Background and experience
My background is geology; I hold a college degree in Geological Sciences and specialized in mineralogy and petrology.
I spent many years with a $150M/year, six store fine jewelry retailer in the New York area, starting on the ladder as Assistant Manager, Customer Service & Direct Sales, managing a team handling all high-ticket custom orders for our $60M flagship store. I moved up, becoming a Buyer for diamonds and important gemstones before being promoted to Vice President of Merchandising.
When the company closed during the height of the 2008/2009 recession, I launched my own consulting firm, working on projects for some of the largest companies in the mining, diamond and jewelry world.
I later resumed a role as Merchandise Manager for a clicks-and-mortar fine jewelry business, which has since transitioned to online only, where I serve in multiple capacities.
Skills and specialisms
· Gemologist, with subsequent extensive training at GIA in diamonds, colored gemstones and pearls.
· Expert in identification and grading.
· Business plan development and implementation
· Listening carefully to clients to understand exactly what they seek to create (whether a jewel, a business, or a partnership), and finding the perfect solution.
