Ep 12. The Bunce Dynasty

Jade Fever season 3 episode 12, titled "The Bunce Dynasty," explores the history and family legacy of the Bunce clan, who have been instrumental in the jade-mining business for decades. In this episode, Claudia and Robin Bunce, the father-daughter duo who run the Bunce Jade and Gemstone Gallery in Jade City, British Columbia, Canada, share their insights into the jade industry and reveal some of the secrets that have kept their family business successful for so long.

The episode starts with Claudia and Robin welcoming a group of tourists to their gallery and showing them around the various exhibits. As they explain the significance and properties of jade, they also share some personal stories about their family's history and how they got into the jade business. They reveal that the Bunce dynasty began with Robin's father, who was one of the earliest pioneers in the jade-mining business in Canada.

The episode then takes us on a journey to the historical Greenstone Mountain mine, which was first discovered by Joe Bunce, Robin's father, in the 1970s. Claudia and Robin share some archival footage and photos of Joe, who was known for his adventurous spirit and risk-taking nature, which proved crucial in the early days of Canadian jade-mining.

As we delve deeper into the Bunce family legacy, we learn that Claudia was born into the jade-mining business and grew up accompanying her father on various expeditions and mine sites. She shares some of her own experiences and personal anecdotes about navigating the rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions of northern Canada.

The episode also takes a closer look at some of the techniques and practices that have enabled the Bunce family to extract high-quality jade from the mines. Claudia and Robin explain how they use jackhammers, saws, and other tools to break apart the rocks and extract the precious gemstones. They also share some of the challenges and risks involved in mining, such as unstable rock formations and the danger of landslides.

As the episode progresses, we are introduced to some of the other members of the Bunce family who have played an important role in the jade-mining business over the years. We meet Robin's brother, who runs his own mining operation, and Claudia's cousin, who manages the family's processing plant where the raw jade is cut and polished.

Throughout the episode, Claudia and Robin emphasize the importance of family values and working together as a team to overcome challenges and achieve success. They reveal that the Bunce clan is a tight-knit community that supports each other through thick and thin, and they credit this sense of camaraderie as a key factor in their continued success in the jade industry.

The episode concludes with a poignant scene of Claudia and Robin reflecting on their family legacy and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to continue the Bunce dynasty. They acknowledge that the jade-mining business is not for everyone, but stress that for those who are passionate about it, it can be a rewarding and satisfying way of life.

Overall, "The Bunce Dynasty" is a fascinating and insightful episode that provides a rare glimpse into the world of Canadian jade-mining and the family legacy that has kept it thriving for generations. Claudia and Robin Bunce are engaging and charismatic hosts who bring a personal touch to the show and share their expertise with enthusiasm and warmth. Whether you're a jade enthusiast or simply curious about the unique challenges of mining in Canada's remote wilderness, this episode is definitely worth watching.