An evening well spent at Lauren de Young Jewelry. Lauren, who is the 6th generation within the company, and her parents Alan and Janet have continued the practice of buying and selling rare and unusual jewels. Lauren and her mother Janet, presented us with the history of the company and how Sydney DeYoung donated a pink and red diamond to the Smithsonian’s gem collection, as well as showcasing a few show stopping jewels. Overlooking fifth avenue, we passed around wonders from one of the seventy-six rose cut diamond buttons from Emperor Maximillian’s collection to an intricately crafted emerald, diamond, ruby and granulation Mussel Brooch by designer Daniel Brush. Other highlights include a stunning brooch owned by Ganna Walska and a 19th century Boucheron bracelet that glowed beautifully in the light. There were so many amazing treasures that were a treat to see up close! 

Have you ever wondered how a gemstone is cut? All was revealed for Gem X London members for Crafts Week 2025, who were treated to an up-close-and-personal demonstration of classic lapidary with cutter, maker and jeweller Robin Girling. Hosting us at FORGE in Hatton Garden, Robin initially trained as a third-generation engineer, but now creates tools – and jewels – for his own British jewelry brand Selini. Using tools he creates, he cuts his own synthetic stones and sets them into contemporary and artistic pieces that feel bold and stylish – think Verneuil flame fusion sapphires with domed facets and ombre-coloured quartz mounted into buttery steel and ultra-fine titanium. After a classic demonstration of facet placement, Robin also showed us the production of his brand’s own rose cut, developed entirely in house for his designs and clients; a unique hallmark of his jewel craft. 

A delightful day trip to RISD! Members set off on another north east excursion to Rhode Island for an exclusive RISD Museum RISD Museum tour with Associate Curator of Decorative Arts and Design, Emily Banas. Within the beautiful halls, we got an enriching history of the collection and of Rhode Island’s history of jewels. We started at the newly opened exhibition, The Art of French Wallpaper Design, of exquisite wall coverings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Followed by the museum’s Decorative Arts and Design Collection, RISD’s permanent jewelry holdings include superb examples of 18th- and 19th-century works, as well as imaginative contemporary pieces. For lunch we met with designer Erica Bello, who gave us a beautiful presentation of her jewelry where we were able to pass around and try on her creations. 

After last year’s tremendous response, we are delighted to announce that applications for the 2025 Gem X Scholarship Fund are open. Our aim with the Gem X Scholarship is to help overcome those barriers so that more jewelry enthusiasts pursue their dreams. Last year, we supported an incredible recipient and we’re looking forward to the next chapter and meeting new potential scholars for 2025.

SUBMIT YOUR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Applications have been extended until June 30th 2025. The Gem X Scholarship is intended for those with a true need and enthusiasm for our common passion. Our hope is that through these resources and mentorship we can help make the world of jewelry a more inclusive, open place. 

LEARN ABOUT OUR PREVIOUS SCHOLAR

The electric blue hue of Paraíba has entranced gem and jewel enthusiasts for decades. In this episode of Gemflix, we were delighted to bring you closer to this mesmerizing gemstone through a conversation with renowned specialist Brian Cook; geologist, lapidary artist and philanthropist, and author of the first map of the newly discovered Paraiba tourmaline in 1990. Brian’s decades-long career in the world of mineral and gems has many facets; all of which are rooted in a family tradition of western USA mineral prospecting.

HIDDEN GEMS: the PARAÍBA ORIGIN STORY

Calling all jewelry academics, enthusiasts and eternal students; Summer Jewelry School is now in session! We kicked off our summer with Professor Levi Higgs, of Parsons History of Design and Curatorial Studies program, to school you on the visual language of jewelry history and how these storied codes and corresponding craftsmanship influence jewelry today. Sharing highlights from his recent Parsons course, Levi walked us through a short timeline of jewelry and hit major highlights that will forever contextualize the ecosystem of historical design codes and the wider jewelry industry.

SUMMER JEWELRY SCHOOL with PROFESSOR HIGGS

London | Tuesday 24th June

The Architecture of Vicky Ambery-Smith Jewelry, art and architecture often intersect within the field of design – but rarely is the case that the building design itself becomes the jewel. In exploring this fascinating facet of jewelry and metalsmithing, we are delighted to invite you to discover the architectural eye of maker and artist Vicki Ambery-Smith. RSVP HERE

 

London | Wednesday 25th June

The Art of Collecting – A Van Cleef & Arpels Masterclass Hosted by Boutique Director Guilluame Dursus de Coursey, our morning will begin with a fascinating talk on Van Cleef & Arpel’s’ storied heritage. We’ll delve into the story and spirit of entrepreneurship, passion and innovation that defined the Maison’s early years and how these principles translated into some of the world’s most magnificent jewels, followed by a walk through of the jewels of the namesake Heritage Collection. RSVP HERE

 

Munich | Tuesday 29th July

Welcome to Munich – A Jewelry Day With Hemmerle In 2025, German jewelry house Hemmerle begins an exciting new chapter in its 130-year history with a new address at Maximilianstrasse 30. Although remaining on the same historic avenue in the heart of Munich, this move enables the evolution of the brand’s established aesthetic of elegance and refinement. In celebration of Hemmerle’s new location, we are delighted to invite you to a very special Gem X excursion; a jewelry day in Munich. RSVP HERE

 

London | Monday 22nd September

Celestial Gems – A Skydiamond Site Tour Skydiamonds are a scientific marvel once shrouded in intrigue and innovation.  In a special sneak peek behind the scenes, Gem X London is delighted to extend a special tour invitation with Skydiamond – creating the only carbon-negative lab grown diamonds in the UK. RSVP HERE

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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.