The sparkle-loving designer, gem dealer, and AGTA board president on her colorful career
We admit: Asking Kimberly Collins to name her favorite gemstone is unfair. “That’s like being asked to pick a favorite child!” But since she’s been in the gem and jewelry biz for nearly 30 years, we couldn’t resist. “All jokes aside, I am a refraction junkie,” she says. “So, naturally, spinel, and all fancy sapphires, garnets—oh, and zircon! I can’t pick one; I love them all!” Whatever gem is your favorite, you’ll find it when you visit Collins’ booth at the AGTA GemFair Las Vegas during the JCK show, May 30–June 3 in the Venetian.
Age: 53
Years in the biz: This November will be 29.… I can’t believe it!
Employees you oversee: Two in the office plus one sales rep.
Family and pets: Proud mom of two sons, Brady, 23, and Preston, 19; two dogs, Frisco, a white Lab, and Poncho, a Chiweenie; and an amazing boyfriend that serves as a dad to my sons.
Describe your personal style: If we are talking home, I love that slightly modern mountain-chic look…using stone, wood, and bougie accents. For my wardrobe/jewels: chic, colorful, and coordinated.
Piece of jewelry you’re most proud of: I received a heart-shape emerald pendant for Christmas. Both of my boys as well as my boyfriend are May babies within one week of each other. It’s all three of my loves in one necklace.
Most underrated gemstone: Garnet. The colors are so poppy and diverse. It’s durable and brilliant.
Best advice you ever received: Listen to the people telling you “You can’t,” “You won’t,” “You shouldn’t,” and let it fuel your fire because “You can,” “You will,” and “You should.”
Worst advice: Unsolicited by a competitor in response to my Instagram. “Yeah, I wouldn’t waste my/your time on social media—it’s dying.” That person started his Insta a few months later. Here I am, closing in on 25K organic followers. Yeah, it’s dying, dude.
How did you get started? We had a family friend in Nairobi, Kenya, who mentored me and allowed me to live with his family to learn the East African gem trade.
Jewelry you’re wearing right now: Emerald pinky Hug ring from my line (emeralds for both of my May babies); my girl-power Crown thumb ring by my amazing friend Erica Courtney; a nice big Yumdrop ring stack from my line with emerald, yellow sapphire, and gray spinel with a diamond infinity band for a little extra bling; three gold bangle bracelets; a diamond ear cuff; stick earrings and emerald heart studs; emerald heart necklace.
On your playlist: “Tennessee Whiskey,” Chris Stapleton; “Stone in Love,” Journey; Songbird, Eva Cassidy; “Amber,” 311.
Exercise regimen: Lots of walking and hiking, skiing, and yoga.
Drink (daytime/evening): Daytime: loads of water, one green tea, one coffee. Evening: water (if I am being good), wine/bubbly, vodka soda, or a Manhattan.
Favorite movie: I can’t decide between When Harry Met Sally, The Godfather, and Love Actually.
Who would play you in your life story? I had my sons help. One said Margot Robbie; the other said Jennifer Aniston.
Top: Kimberly Collins Yumdrop rings, available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors
(Journey: Richard E. Aaron/Redferns/Getty; Robbie: Steve Granitz/FilmMagic/Getty; The Godfather: Everett Collection)
