WatchesDec 03, 2024
Jaeger-LeCoultre and Vacheron Constantin Appoint New CEOsJérôme Lambert returns as CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, while Laurent Perves takes the lead role at Vacheron Constantin.
TechnologyJul 20, 2020
De Beers Invests in Online ‘Try-and-Buy’ Jewelry Company
De Beers executive Stephen Lussier will be joining the board of Gemist as part of the deal.
A pair of 14-karat yellow gold and diamond huggies from Gemist ($245). De Beers Group Ventures invested in the online jewelry company known for its customization capabilities. (Image courtesy of Gemist’s website)
Los Angeles—De Beers Group Ventures has invested an undisclosed amount in online jewelry retailer Gemist, which aims to carve out a niche in the market with its “try-and-buy” technology.
On Gemist, customers can dream up a custom design online and then receive a free replica of the piece, letting them give it a spin before completing the purchase.
The site sells both fine and fashion jewelry; there are silver, gold-filled, or 14-karat gold pieces with gemstones including diamonds, emeralds, and blue or champagne-colored sapphires, or Swarovski crystals.
Offerings include engagement rings, stackable bands, hoops, and huggies.
Entrepreneur Madeline Fraser, a one-time contestant on CNBC’s “Shark Tank,” started the Los Angeles-based company.
As per her LinkedIn profile, Fraser was also a co-founder of interior design platform Zoom Interiors and the Hutch app, a mobile app that lets you see furniture in your house virtually before buying it.
“We are honored to partner with De Beers Group Ventures and look forward to working together to develop and grow the Gemist business,” Fraser said in a press release announcing the partnership.
As part of the deal, De Beers Executive Vice President Consumer and Brands Stephen Lussier will join the Gemist board.
The company will also collaborate with Gemist on consumer engagement, with a special focus on the responsible sourcing of natural diamonds.
“Gemist is a first-mover in offering Gen Z and millennial consumers a unique shopping experience with fully customizable designs through a simple, engaging and fun platform—key features we know these consumers are looking for,” said Neil Ventura, De Beers executive vice president of strategy and innovation.
Other investors in Gemist include venture capital firms Legendary Ventures, Lightspeed Scout, and Luma Launch.
More on Technology
The Latest
SourcingDec 03, 2024
Gemstone Cutter Glenn Lehrer Dies at 71An innovative artist inspired by the natural world, Lehrer is remembered for being a visionary and a shining light.
MajorsDec 03, 2024
Neiman Marcus’ ‘Fantasy Gifts’ Sparkle In Pavé This Holiday SeasonThe extravagant gifts in this year’s “A Neiman’s Fantasy” Holiday Book range from a Messika diamond necklace to pavé diamond cowboy boots.
Brought to you by
Protecting Your Sparkle: Why Screening Has Become Essential While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.
CrimeDec 03, 2024
Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Florida JewelerJohn Willard Craiger, 83, fatally shot jeweler Ghazi “Gus” Michel Osta following an argument in the store.
Weekly QuizNov 26, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsDec 03, 2024
Peter Smith: How a Leadership Hire Can Make or Break a CompanyIn his latest column, Smith provides a list of questions every business needs to be asking their next potential leader.
IndependentsDec 02, 2024
Windsor Jewelry Closing After 105 YearsOwners Greg and Lynn Bires are heading into retirement.
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
GradingDec 02, 2024
Jewelry Appraiser Craig Lynch Dies at 70The industry veteran is remembered for his faith, his dedication to his family, his wealth of knowledge and his generosity in sharing it.
SurveysDec 02, 2024
10-Year Rewind: Comparing 2024 Holiday Shoppers With the Consumers of 2015PricewaterhouseCoopers’ 2024 holiday trends survey took a 10-year look back to see what mattered to consumers then versus now.
Lab-GrownDec 02, 2024
Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Set Sells for $55K at Charity AuctionMonique Lhuillier and Kay Jewelers collaborated to create the pieces, which were offered at the recent Baby2Baby gala.
Policies & IssuesNov 27, 2024
G7 Announces Botswana as Second Verification ‘Node’ for Rough DiamondsBotswana joins Antwerp as a certification center for rough under the G7 ban on Russian diamonds.
SourcingNov 27, 2024
Gemfields Reports 'Disappointing' High-Quality Emerald Auction ResultsThe miner said its November sale, which earned $16.1 million, felt the effect of competitive pricing by a rival Zambian producer.
CollectionsNov 27, 2024
Piece of the Week: Mignon Faget’s ‘Crescent Starry Night’ Tassel EarringsMignon Faget honors its hometown of New Orleans with a piece inspired by “The Crescent City.”
SourcingNov 26, 2024
De Beers Stays With ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ for 2024 Holiday Campaign“Forever Present” highlights gifting opportunities for natural diamonds, celebrating familial, friendship, and romantic relationships.
AuctionsNov 26, 2024
Christie’s To Auction Collection of Suzanne Belperron JewelsIt’s one of the most impressive assemblages of the French designer’s pieces ever to come to auction, Christie’s said.
ColumnistsNov 26, 2024
The Smart Lab: 7 Strategies for Refining Your Holiday Email Marketing CampaignsSuccessful email marketing campaigns are all about timing, personalization, and compelling CTAs, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsNov 26, 2024
GIA’s Board of Governors Adds 2 New MembersRetail leader Lisa Bridge and geology professor Dr. Wendy Bohrson joined the organization’s board.
MajorsNov 26, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Unveils This Year’s ‘Benny Bear’ Look out for a black bear wearing a purple Santa hat and its zippered tummy pouch made for holding a holiday gift from Ben Bridge Jeweler.
SourcingNov 25, 2024
William Goldberg Celebrates 2 Major Milestones With New Book“The William Goldberg Way” was released in honor of the company’s 75th anniversary and 25 years of its proprietary Ashoka diamond.
Lab-GrownNov 25, 2024
Lab-Grown Co. Lusix Sold to 2 Companies for $4M Fenix and Dholakia Lab-Grown Diamonds have jointly acquired the Israel-based company, which grows diamonds using solar power.
IndependentsNov 25, 2024
Sophie Bille Brahe Opens First US StoreThe Danish brand has opened an appointment-only location on Madison Avenue in New York City.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2024
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Panel to Feature Fred SavageThe actor and watch enthusiast will be part of the show’s education lineup.
EditorsNov 22, 2024
Out & About: Inside the CD Peacock MansionStep inside the nearly 21,000-square-foot suburban Chicago jewelry store with Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff.
CollectionsNov 22, 2024
Piece of the Week: Xander Jane’s ‘Spiked’ Pearl StudsThese punk-inspired earrings from the new Canadian brand’s debut collection reveal the alter ego of the classic pearl.
SourcingNov 22, 2024
Facets of Fire Expands to Include Pear, Marquise DiamondsThe company brings its nanotechnology to two new fancy cuts for diamonds that feature its signature color and brilliance.
Supplier BulletinNov 21, 2024
Tasha R Releases 2025 Labbelle Lab Diamond Jewelry CatalogSponsored by Tasha R
