Meet The Team - Gemma, Assistant Manager

Gemma's Experience & Qualifications

With over 20 years of experience, Gemma is a highly qualified professional in the jewellery industry, holding both GIA and Applied Jewellery Professional (AJP) certifications. Her expertise is bolstered by her GIA 'Diamond Graduate' (DG) designation, which signifies a deep understanding of modern and antique Diamonds and a rare gemstones. Additionally, Gemma has earned CPA and FFCS qualifications in pearls, highlighting her specialization in these exquisite gems. With her extensive training and credentials, Gemma is highly-regarded for her comprehensive knowledge and dedication to the field. Her qualifications guarantee that clients receive exceptional support, supported by a dedication to the highest standards of practice and professionalism.

First hand, Gemma has shared with us some of her experience and best moments while working within the jewellery industry, so without further adeau, say hello to Gemma! 

What do you specialise in?

I specialise in the bespoke creation of custom jewellery designs, whether that be a completely new and unique item for special occassions, or the repurposing of antique and sentimental items to provide the piece with a new lease of life. It’s a wonderfully creative process, talking through the ideas and inspirations with customers, learning how they envisage a piece and how it will be worn to help find just the right design that will work for them. Looking through stones to select with the customers and seeing how when it just all falls into place the customer’s expression changes and then you know you have helped them create something they will love and cherish. It’s a wonderful process and even with the editions on modern technologies like CAD, laser welding machines and other advancements I don’t think it takes away from the genuine hand crafted work that is being created and finished by experienced goldsmiths.

Where did your journey into jewellery begin?

I actually stumbled into the jewellery industry when I first left school, I started working in a local independent goldsmiths as an apprentice and I just loved it. The interaction with the customers and the skills of the goldsmiths, also the knowledge within the company was incredible and allowed me to learn and grow so much. Being able to see how a piece of jewellery is made from conception to completion is incredible and I find it more and more inspiring the longer I am in the industry and now with 20 years of experience my passion for jewellery has not slowed at all.

Do you have a favourite piece of jewellery?

My Favourite piece of jewellery that I own is a piece I had made after being inspired on a trip to the Picasso museum. Its no secret amongst those who know me that I LOVE Dachshunds (yes, the dogs) and Picasso had done a painting called “Le Chien”. When I saw it I just knew I had to have this as a piece of jewellery in some way, so when I returned from my trip I asked the goldsmith to help create my design. I was not disappointed and I absolutely love it, it holds very fond memories for me and is the perfect homage to my (now retired) furry companion, Louie.

What kind of bespoke jewellery have you made recently?

We have made some exquisitely beautiful pieces in recent months. Pieces that have stood out in my mind are some of the re-purposed pieces we have made. Customers have brought old unworn pieces of jewellery into us that they have, whether it be inherited or pieces they just don’t like the design of anymore and we have used them to create something new that they can enjoy wearing again. This has included and engagement ring from an old family heirloom ring and a necklace that was an old chunky design that was re-fashioned in to a modern and delicate pendant that showed the diamonds off spectacularly.

There is also of course all the wonderful engagement rings we have created, there have been so many different designs and it’s wonderful to see all the different tastes in designs in style people have when they are creating their unique ring, not to mention the milestone memory you have been a part of creating. 

Is it easy for someone to have to have bespoke jewellery made?

It is much easier than people think, with the right guidance of course. Having a piece of jewellery designed should be a fun and relaxed process for the customer, you don’t need to have the technical ability or vast knowledge of jewellery, that is what we are here for. To answer your questions and use our knowledge and expertise to help you make an informed decision on what you really want in a piece of jewellery. We are able to provide pictures and designs, loose Diamonds and Gemstones to make selections from and samples of finished pieces so that you can help to have a physical example before you proceed with the final piece being made. 

If I’m thinking about making a bespoke engagement ring, what do I need to do?

It is really easy, give us a call and come and see one of our highly trained and experienced team in our consultation room. We know it can be a daunting process and do everything we can to create a relaxed atmosphere for you, so that you feel thoroughly comfortable when you make such an important and precious purchase.

Whichever company you decide to use I would always recommend you check to see examples of their previous work and pieces they have made. Read the online independent reviews to see what their existing customers have to say about them. Most importantly be completely happy with what you are buying and say if something is not right for you, it can usually be an easy fix and will leave you loving your item of jewellery forever.

If you have a piece of jewellery you would like remodelled with the help of Gemma, or if you are looking to create a unique bespoke item, just book an appointment online and visit our boutique shop in Hatton Garden at your earliest convenience. Gemma would be happy to help.