About Gem Enthusiast

Hello there! I’m Emily, the founder of Gem Enthusiast. For over two decades, I've been obsessed with the wonders of gemstones. From my first encounter with the industry in the unregulated markets of Kabul to studying at the renowned Gemological Institute of America in New York City, I’ve always been driven by a passion for discovering captivating, unique, and intriguing gemstones. Gem Enthusiast started in 2012 as just a blog, but it’s now a trusted source for jewelry designers and collectors worldwide. My mission is to share the wonders of the natural world with you.

My adventure began in the late 2000s while on a tour of duty in Afghanistan. During my time in the city of Kabul, I spent my few breaks exploring the markets and hunting for gemstones. I learned hard lessons in the unregulated markets of Kabul about purchasing stones in an unregulated market. Determined to learn the ins and outs of the gem trade, I bought numerous books on gemology, teaching myself to distinguish between similar stones like rubies and garnets.  After returning from Afghanistan, I missed the excitement of the markets and that lead me to start a blog to share my discoveries, lessons and experiences with others.  Gem Enthusiast was that blog.

In 2012, I took my gem obsession a step further, earning my Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America in New York City. This education broadened my knowledge of the variety of gemstones, introducing me to less common treasures like spinels, purple and green sapphires, quartz with fascinating inclusions, and -my favorite- Oregon sunstones.

Despite my love of gemstones having started in a foreign country, American gemstones are a passion for me. For a time, the only stones I bought and sold were American gemstones.  That is why you will find so many of these American beauties on Gem Enthusiast—including sapphires from Montana, garnets from Arizona, and tourmalines from California.  Even before I entered the world of metalsmithing, I designed many special jewelry pieces that highlighted the range of American gemstones.  

Eventually, I started making  my own jewelry pieces to highlight some of my favorite gemstones.  Understanding jewelry design has become an important part of Gem Enthusiast.  Each gemstone I offer in my shop is one I would proudly use in my own creations, chosen with care for fellow gem enthusiasts like me.  Gem Enthusiast isn't just a shop - it's not just me and those I work with - it is a truth that applies to so many jewelers and collectors.  We are all Gem Enthusiasts.

Thank you for visiting. I hope you discover something here that excites you and inspires your creativity to make incredible jewelry.

— Emily