineral wealth of Pakistan.
Gemstones
Gemstones remain at the heart of our heritage.
Mineral exploration
Discovering the wider mineral wealth of Pakistan.
Nephrite
Nephrite projects that extend our natural-stone expertise.
Metal and mineral mining
Mining projects that grow with our vision.
To find the best natural treasures of Pakistan and promote them throughout the world.
We believe Pakistan holds remarkable geological wealth, much of which remains undiscovered or underrepresented in international markets. ZeeGems builds a bridge between these resources and the global community of collectors, jewelers, designers, investors, mineral enthusiasts, and industry professionals.
More than four decades, one family
What began in 1982 with one man's passion has grown into a family legacy spanning more than four decades. From Mr. Zee and his first gemstone specimens to today's new generation of ZeeGems, our journey continues.
We don't simply trade natural treasures. We discover their stories, preserve their heritage, and share them with the world.
ZEEGEMS
Discovering Pakistan's Treasures.
Continuing a Legacy.
Connecting the World.
© ZeeGems, Peshawar, Pakistan. Since 1982.