What’s it like being a young woman in an industry that’s still pretty male-dominated?
It’s interesting to see the support in my cutting and photography skills from tenured men in the industry who were excited to support a young woman starting a career in colored stones. As my business has grown, my main recurring customers are women business owners and writers. I’ve been blessed by many men and women in the industry who have provided me support throughout the development of my gem journey.
The first couple of years, it was hard, learning how to build thick skin and my own voice. As a young woman, I believe we have to be more tactical for safety purposes. I’m 19 and still prefer traveling with my mom and dad. Partly for keeping track of time and inventory, but also because having a 6’3 body guard to be with my gems makes me feel safer.
I’ve learned how to navigate those situations and be confident in my skills and who I am as a person and business owner. I never want to disregard the many men in the industry who have been fundamental to my growth. I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for the skilled, knowledgeable, and kind male and female leaders in the gems and jewelry industry who have supported me.
To other future female gem artists, I would encourage them to make sure they balance input and feedback from men and women in the industry and develop a circle of trusted individuals to be inspired by, get feedback, and be open to criticism. Don’t allow toxicity to infiltrate your path; only let in people who share similar values and morals, so you can be the best version of yourself. Also, learn to create healthy boundaries in order to preserve your personal and professional brand; it’s important to establish those upfront.
What do you wish more people understood about gem cutting?
I believe the cutting aspect of the industry is often lost to the average consumer. Retailers, wholesalers, and even the mining industry all rely on various types of cutting in order to produce a marketable product. Whether it’s fantasy, cabochons, commercial, or precision faceting—cut and polished gemstones are a necessity for a finished piece of jewelry.
Yet nearly every consumer does not know or appreciate the different people that had to handle their gemstone to provide them a beautiful finished piece of jewelry. I wish that more people understood the economic value that is brought to their gemstone through cutters and the sourced community from the point of origin.
