The Intentional Jewelry Collector’s Guide to Finding Meaningful Gems While Traveling
This ring from Florence’s Ponte Vecchio marks the beginning of my journey from art student to private jewelry advisor. When I wear this ring, it connects me with epic memories of a summer spent drawing my way through Italy.
It shaped my understanding of how meaningful jewelry can be and the stories they carry.
Today, I help others create their own stories through intentional jewelry collecting with pieces that elevate their style, confidence, and align with their values.
As your private jewelry advisor, I’ll outline what to look for—and what to avoid—when purchasing gems in their countries of origin, ensuring each piece becomes part of your meaningful collection.
A few destinations and gemstones I will be advising on are:
First, let’s discuss a critical topic when investing in an intentional jewelry collection: responsible sourcing.
WHY RESPONSIBLE SOURCING IS IMPORTANT
Responsible sourcing is a holistic practice that goes beyond ethical and conflict-free. As much as possible, it protects people, their skills, and the natural environment - be it land or sea. This supports local economies, empowering them to sustainably thrive.
This can be a reason to purchase gems or jewelry while traveling abroad.
However, there are reasons I may not advocate making significant investments while traveling. A few are your personal safety and ensuring quality and authenticity.
In some countries, it may be difficult to have certainty about your purchase supporting conflict–or if your purchase benefits the community as intended.
This is the value of my expertise as a fine jewelry advisor.
I protect your energy and time with vetted, ethical, trustworthy supply chains and intentional jewelry designers. This is especially important for investing in jewelry gifts of highly valuable, rare gemstones.
THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF BUYING GEMS OR JEWELRY ON VACATION
Before your trip, I highly recommend to:
Research the gemstones you are interested in purchasing. The Skinny on Gemstones is a great guide to discovering things to know and what to ask about value.
Identify a vetted local gemstone expert before your trip.
Understand any security risks, especially in remote places.
If “negotiation” is part of the culture, be sure to tip - especially WOMEN.
Get a receipt, for your records and anticipate a requirement to present it at the airport upon departure.
JEWELRY TIPS WHILE TRAVELING ON VACATION
Consider leaving your precious heirlooms or investment jewelry securely stored in a safe at home. Being a “blank canvas” to collect cheerful jewelry memories along your trip is a wonderful way you can support local economies.
If you travel with jewelry of significant value while on vacation, always store unattended gems and jewelry in a room safe.
Carry a lightweight long scarf with you at all times to anticipate moments when you need to conceal the jewelry you are wearing.
Looking to build a jewelry wardrobe, imbued with your story to ensure you feel lit from within?
I’m your guide when investing in gemstones and designer jewelry for your intentional jewelry collection.
Book your call with Melissa!
SHOP A CURATED SELECTION OF INTENTIONAL FINE JEWELRY
My Lombok pearl journey taught me that confidence comes from knowledge.
As your private jewelry advisor, I’ll share how to understand the value of pearls–and guide you in selecting pearl jewelry that complements your existing collection.
INVESTING IN PEALS FOR YOUR FINE JEWELRY COLLECTION
Many years before All The Brilliants was a twinkle in my eye, I was curious about buying pearls while on vacation in Indonesia. I knew there was a difference between the value of freshwater and saltwater pearls. What I didn’t anticipate was how vast that value gap was.
Lombok was on my radar as the island for “pearl shopping”. The captain of our catamaran didn’t have a vetted source who could guide us, so he suggested having lunch at a luxury hotel and inquiring with the concierge. Before we knew it, we were on a no-frills adventure down narrow roads that became progressively more remote... with a stranger.
Our final destination was a nondescript building in an unpopulated area. In contrast to the exterior, the pearl possibilities were vast and breathtaking—and the prices were intimidating.
Because I didn’t anticipate or understand the investment, I paused on purchasing South Sea pearls. Even though I went home with humble freshwater pearls, they are imbued with my priceless story.
This personal experience is just one of many that informed why I created The Skinny on Gemstones series. It was developed from the lens of what to know and things to ask when investing in a particular gemstone, like pearls.
Do’s and Don’ts of buying pearls:
Do your research in advance about the pearls that are cultured locally.
Do ask if the pearls are freshwater or saltwater.
Do ask for a document of authenticity.
Don’t forget to get a receipt.
Don’t make a significant investment if you don’t understand the value.
Get The Skinny on Pearl here.
“The Queen of Gems” is among the most riveting and complex of Mother Nature’s wonders. They are not a mineral, but an organic gem!
Most pearls we see in jewelry today are cultured, versus natural pearls. Cultured saltwater pearls are far more rare than freshwater pearls, which is why they are more valuable.
Freshwater mollusks can produce dozens of pearls at once over a single growth cycle of months, while saltwater mollusks produce a single pearl (such as a Tahitian pearl) over 5 - 7 years.
Pearls are cultured around the world where ecosystems are pristine, healthy, and nutrient-rich enough to enable mollusks to thrive. Water quality directly impacts the mollusk’s health–and therefore the quality of pearl they may create.
Indonesia, along with Australia and the Philippines, are the primary sources where South Sea pearls are cultivated–and are among the world’s most prized cultured pearls.
They are large, luminous, and typically white, but they can be other colors too, including cream, champagne, silvery, or golden. South Sea pearls range in size from 8 mm to over 20 mm.
As your private jewelry advisor, I protect your energy and provide peace of mind when investing in pearls and pearl jewelry of exceptional quality and provenance. Connect with Melissa for your fine jewelry consultation.
SHOP DESIGNER PEARL JEWELRY
Each piece in our intentional jewelry collection is curated for its unique design signature to elevate your style and ensure you feel confident in your fine jewelry investment.
Colombian emeralds aren’t just gorgeous green gems—they are like a walk in Mother Nature’s glowing crystal garden.
As your fine jewelry guide, I help you select emeralds or thoughtfully designed emerald jewelry to enhance your collection - or emerald jewelry gifts for your wife or partner.
INVESTING IN COLOMBIAN EMERALDS FOR YOUR FINE JEWELRY COLLECTION
Responsibly Sourced Colombian Emeralds from “Las Animas”, Chivor mine.
A few places where emeralds can be found are Zambia, Afghanistan, and of course, Colombia.
Fine emeralds from Colombia are revered for their vivid, leafy green color. The most celebrated are sourced from the Chivor and Muzo mines.
Purchasing emeralds in-country can be risky outside tourist areas, as there can be connections between illegal emerald mining and drug trafficking.
This underlines the importance of responsible sourcing, so there is clarity that what you are purchasing is conflict-free, benefits local economies, and protects ecosystems.
Do’s and Don’ts of buying emeralds in Colombia:
Do research a reputable dealer or jewelry shop and connect with them prior to your travels to discuss the specifics of what you are seeking.
Do be mindful of your surroundings and personal safety.
Do insist on a report authenticating origin, treatments, and other quality details.
Don’t make a significant investment if the quality and origin of the stone cannot be verified.
Don’t forget to get a receipt.
Get The Skinny on Emerald here.
The “ideal” emerald in terms of what the market values most has a deep green to bluish-green hue, with few inclusions, known as “jardin” (French for garden).
Keep in mind that emeralds naturally have inclusions, which are what make them uniquely beautiful.
Treatment with oil or filler is a common, acceptable practice and should be disclosed.
As your personal jewelry consultant, I save you time and ensure you feel confident when investing in responsibly sourced emeralds and discerning emerald jewelry that tells your story and aligns with your values. Connect with Melissa for private jewelry shopping.
SHOP DESIGNER EMERALD JEWELRY
Each piece in our intentional jewelry collection is curated for its unique design signature to elevate your style and ensure you feel confident in your fine jewelry investment.
East Africa’s artisanal mining communities, especially women, represent an inspired future of intention gem collecting.
As your personal jewelry concierge, I’ll guide you in discovering the rich diversity of colored gemstones for your intentional jewelry collection.
INVESTING IN COLORED GEMSTONES FOR YOUR FINE JEWELRY COLLECTION
Even though I’ve not been to Africa (yet), several countries have my heart because of the people - especially WOMEN artisanal miners.
Thanks to my trusted colored gemstone partners, such as ANZA Gems and Roger Dery, I have discovered important distinctions about who artisanal miners are and how your investment in precious colored gemstones can empower sustainable local economies.
Many artisanal miners are farmers who mine part-time (with their farm tools). Think of it as a “side hustle”. Another reframe: some artisanal miners are entrepreneurs, whose communities are leveling up their vocational and business skills to retain more revenue from mining activities through vertical integration.
Monica of Anza Gems with Women Artisanal Miners in East Africa
For instance, Tanzanite, sapphires, ruby, emerald, spinel and tsavorite garnet over 2 grams must be faceted locally before they can be purchased or exported.
Gem faceting is just one opportunity for new generations to participate in as highly skilled workers in the future - and fuel economic growth.
An organization close to my heart is Gem Legacy - a 501c3 with a mission to support vocational training, entrepreneurship, and community development in East Africa’s artisanal mining communities. At the Gemological and Gem Faceting School in Arusha, Tanzania, they’re helping young adults build careers in this emerging industry.
Do’s and Don’ts of buying colored gemstones in East Africa:
Do research the colored gemstone(s) you are seeking in advance to understand value. Especially if you plan to invest in Tanzanite while on safari.
Do ask for a certificate authenticating origin and other details.
Do connect with your resort or hotel in advance to identify a reputable guide.
Do be mindful of your surroundings and personal safety.
Do feel free to negotiate.
Don’t forget to tip - especially women.
Don’t forget to get a receipt.
Don’t make a significant investment if the quality of the stone cannot be verified.
Dreaming of a responsibly sourced colored gemstone for an engagement ring or bespoke jewelry as a gift for your wife or partner?
As your personal jewelry concierge, I help you select uniquely beautiful gems from East Africa or jewelry that make you feel lit from within! Connect with Melissa.
SHOP DESIGNER JEWELRY WITH EAST AFRICAN GEMSTONES
Opals tell Mother Nature’s most colorful stories with captivating “play-of-color”!
A wonderful diversity of opals can be found around the world. Notably Ethiopia, Peru, Mexico, Brazil, and Australia. Each offers a unique, memorable style statement for your intentional jewelry collection.
INVESTING IN AUSTRALIAN OPALS FOR YOUR FINE JEWELRY COLLECTION
Australian opals are the most prized among collectors. All the more reason why shopping for jewelry while on vacation in Australia is so appealing. Even within Australia, there are several gorgeous options to consider when adding opals to your jewelry wardrobe.
As your personal jewelry advisor, below is my collector’s guide of precious Australian opals (and their origin) that I wish I had known about during my Australian travels!
Black Opals: Lightening Ridge in New South Wales
Crystal Opals or White Opal: Coober Pedy in South Australia
Yowah Opals: Yowah opal field in Queensland
While the classification of opal is uniquely complex, I’ll simplify it to three precious types: solid (homogeneous in composition), boulder (solid, but naturally attached to host rock), and matrix (diffused in host rock).
For example, Yowah opals are boulder opals with distinctive, vibrant colors and patterns set off by the host rock.
Significant aspects that determine the value of opal are base color and “play-of-color” - the ability to diffract light.
The most prized opals are solid black opals exhibiting large, tightly oriented color patterns–the more vivid and wide-ranging the colors are, the better.
Let’s talk about treatments!
When opal material is thin, it can be “assembled” or layered as a doublet or a triplet to make it stronger. This means thin slices are backed or sandwiched between other materials such as glass, obsidian, or quartz.
Australian opals are not usually treated to enhance appearance. It is not an accepted practice and should be disclosed, especially if your purchase is a significant investment.
Knowledge is power and any of the above treatments negatively impact market value.
Get The Skinny on Opal here.
Do’s and Don’ts of buying opals:
Do research a reputable dealer or jewelry designer in advance.
Do ask if the opal has been treated.
Do ask if the opal is solid or assembled.
Do ask for a report authenticating origin and other quality details.
Don’t forget to get a receipt.
You don’t need to travel to Australia to add a discerning opal piece to your fine jewelry collection!
As your luxury jewelry advisor, I’ll guide you in selecting a black opal necklace or Yowah statement earrings to amplify your style and confidence! Connect with Melissa.
SHOP DESIGNER OPAL JEWELRY
Sri Lankan sapphires carry centuries of tradition in every facet.
INVESTING IN CEYLON SAPPHIRES FOR YOUR FINE JEWELRY COLLECTION
My recent travels to Sri Lanka offered me a unique perspective to experience these breathtaking islands, beautiful people, and sparkling sapphires!
As your private fine jewelry guide, I’ll share tips on planning your gem shopping journey.
Before we dive in, it might surprise you to know that sapphires are not just deep, royal blue. They can be any color of the rainbow, except red, which makes it ruby!
Get The Skinny on Sapphire here.
It is said that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” and I set my eyes on seeking out one of the rarest gemstones in the world: Padparadscha sapphires. The hues of this coveted sapphire range from pinkish-orange to orangey-pink and are often described as the color of salmon, a sunset, or a lotus flower.
Sri Lanka’s sapphires are celebrated for their clarity and color and this natural resource significantly contributes to their economy.
In doing some research, a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site Galle Fort, was my best option to seek out these exotic gems. An important goal for me was also to support local small businesses, given the ongoing Sri Lankan economic crisis that began in 2019.
Even though I saw several lovely colored sapphires in various shops, my goal was not a significant investment, but to purchase a few small gems not exceeding a certain price point.
One shop had a collection of loose oval cushions in all colors. Intermingled among the selection of orange sapphires, a few exhibited slight whispers of pink hues.
I chose three that spoke to me to add to my collection—now they’re imbued with precious memories of my Sri Lankan adventures. One day these colored sapphires will be set into bespoke jewelry and connect me with the story of my magical time in this special pocket of the world.
Do’s and Don’ts of buying sapphires in Sri Lanka:
Do research a reputable dealer or jewelry shop in advance.
Do ask for a certificate of authenticity and other details.
Do be mindful of your surroundings and personal safety.
Don’t make a significant investment if the quality of the stone cannot be verified.
Don’t forget to get a receipt.
Shopping for a colored sapphire engagement ring or a significant statement piece to add to your jewelry collection?
Let’s explore responsibly sourced sapphire jewelry together! Book a discovery call with Melissa.
SHOP DESIGNER SAPPHIRE JEWELRY
All The Brilliants is a proud member of the United Nations Fashion & Lifestyle Network.
We are a part of the global conversation alongside industry leaders and UN organizations to champion the SDGs. It’s all about working together, transparency, and driving innovation to create a better world for everyone.
When investing in your fine jewelry collection or luxury gifts for your wife or partner, I protect your energy and provide peace of mind when shopping for designer jewelry that tells your story and aligns with your values.
