09/04/2026
I got the idea 25 years ago to go back to school and train to become a jeweller. After I graduated from the Gemological Institute of America, I was looking for a place to set up my own jewellery store - somewhere I would showcase unique, designer jewellery.
With much courage (and lack of experience), I landed at the Alton Mill Art Centre. The building was only partially restored with 2/3 still under construction. Full of enthusiasm, I set up shop September 2006.
To this day, I don’t know how I survived those early years, all by myself on the ground floor, of a yet to be award winning art centre. But somehow my eternal optimism kept me going (and yes there were tears along the way).
I brought jewellery designers in from New York and L.A., I held events, not realizing that I really had a very small clientelle back then. Yet it worked. You showed up, and you supported local. At times I felt that you believed in me more than I did in myself.
Then, 12 years ago Natalie joined me in the gallery and 10 years ago John joined our little team. We all have our unique strengths that make this business tick and I appreciate them so much. I have been supported by the owners and management of this truly magnificent art centre throughout my time here and I am beyond grateful for the way they have cared for both me and my business.
Through all 20 years, my family encouraged me, delighted in my successes and held me up through my failures. They have believed in me from the start.
But back to you my dear clients. We would not have weathered 20 years without your trust in Gallery Gemma Jewellery. Thank you for every purchase, for every repair you brought in, for every custom job you requested and for your referrals and reviews posted. I am so thankful every day that I get to come into Gallery Gemma and “work”. I appreciate you all and look forward to the future together.
Happy 20th Anniversary to Gallery Gemma Jewellery - you made it all possible.
