2023 has been a big and small year for Gorgeous Gems.

This year we celebrated the 20^th anniversary of our establishment! We have marked the occasion by shifting the business form Menora, a leafy, sleepy, suburb north of Perth in Western Australia, to the vibrant and cosmopolitan Mount Lawley, a mere five minutes away. In fact, my GP quipped, “ah, you’re moving across the road”.

We have downsized from a sprawling family home to what I’m calling my doll’s house.

The journey has been rough at times, fraught with some of life’s biggest stressors – buying and selling a house, renovating the new house, shifting, renting with two dogs, moving everything, (including the business) three times and dealing with health issues as a result of all of the above.

However there is a sparkle (excuse the pun) at the end of the tunnel and we hope to bring you an even bigger and better Gorgeous Gems in 2024.

We are still open online and at our new premises by appointment only at the moment.

There are stunning new arrivals every day and of course our speedy Express Post service and instant gift vouchers online for the holidays, so be sure to hit me up with all your requests.

Where it All Began (Those who know my history, please skip ahead to where we are headed.)

So where did it all begin and where are we headed? How did I get from being a primary school teacher for 20 years to a gemmologist and owner of a jewellery business for 20 years?

I was born to English parents, cockneys, from the East End of London. My parents migrated to Perth just before the war where some my Mum and Dad’s siblings lived, others also lived in New York. Mum’s cousin was a diamond cutter in Hatton Garden, London.

Although I had a very modest upbringing in North Perth, my parents taught me to look after my limited possessions and the importance of buying good quality. Jewellery seemed to be in my blood. As a toddler, I was often seen wearing an armful of plastic bangles.

Mum worked for Royce Cox, a jeweller in Perth at one stage and my parents ran successful cake shops in Perth, The Athol Tea Rooms and Kentucky Tea Rooms were two that come to mind. I also remember Dad bringing home a large blue glass gem one day, which I believe was from the Fonteyn Bleu restaurant where he worked at the time and which I kept for years until I eventually swapped it with a friend for a pair of sunglasses at Kindy.

Although ballet was my first love, I realised it would be a short lived career for me and enticed by the offer of being paid to learn, I became a bonded teacher with the Education Department. I taught for 20 years and also worked at The West Australian, in their Ed Department.

However, I became disillusioned with the bureaucracy of teaching and it was on my honeymoon to New York, around 29 years ago, to meet my wonderful cousins for the first time that my new career path was formed. One of my cousins, Ila, owned a charming high end jewellery business in Katonah, New York State, described as a Hamlet, it was magical with fairy lights at Christmas.

I needed no further prompting and announced to my husband that I wanted a career change to become the owner of jewellery business. It was pointed out to me that I couldn’t do that unless I knew something about it. I felt that I was already somewhat experienced, however as fate would have it, when I returned from New York, I happened upon representatives from the Gemmological Association of Australia in Perth promoting their courses at the jewellery awards in Myer Perth. I took some pamphlets and as they say, the rest is history.

I completed my Diploma of Gemmology, Certificate IV in Gemmological Studies and numerous short courses including diamond grading, valuation and pearl threading to become a fellow of the G.A.A.

Initially I began selling to friends from home before establishing the website: gorgeousgems.com.au in 2003 and the online business and later obtaining the trademark Gorgeous Gems.

Where to Now?

 Next year two new facets will be introduced, a full remodeling service for all your treasured heirlooms, plus rare pre-loved jewellery and handbags, that will fulfil my role and love of the circular economy.

I will personally hand select every piece of jewellery I sell from all over the world to bring you truly unique pieces of finished jewellery and will work with my long-standing wonderful suppliers and jewellery colleagues to create whatever your heart desires.

We have recently upgraded security features on the website to give you an even safer shopping experience. We offer all major payment methods including all credit cards, plus Afterpay and PayPal.

In 2024 I want to promote inclusivity and love for all.

Thank you to all my valued friends, customers and relatives for all your support over the past 20 years and looking forward to seeing you in 2024.

Happy Holidays from Gorgeous Gems.