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Meet the Gem X Core

The Gem X Core is the heart of our club. They, curate, plan and lead our jewelry experiences. They are also Gem X ambassadors and help in vetting new members.  Learn more about them below.

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Lin Jamison

Founder of Gem X, Bespoke Jewelry Maker, Avid Collector
Origins: Born in Shanghai, Based in NYC
Gemstones of Choice: Pink stones of all types (diamonds, sapphires, morganite, rose quartz), jade, anything that changes colors
Favorite Jewels to Wear: Wedding rings, statement earrings (I love color), beaded kiddie creations
Dream Jewels: VCA Zipper Necklace - the ultimate in convertible jewels, Hemmerle iron & diamond bangle, JAR thread ring, Taffin ceramic jewels
Jewelry Heaven: Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Place Vendôme, the Tucson Gem Show, all things Gem X

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Heidi Garnett

Co-founder of Gem X, WSJ Jewelry Contributor, Dabbler in All Things Gems
Origins: Born in Philadelphia, Based in NYC & London
Gemstones of Choice: Tourmaline, lapis, emerald trapiches
Favorite Jewels to Wear: Engagement ring, silver link ring (that hasn't left my finger since I was 13) and dangly earrings (the longer the better)
Dream Jewels: Vintage Bvlgari Serpenti watch, emerald trapiche earrings (once I'm done making them)
Jewelry Heaven: V&A Museum, crown jewels (everywhere), gem shows

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Amy Ainscough

Gemologist, Stone cutter and Jewellery Magpie
Origins: Born in Stockton, California based in Northwest England for 18 years.
Gemstones of Choice: Trapiche Emeralds, Fire opals, green diamonds and any stone that fluoresces.
Favorite Jewels to Wear: Wedding band and engagement ring, watch, diamond studs, statement rings and mismatched bracelets.
Dream Jewels: Convertible gem masterpiece, a titanium brooches and glittering diamond bracelets.
Jewelry Heaven: Trays of loose stones, Gem Fairs, Museum collections and discovering new artists.

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Gislain Aucremanne

Art Historian, Heritage Curator/Director at BVLGARI
Origins: Born in Paris, frequently traveling and living in Rome.
Gemstones of Choice: I love the powerful colors of Colombian emeralds and Australian opals, but I also enjoy all gemstones with a great historical provenance
Favorite Jewels to Wear: Bulgari vintage jewelry, antique cameos and intaglios, a micromosaic piece… in a word, I love jewels which are fragments of history.
Dream Jewels: A different ring every day, changing according to my mood or the research of the day. A nice brooch or tiepin on the lapel for evening events!
Jewelry Heaven: Discovering fabulous jewels in museums or private collections, like the Jewelry's Gallery of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (Paris), the Ancient Etruscans and Castellani jewels in Villa Giulia (Rome) or all exhibitions connecting jewelry to Art History.

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Stephanie Carendi

Gem X Core, Wearable Sculpture Sculptor
Origins: Born in Mexico City, raised in Bogota and Stockholm. Presently based in NYC
Gemstones of Choice: Any gems that inspire
Favorite Jewels to Wear: Prototypes I am working on. Giant Cano earrings
Dream Jewels: An early Dali piece, Lalique snake brooch, quivering Reza Cascade earrings
Jewelry Heaven: A jewelry bench, with time, & a new sketchbook plus a fresh block of wax

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Christine Cheng

Gallery Director at Simon Teakle Fine Jewelry
Origins: Born in Chicago, Based in NYC & Greenwich
Gemstones of Choice: Golconda diamonds, natural pearls, antique paste
Favorite Jewels to Wear: TIARAS!
Dream Jewels: Those yet to be come (in discovery or creation)
Jewelry Heaven: Albion Art Institute

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Tefkros Christou

Brand Communications and Heritage Manager at Hemmerle
Origins: Born in Cyprus, based in London
Gemstones of Choice: Cabochon sapphires, blue spinels, cushion/ old-mine diamonds
Favorite Jewels to Wear: Two stacked rings that are almost never taken off, one with a baguette diamond set East-West.
Dream Jewels: Sterlé diamond brooch, a Mughal carved emerald, Hemmerle sapphire and aluminium cufflinks, a Boivin articulated brooch preferably with coloured stones and finally a Hellenistic period gold diadem/ laurel wreath (not to be worn but exhibited)
Jewelry Heaven: Discovering and handling unique jewels from around the world made throughout history from antiquity to contemporary creations by living jewellers. The Schatzkammer (Treasury) at the Munich Residenz housing the incredible Bavarian royal collection and the Victoria and Albert Museum’s jewellery gallery.

Gem X Core member Sarah Davis

Sarah Davis


Jewelry Historian, Author and Consultant for Fine Jewelry 
 Origins: Born in Massachusetts, lived in NYC, now mostly in The Berkshires
Gemstones of Choice: I love old rose-cut diamonds. I am drawn to things that are more unexpected or understated, like a lapis lazuli, rather than a large faceted stone.
Favorite Jewels to Wear: I have an Art Deco wedding ring that I picked out before I knew anything about jewelry, and my husband is a metalsmith and he made the matching band. I also have a number of rings that he made in rotation. I wear an Edwardian long guard chain and Sassanian seal ring. And I have a beautiful pair of Aldo Cipullo for Cartier clip earrings that are perfection.
Dream Jewels: So many to choose from. I love great Art Deco Cartier and Suzanne Belperron for their knock-out quality. I am drawn to Aldo Cipullo and Angela Cummings from the 1970s and 1980s for their color and wearability. Today I love the jewelry of goldsmith Loren Nicole who hand makes fantastic 22-karat gold jewelry inspired by historical sources.   
Jewelry Heaven: I’m living it. I really could not have dreamed I would end up working with such wonderful jewelry every day.

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Andrey Furmanovich

US Brand Director, Silvia Furmanovich
Origins: Born in São Paulo, Brazil. Based in New York City, a place which will forever have my heart!
Gemstones of Choice: Pearls, peridot, pink tourmalines, polki diamonds, and old mine cut diamonds
Favorite Jewels to Wear: Lalaounis snake bracelet, a Munnu Gem Palace moonstone frog bracelet, carnelian and lapis lazuli beads, rudraksha seed prayer bead mala necklace to hold and carry throughout the day
Dream Jewels: Every scarab beetle ever made in Ancient Egyptian, geometric yellow gold earrings from Tamil Nadu (India) and most recently silver pieces from the Berbers (Island of Djerba, Tunisia) and 19th Century silver jewelry from Bukhara (Uzbekistan), especially when mixed with carnelian and turquoise. On my wish list: a Mikimoto black pearl bracelet.
Jewelry Heaven: The Al Thani jewelry collection at the Hôtel de la Marine and the selection at the Musée des Arts Decoratifs in Paris. And every Gem X event!

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Joanna Gong

GIA GG, USPAP appraiser, auction specialist and collector.
Origins: Born in Seattle, repackaged in Beijing, bopped around a dozen countries before landing roots in NYC!
Gemstones of Choice: Wonky old mine diamonds, pastel spinels, moonstones, juicy jadeite of all colors
Favorite Jewels to Wear: Big statement earrings, Victorian crescent necklace, a different stack of 3-5 different rings on any given day.
Dream Jewels: Maharaja of Indore's Chaumet pear-shaped diamonds, Boucheron deco necklace scarf (the one in platinum and diamonds with buff-top ruby roses encrusted throughout...)
Jewelry Heaven: To have people share with me the jewel they value the most, and not just their most valuable jewel.

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Levi Higgs

Decorative Arts and Jewelry Historian, Head of Archives and Brand Heritage at David Webb
Origins: Originally from Wyoming, studied in Seattle, and NYC resident
Gemstones of Choice: I love Kunzite because of its history, but also star sapphires
Favorite Jewels to Wear: I wear a David Webb twisted nail cuff every day, and for special occasions I will wear a small brooch on my lapel
Dream Jewels: A single powerful ring, or a micromosaic brooch from Castellani
Jewelry Heaven: Any time I get to be alone with something significant, or hold it in my hands. There’s immense trust that is required in the jewelry world to be able to handle significant things, so it’s always an honor when it happens

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Ilias Kapsalis

Jeweller at Bentley & Skinner
Origins: Born and raised in Greece, based in London.
Gemstones of Choice: Sapphires, old-cut diamonds and natural pearls
Favorite Jewels to Wear: I wear daily two sapphire and gold gypsy rings made by Bentley & Skinner, as well as a pair of Art-Moderne silver and gold torpedo-shaped cufflinks.
Dream Jewels: An Art-Deco Tutti-Frutti Jabot-pin for my lapel.
Jewelry Heaven: The Crown Jewels, in the Tower if London, the Hull Grundy collection at the British Museum and the jewellery collection at V&A.

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Inesa Kovalova

Jewellery designer (and more)
Origins: Born in Ukraine, based in The Netherlands.
Gemstones of Choice: Archer and baguette cuts of many gems, cabochon moonstones and rutilated quartz, lapis lazuli.
Favorite Jewels to Wear: Statement lightweight earrings
Dream Jewels: A pair of Belperron cuff bracelets
Jewelry Heaven: 1925 Paris Arts Décoratifs Exhibition. I wish I were there! Love studying the archives and love contemporary interpretations of the crafts.

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Amanda Megibow

Jewelry designer, goldsmith, enamelist, model maker
Origins: Born in Manhattan, Based in NYC
Gemstones of Choice: Sapphires of all colors, kunzite, and old mine cut diamonds.
 Favorite Jewels to Wear: I love to mix pieces I've made with vintage jewels I've collected...especially Van Cleef and Bulgari. Also, I'm obsessed with all types of pearls.
Dream Jewels: Since I'm an enamelist and goldsmith, any pieces from Lalique (anything from the Gulbenkian!), Wolfers, and Fouquet.
Jewelry Heaven: Visiting the V&A jewelry collection, attending any jewelry related exhibit or lecture (ancient, contemporary, and everything in between), picking through jewelry at antique shows.

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Julie Poll

Gem X Core, Graduate Gemologist 
Origins: Los Angeles
Gemstones of Choice: Phenomenal colored stones, chunky old cut diamonds
Favorite Jewels to Wear: Leen Heyne woven band, alexandrite engagement ring, extra long Gay Freres curb chain, coral & rock crystal Art Deco earrings
Dream Jewels: The JAR Leek/Orange Peel brooches, any Theodoros earrings, Lacloche Freres petit point bracelet
Jewelry Heaven: Museum/jewelry archives and what I can only imagine is JAR's design sanctum

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Katharine Rovanpera

Senior Archivist, Van Cleef & Arpels
Origins: Born in the Bay Area, based in NYC
Gemstones of Choice: Green stones! Malachite and emerald in particular. I also love luminous stones with a sort of "magical" quality like moonstone and labradorite.
Favorite Jewels to Wear: This is very practical, but I always always wear a watch. I love gold dress watches like the Cartier Baignoire and the Van Cleef & Arpels Cadenas, and my first really special everyday watch was a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Duetto with a more formal black, diamond-accented dial on one side that I refer to as "night-mode." I also wear a pendant nearly every day--usually my VCA Aries pendant or my tiger's eye LaLaounis egg pendant that was a gift for my first Mother's Day (my daughter was born in Year of the Tiger).
Dream Jewels: I spend a lot of time looking at designs of historical VCA pieces, and some of my very favorites are our "couture" designs from the early 1950s--I think my dream jewel is a big, luxurious VCA bow clip. For everyday I would love a Liane necklace.
Jewelry Heaven: The museum collections of all the old jewelry maisons! VCA, Cartier, Tiffany, Bulgari, David Webb, Verdura, Belperron--the list goes on and on. Also, the incredible design collections in the archives of L'ÉCOLE School of Jewelry Arts.

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Aline Shapiro

Gem X Core, Jewelry Maker, Designer, Collector and Enthusiast
Origins: Born in New Jersey, then lived in San Francisco before making NYC my home
Gemstones of Choice: Big blue grey diamonds…. Opals, moonstone, stones with fire and strong energy. Unusually shaped stones
Favorite Jewels to Wear: Bold statement jewels, anything I have made and vintage jewelry.
Dream Jewels: Every jewel seems to be my dream jewel….
Jewelry Heaven: Spending time traveling around the world to meet and work with local jewelry artisans and learn their techniques. While there connecting with local antique stores, gem dealers to collect pieces along the way.

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Cora Sheibani

Owner of an eponymous jewellery business, aspiring jewellery historian
Origins: Swiss, based in London for 20 years.
Gemstones of Choice: Selix jasper, light brown diamonds, bicoloured tourmalines, and maw sit sit jade.
Favorite Jewels to Wear: My own of course, which is why I decided to start designing!
Dream Jewels: Pink diamond suite of August the Strong (even if it's meant for a man) which includes buttons, a medal, and a sword hilt, and Raymond Templier suite in silver with lines of diamonds circa 1940.
Jewelry Heaven: Met, MAD, V&A, Getty Villa and a good jewellery library.

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Gem X Core Collection | Terms and Conditions

1. DEFINITIONS: “Gem X” refers to Gem X LLC, who has lent a given piece of jewelry to Customer. “Jewelry” refers to any piece of jewelry identified above that is being lent to Customer by Gem X on memo for a period not to exceed six weeks. “Loan Period” refers to the period of time which Gem X agrees to lend the Jewelry to Customer.

2. APPLICABILITY: These Terms and Conditions govern and apply to a one year membership in the Gem X Core Collection Program. Customer agrees that by accepting these Terms and Conditions, Gem X is authorized to charge Customer’s credit Card on file the full price of a one year membership. Customer further agrees that by accepting these Terms and Conditions, Customer’s membership in the Gem X Core Collection program will automatically renew one year from the expiration of the term of membership, and Customer’s credit card will be charged for each annual membership renewal. Customer acknowledges that should Customer seek to cancel Customer’s membership at any time during each one year membership term, Customer will not be entitled to any refund for any portion of the one year membership term prior to which the Customer cancelled membership. Customer agrees that Customer may only avoid an automatic membership renewal (and corresponding credit card charge) by canceling Customer’s membership in writing via email to members@gemx.club at least 24 hours prior to the expiration of the term of Customer’s one year Gem X Core Collection Program membership. Nothing herein shall be construed as implying any obligation on Gem X’s part to continue or cancel Customer’s membership at any time. Gem X reserves the right to cancel Customer’s membership in the Gem X Core Collection Program, and further reserves the right to decline to renew Customer’s membership in the Gem X Core Collection Program, for any reason including but not limited to a violation of any of these Terms and Conditions.

3. AUTHORITY TO SIGN: Any individual signing below, via Docusign or by clicking a check-box acknowledging acceptance of these Terms and Conditions, represents and warrants that he or she is of legal age and has the authority and powder to sign below or check the box accepting these Terms and Conditions, either on his or her own behalf or on behalf of the Customer.

4. CORE COLLECTION AGREEMENT: Customer agrees that by signing below, via Docusign or by clicking a check-box acknowledging acceptance of these Terms and Conditions, Customer shall be part of the Gem X Core Collection program, in which Gem X shall, in Gem X’s sole discretion, lend Customer on memo one or more pieces of Jewelry to be selected by Gem X for a period not to exceed six (6) weeks. At the end of the Loan Period, Customer agrees that it shall ship the Jewelry back to Gem X via the pre-printed Federal Express label to be e-mailed to Customer by Gem X.

5. INSPECTION: Customer acknowledges that Customer has inspected the Jewelry upon taking possession thereof, finds it in good and undamaged condition, with no damaged or missing stones or components, and finds it suitable for Customer’s needs. To the extent that Customer finds the Jewelry to have any damage, or damaged or missing stones or components whatsoever upon receipt of the Jewelry, Customer shall promptly notify Gem X of any damage to the Jewelry, or damaged or missing stones or components, within one (1) business day of receipt. Notice shall be provided to Customer via email, and shall include photographs of any damage to the Jewelry, and/or damaged or missing stones or components. Customer further acknowledges and agrees that should Customer fail to notify Gem X of any damage to the Jewelry, or damaged or missing stones or components, within one (1) business day of receipt of the Jewelry: (a) Customer waives any claim that the Jewelry arrived with any damage whatsoever; (b) Customer will be responsible for reimbursing Gem X for any damage to the Jewelry, or damaged or missing stones or components, as further described in paragraph 5.

6. RETURN OF JEWELRY/CUSTOMER RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE: At the expiration of the Loan Period, Customer shall return the Jewelry as specified in paragraph 3. Upon receipt of the Jewelry by Gem X, Gem X shall inspect the Jewelry for any damage to the Jewelry and damaged or missing stones or components. Should Gem X determine, in its sole discretion, that there is any damage to the Jewelry, or that there are any damaged or missing stones or components, or that the Jewelry has been tampered with in any way such that it is not in the condition that it was in at the commencement of the Loan Period, Gem X shall notify Customer in writing within ten (10) business days of receipt of the Jewelry. Gem X shall make any repairs and/or replace any damaged or missing stones at its sole discretion, and shall invoice Customer in writing for the full cost of said repairs within ten (10) business days of such repairs being made. Customer hereby agrees and consents that Gem X may charge Customer’s credit card on file within two (2) days of Gem X sending the above Invoice without further notice to Customer. Customer further agrees and acknowledges that, should Customer fail to return the Jewelry within five (5) business days of the expiration of the Loan Period, Gem X may invoice Customer for the full replacement cost of the Jewelry, and may charge Customer’s credit card of file within two (2) days of Gem X sending the above Invoice without further notice to Customer.

7. TITLE/NO PURCHASE OPTION/NO LIENS: These Terms and Conditions do not constitute a contract of sale, and title to the Jewelry shall at all times remain with Gem X. Gem X may offer Customer the option to purchase the Jewelry in Gem X’s sole discretion, but any such purchase of the Jewelry by Customer shall be the subject of a further contract or agreement. Customer shall keep the Jewelry free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, and under no circumstances shall Customer use the Jewelry as collateral or security for any type of loan whatsoever. Customer shall not lease, assign, loan, or rent the Jewelry to any individual or entity.

8. ENTIRE AGREEMENT/ONLY AGREEMENT: These Terms and Conditions shall constitute the entire agreement between Gem X and Customer, and shall supersede all prior agreements, understandings and negotiations between Gem X and Customer with respect to the subject matter hereof. Any modifications to these Terms and Conditions must be made in writing and signed by Gem X and Customer.

9. NON-WAIVER: Any failure of Gem X to insist on strict performance by Customer or any of these Terms and Conditions shall not be construed as a waiver of Gem X’s right to demand strict compliance.

10. HEADINGS FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY: Headings of any paragraph or provision in these Terms and Conditions are for convenience and organization only. Headings shall not affect the meaning of any provisions of these Terms and Conditions.

11. NO CONSTRUCTION AGAINST DRAFTER: Customer acknowledges that he or she has read these Terms and Conditions, and has agreed to all of the terms hereunder. Customer further agrees that any ambiguity in any of these Terms and Conditions shall not be construed against Gem X on the basis that Gem X authored the same.

12. SEVERABILITY: If any part or sub-part of these Terms and Conditions is deemed or held invalid or unenforceable by a court of law or competent arbitrator, the remaining Terms and Conditions will be enforced to the maximum extent possible. In such circumstances, the remainder of these Terms and Conditions shall continue in full force.

13. JURISDICTION/COSTS: Gem X and Customer agree that New York law shall govern any matter or dispute relating to or arising out of this Agreement, as well as any dispute of any kind that may arise between Gem X and Customer. In the event litigation is initiated, Gem X and Customer agree to submit to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts of the following county: New York, New York. Gem X and Customer agree that this choice of law, venue, and jurisdiction provision is not permissive, but rather mandatory in nature. Customer agrees to pay all reasonable costs of collection, court, attorney’s fees, and other expenses incurred by Gem X in the collection of any charges due under these Terms and Conditions or in connection with the enforcement of these Terms and Conditions.

14. ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES/CHECK BOXES: Customer agrees that execution and/or acceptance of these Terms and Conditions via Docusign, by clicking a check-box below, or via other electronic means, has the same force and effect as signing in ink.

15. CRIMINAL WARNING: Failure to return the Jewelry at the end of the Loan Period may be considered theft subject to criminal prosecution pursuant to the applicable penal or penal code provisions.

 

I Agree to the Terms and Conditions