What do you do at Gem Breakfast?

I do a lot of the merchandising for the site and the product photography. I decide which brands and designers we bring in and do creative development for the Made by Gem Breakfast line. I supervise my 4 employees, do a lot of stone sourcing, and I also run the Instagram alongside our marketing coordinator, Alyssa.

What made you love jewelry?

I used to live near this gorgeous jewelry store in San Francisco. The woman who worked there was always drowning in jewels and she would humour me while I tried on every piece in the store.

Then, once I received my Asscher cut engagement ring, I was completely hooked. I disappeared down a deep online research hole learning about the cut, the setting, and everything about fine jewelry. I started coming across all these insanely talented indie designers on Instagram and finding unique pieces I never even knew existed. At that point, there was no turning back – I was obsessed.

What's your favorite part of owning Gem Breakfast?

I just truly love jewelry - I find it wildly exciting. And I’ve met so many talented, amazing women through Gem Breakfast – customers, designers, and other retailers. We all bond over our love of jewelry.

What’s your dream Gem Breakfast stack?

I already have it! It’s the Celeste Major, Big Love Five Stone Diamond Band, plus my Asscher cut engagement ring with kite side diamonds.

What’s a day in your life like at GB?

I’m still partially on maternity leave so I’m with the baby in the mornings, and when he’s napping, I check in with my employees, source stones and put together new designs, and I work on finding new designers for the site. We also just did a huge photoshoot that I’m really excited about! Stay tuned for that ;)

What pieces do you wear everyday?

On my left hand, I wear either my Big Love Band or my Celeste Major band, plus a heirloom 22 carat gold band on my right hand. And I always wear my Martini Bezel Diamond Studs.

What are your top 3 must-haves at GB?

1. A 5-stone diamond band – it’s an easy classic and it’s nice to have something a little blingy to wear when you don’t want to wear your engagement ring. Plus, it elevates any stack! My favorite is the Big Love Five Stone Diamond Band.
2. A simple gold band (I love our classic Stella) to wear when you’re working out or just at home. Or for something more intricate, our engraved bands are classic, yet elegant.
3. A classic pair of diamond studs – I love our martini bezel design.

What’s your personal jewelry motto?

More is always more. You can never have enough bands or stacks – mix and match!  

What do you do at Gem Breakfast?

I help with customer service – I’m the woman behind the info@gembreakfast.com inbox . When you send us an email or use our chat feature, you're talking directly to me! I also assist with custom projects, which I love so much.

What made you love jewelry?

I have loved jewelry since I can remember. I received a gold cross and a gold heart ring for my first communion - that’s probably where my obsession started. I started making jewelry myself at 14 from recycled materials that I found at the San Francisco Street Market. The first place I ever sold my jewelry was Needles and Pens in San Francisco – the owner there was the first person to take me seriously.

I love helping people create perfect custom pieces at GB and on the side, I make custom precious metal grills (for teeth).

What drew you to GB?

I learned about Gem Breakfast when working at another jewelry shop in San Francisco. Then, when I moved from LA to Brooklyn this summer, I saw an IG story from Misfit Diamonds that GB was hiring for a remote position - it sounded perfect for me.

I do everything very instinctually – I pursue what feels right without being overly critical about it. That was the case with GB and I’m so glad I followed my intuition. I love being a part of the team and working with the artists at Gem Breakfast. I love the community that’s built around the love of jewelry and craftsmanship - it's such a supportive atmosphere at GB.

What’s your dream Gem Breakfast stack?

I would start with The New Dawn ring – it’s a yellow round diamond and is absolutely delicious, it looks like the sun. I would pair that with Equinox Band in 18 carat yellow gold, plus the Bamboo Band, the Rope Band, and the Sweet Sunday Olive Ombre Band.

What’s a day in your life like at GB?

I usually start by talking with customers on the live chat and replying to messages in the info inbox. Then I check on the progress of my custom projects – there might be a CAD drawing that needs approval or stones that need to be sourced. I always want to ensure that our customers feel taken care of and attended to.

Then I check our IG posts so I can be up to date on pieces our customers might reference.

Also, Kim and I and have recently started manning the Gembreakfastvault IG and let me tell you - the amount of amazing stones we have access to is just unreal. Every shape and color of sapphire, a whole world of salt & pepper diamonds, champagne diamonds, white diamonds, pink and purple spinels - it's a literal gemstone paradise you'd have to see to believe.

What are your top 3 must-haves at GB?

1. The Celeste Bandor Equinox Band
2. The classic Stella Band – either keep it simple or add milgrain or diamonds on the shoulders to spice it up. We can customize any of our in-stock bands – just send us a message!
3. A curved/tiara band. They elevate any stack or diamond ring. We have some stunning options in-stock or we can custom create one to fit any engagement ring or right hand ring.

What’s your personal jewelry motto?

I have to ditto Cat and say ‘more is more’. There’s no limit to my stacks! I feel that gold is alive – it’s like vitamins and really supports me in my life.