Meet Catherine Cason of Gem Breakfast in San Francisco

Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Cason.

Catherine, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Gem Breakfast started before it even had a name! In May of 2017, we launched a small collection with ten designers and ten rings around $3,000. It was a success! We sold almost all of the rings in record time, mainly through Instagram. All of a sudden we were shipping diamond rings off to far-off places like Singapore and a whole new world opened up. I realized there was something here — and Gem Breakfast was officially born a few months later.

It has been a wonderful but challenging journey, but I think the key to success has been baby steps. I started with ten rings, then I opened the shop and got a few more pieces. Once the shop was live, I sourced a few more, then a year later I started the custom business. It’s a snowball that moves at its own pace, but it results in growth over time. That growth – and seeing where we are today – gives us the confidence to take risks on the next phase of our business.

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?
As with any business, there’s anxiety about where to put your resources and focus next. Hindsight is 20/20 but I’m very lucky Gem Breakfast has really resonated with our clients and fans. I my mind that has been the key ingredient to our success. We’ve been able to form a direct connection with people on social media and, as a result, our tribe has helped guide our business every step of the way. We’re able to focus on listening to what they want and delivering it.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Gem Breakfast story. Tell us more about the business.
Gem Breakfast is the only destination to shop emerging and alternative fine jewelry designers online. We are known as a leading retailer of the unique, the rare, and the fun! We specialize in one-of-a-kind salt & pepper and champagne diamonds, and fun cuts like rose cuts or hexagons. All of our products are ethically sourced and independently made for superior design and quality.

Unlike big chains that mass produce bridal styles, we also believe that your ring should be totally unique. We deliver that by offering fully-custom designs tailored to your specific needs. Finally, we have fun along the way! We like to say “Eat Diamonds,” which is our cheeky little motto to make fine jewelry fun and not stuffy like the old chains.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I make my own luck through working hard, putting myself out there, and not being afraid to fail.

Contact Info:

• Website: gembreakfast.com
• Phone: 4152506695
• Email: Catherine@gembreakfast.com
• Instagram: @gembreakfast
• Facebook: @gembreakfast

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.