A bit of background. My business model was developed with two key ingredients: great rough and great customer service. Long before I sold my first stone, I was a collector of rough. From as long ago as I can remember, I was attracted to color. It’s a visceral reaction that I feel deeply and can keep me up for hours when I’m looking at stones. Those of you who have this condition know exactly what I’m referring to. I am one of you.

It took me many years to go from a collector of rough to a dealer in rough. I spent the majority of my adult life building a business before selling it at the age of 39 and “retiring” for the first time. At one point, I began to learn to facet and have cut the occasional stone but have never sold a finished gem. To be completely honest, I’m not a very good cutter and my preference is rough anyway. Two things I have learned in this process: good rough is truly rare and good rough increases in value.

I don’t sell commercial rough. My specialty is exceptional singles, with the occasional small parcel. More importantly, selling rough isn’t transactional for me. It’s a passion – one that is shared by my customers.

I’m grateful to have the opportunity to pursue my passion and share it with so many of you. I remind myself daily that I don’t have to do this; I am privileged to do this.