GemologyGeek, the educational gemology platform and online colored gemstone shop founded by Erica Silverglide, has launched its first finished fine jewelry collection.
The “Ignite” collection debuted at the Out of the Jewel Box Experience show in Tucson earlier this year.nThe offering comprises 35 one-of-a-kind pieces, including statement rings, pendants, and ear climbers, each set with natural colored gemstones.nIntentionality and comfort are at the core of the designs, which are inspired by architectural forms.
The ear climbers, which Silverglide calls “shooting stars,” are set with kite-shaped gemstones and antique-inspired French-cut diamonds. The pair is interchangeable, meaning each can be worn on the left or right ear. The pieces are also engineered to fit together if worn together on the same ear. The charms are on a hinged link that reverse opens, allowing for easy connection.
The baskets on each piece, with the exception of the earrings, are handmade to match the faceting details of the stone it holds, so, besides matched pairs, almost no two baskets are alike.nMany pieces within the Ignite collection feature gemstones with strong fluorescence, which is the visible light or “glow” a stone emits when exposed to ultraviolet rays.
Silverglide has had an affinity for stones with this unique effect since learning about it in gemology school.
“When I first learned about fluorescence, and I realized that it didn’t just come in blue, that certain stones showed up red and orange and green and purple and pink, I was fascinated by it,”.
In the collection, it symbolizes inner confidence and acts as a secret feature the wearer can show off as they please. Silverglide, a graduate of Savannah College of Art & Design’s jewelry design program and GIA’s graduate gemology program, launched GemologyGeek as an educational Instagram account around 2016. Previously, she spent several years gaining varied industry experience, with roles spanning design to stone buying to production management at brands like Alexis Bittar, Judith Ripka, and David Yurman, exposing her to the many different aspects of the jewelry world.
Her platform evolved, her network grew, and she began sourcing gemstones to sell, both to her followers online and within the trade. She also offered custom design.
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