April 10, 2017

Meet Gina Amir of Gina Amir Atelier in West Hollywood

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Amir.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a little girl growing up in Germany, I was always fascinated by beautiful precious stones. My passion for jewelry began when I discovered my grandmother’s extensive jewelry collection. Deep blue sapphire and rich green emeralds all captured my heart. The idea of designing my own pieces intrigued me and that’s when my jewelry design dream was born. I began wire-wrapping my own jewelry before I was out of grade school. Before long, I was traveling all over Europe attending numerous trade shows, showcasing my designs. Doing so gave me the opportunity to build strong business relationships with major players in the industry. All of this led to my decision to open my first retail store in Cologne, Germany at the age of 19.

I eventually moved to the states to expand my career in the industry. For years, I worked as a private jeweler to housewives and celebrities alike. After meeting my fiancée in the trade, I decided to team up with him to create my L.A. brand, Gina Amir Atelier. From being a registered gemologist and experienced designer to his great standing reputation in the diamond trade and jewelry manufacturing to everything in between, together we make an incredibly well rounded team.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Being a young woman in my industry has had its obstacles. Most people are born into the trade, typically 2nd or 3rd generation jewelers. For me, it was more like jumping into the Pacific, not knowing what’s to come or what to expect but I dove in anyway. Furthermore, in this respect driven, male-dominated industry, you start on a different level as a woman. You must prove yourself to earn respect, each and every day you have to get up and prove yourself. Great victories are not achieved easily. To answer the question, it has not been a smooth road and for that I must say, I am very thankful. I have been pushed to my limits and tumbled around, but each time I get to see how strong I actually am and it propels me forward.

So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Gina Amir Atelier story. Tell us more about the business.
At Gina Amir Atelier, our showroom is filled with fine fashion jewelry, to diamond engagement rings, all the way to red carpet style masterpieces. We are really a “one-stop-shop” for all jewelry needs from ready gifts, to repairs, to design, and even luxury watches. Specializing in custom design, it’s definitely what we are known for. We excel in creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces from scratch. Starting from a design session sketch, to a computer graphic, to a 3D model for you to try on, all the way to the finished product you wear. I love being able to work with my clients from start to finish, giving them the opportunity to completely tailor the piece to their exact desire. This not only ignites their excitement but also builds trust, which is essential when purchasing fine jewelry.

On top of the custom work, utilizing our strong, unique business relationships built over the years, we are able to put hands on some of the world’s most rare and high quality diamonds and gems. To match our impeccable workmanship and dedication to high quality materials, I place great value on providing genuine customer service. We focus on each client’s needs, like helping a nervous bachelor understand a little more about the diamond he is about to purchase or shipping a bride her bridal jewelry to the location hotel after last minute alterations. Each client is individually important to us and we go above and beyond to show it. I am proud to provide our clients with a high-end, luxury diamond buying experience and treat them like they matter all while not robbing them blind in the process. I believe everyone deserves to wear beautiful jewelry and I love being able to provide that opportunity. This competitive pricing and hospitality are what really set us apart from a normal jewelry store.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I think luck has always played a big role in my business life, simply because I believe timing is essential. Being at the right place at the right time is the luck, but what you do from there is on you. How you handle these kinds of opportunities are the breaking point where you can make your luck work for you or against you.

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