Gem + Jewel

Gem + Jewel’s marketplace serves jewelry retailers+wholesalers by listing their inventory online, in some cases for the first time, selling direct to consumers

  • Stage Full Product Ready
  • Industry Retailing / Distribution
  • Location Lexington, KY, US
  • Currency USD
  • Founded October 2018
  • Employees 5
  • Incorporation Type C-corp
  • Website gemandjewel.com

Company Summary

Roughly nine out of ten wholesalers and 77% of independent jewelry retailers do not have an eCommerce presence. The industry relies on foot traffic and not eCommerce sales have leftover $63 billion dollars worth of inventory sitting on shelves without a way for consumers to purchase. While COVID has accelerated the sense of urgency, the problem has existed for decades. We have achieved $55,000 in GMV while in stealth mode with $200M onboarded.

Team

  • Shelia Bayes
    CEO

    Shelia started working in the jewelry industry at 17, opened her own store at 27, and has had a successful brick and mortar business for the past 27 years. Was chosen by Harper's Bazaar magazine one of the top 100 jewelers in America. Shelia Bayes Fine Jewelers holds the record for the most Rolex watches sold at any event worldwide.

  • Emre Ozandac
    CTO

    Emre came to the US at age 16 for college. He has worked for Microsoft, Facebook, and was the lead developer at V2 which was purchased by Juul for $75 million in 2018.

  • Shana Bell
    CGO

    Shana has spent 23 plus years in senior leadership roles on the wholesale side of the industry working with companies such as Roberto Coin and Gemvara.

Advisors

  • Joel Schechter
    Unconfirmed
    Steven Kaiser
    Unconfirmed
    Andrew Block

Previous Investors

  • Crinda Franke
    Unconfirmed
    Candace Jones
    Unconfirmed
    Nicole Pieratt
    Unconfirmed
  • Nalise Baker
    Unconfirmed
    Joe Minor
    Unconfirmed
    Dan M. Rose
  • Cheryl Nelson
    Unconfirmed
    Samantha Carr
    Brent Clark
  • Rick Clark
    Unconfirmed

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