We had the good fortune of connecting with Danielle Foster, GIA G.G., G.P. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The truth is, the idea for byGemGirl didn’t come from some grand business plan initially. It really blossomed organically out of my personal life and professional background. Growing up immersed in the pawn industry gave me a unique lens on the world of jewelry – I learned about value, craftsmanship, and the stories behind these precious objects from a very young age. Then, becoming a GIA Graduate Gemologist solidified my technical knowledge and passion for gemstones.

The real catalyst was when my friends started reaching milestones like engagements. Naturally, knowing my background, they began approaching me with a very specific need: they wanted something truly special and unique for their engagement rings, something that went beyond the mass-produced options. They trusted my expertise to guide them through the process, from selecting the perfect stone to designing a setting that reflected their personal style.

It wasn’t a sudden ‘aha!’ moment when I started the business. It was more of a gradual realization that there was a genuine demand for the personalized service and expert guidance I could offer. Seeing the joy on my friends’ faces when they received their custom-designed rings was incredibly rewarding. It sparked the idea that maybe this wasn’t just helping friends but something I could offer to a broader audience.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Thank you for asking! My ‘career,’ if you can call it that, has been a deeply personal journey fueled by a love for exquisite design and the desire to make truly unique pieces accessible to everyone. What sets byGemGirl apart, I believe, is our unwavering commitment to the individual. We’re not about pushing pre-made collections; we’re about bringing your vision to life. That means listening intently, understanding your story, and translating that into a tangible piece of art.

I’m incredibly proud every time a client sees their custom creation for the first time and their face lights up. That moment of connection, knowing we’ve captured their essence in a design, is truly what excites me. It’s about more than just jewelry; it’s about marking milestones, celebrating love, and creating heirlooms.

How did I get here? It wasn’t always easy. Building a business centered on custom work requires a tremendous amount of trust and strong relationships. In the beginning, it was about knocking on doors – both literally and figuratively – to connect with skilled artisans and reliable gem dealers. There were definitely moments of doubt, navigating the complexities of sourcing unique stones and ensuring the craftsmanship met our high standards. Overcoming those challenges came down to perseverance, a relentless pursuit of quality, and building a network based on mutual respect and trust.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the power of collaboration. Working closely with clients and our network of dealers has shown me that the most beautiful creations often arise from a shared vision and open communication. It’s also taught me the importance of adaptability—the design world is constantly evolving, and staying open to new ideas and techniques is crucial.

What I want the world to know about byGemGirl is that we believe everyone deserves to own something truly special, regardless of their budget. Our extensive network of diamond and gem dealers, built over the years, allows us to source a remarkable range of stones, ensuring we can find the perfect centerpiece for any design and price point. We’re not just selling jewelry; we’re offering a personalized experience, a creative partnership where your ideas take center stage. We want to be known as the design concierge house that makes the extraordinary accessible, crafting unique stories, one bespoke piece at a time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Okay, bestie’s here! We’re kicking things off with Mambo Taxis and Tex-Mex at Mi Cocina in Highland Park Village. Next up: legendary biscuits for breakfast at Bubba’s in Snider Plaza, followed by some serious shopping at NorthPark Center. For a swanky vibe and drinks, we’ll hit Bistro 31 in Highland Park Village and later enjoy delicious sushi at Oishii. And for fantastic Mexican food in a great setting, we’ll head to Las Palmas in Uptown.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank my family and friends for believing in me and trusting me with their custom engagement rings. It’s been a pleasure and an honor to provide such a special and sentimental piece to those I’m closest to. Knowing that I’m creating something so meaningful for people I care about adds an extra layer of intention and love to my work. It’s not just a transaction; it’s a personal contribution to their happiness.

Shoutout to Jill Burgum with Heritage Auctions for encouraging me to expand my gem and jewelry knowledge.

Website: https://bygemgirl.com

Instagram: @jewelrybygemgirl

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bygemgirl

Other: TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@bygemgirl

Image Credits
Studio photos by Caroline Joy Concepts

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