Kim Rix GG GIA:
Expert Gemmologist & Ethical Gemstone Explorer

From Gemstone Tourist to Ethical Gemstone Detective: My Journey of Discovery

Every gemstone has a story, but not all of them are real. I learned this the hard way when I was sold a fake ruby on what should have been a dream vacation. That moment of betrayal changed everything—it sparked a mission to protect others from the same fate. But my journey didn’t start there.

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Before Gemstone Detective, I built a career in London’s corporate world, working as a Personal Assistant to board-level CEOs at firms like KPMG, Commerzbank, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. These roles taught me the importance of precision, organisation, and professionalism—skills that would later prove invaluable in my entrepreneurial ventures. Yet, I felt an undeniable pull toward something bigger—something of my own making.

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In 2002, that pull materialised as the SaVVy Club, an exclusive social events business that quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to networking and community building. The SaVVy Club caught the attention of Channel 4, leading to an opportunity to feature on Secret Millionaire. This recognition was a huge validation of the potential I had tapped into and reinforced my belief in the power of creating meaningful connections.

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A chance encounter with Duncan Bannatyne at a networking event further illuminated the path ahead. Not realising his stature at the time, our conversation over coffee led to an invitation to explore Dragons’ Den. It was a significant opportunity, but one I ultimately declined due to hesitation and feeling unprepared. Looking back, this moment taught me a crucial lesson about risk-taking and the importance of seizing opportunities, even when they seem daunting.

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Around the same time, a Silicon Valley angel investor saw promise in my venture. His belief in my vision was a turning point, affirming the global reach and scalability of my ideas. Although his untimely passing meant we couldn’t proceed, the experience emboldened me to pursue my dreams with renewed energy. It also reinforced the importance of having visionary partners and mentors who can help you see the bigger picture.

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Fast forward to 2016, and my journey took an unexpected turn. During a vacation in Egypt, I purchased what I believed to be a prized Burmese ruby—a gemstone I’d spent years learning about through self-study and jewellery television programs. But when I returned home, I discovered the devastating truth: the ruby was nothing more than glass. I felt a wave of emotions—embarrassment for trusting the seller, frustration at myself for thinking I knew better, and a deep sense of betrayal for believing it was real. It shook my confidence to the core. How could I have been so naïve?

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But that moment also lit a fire within me. I vowed that no one would ever take advantage of me like that again. I realised that if I wanted to truly master gemstones, I needed to stop relying on self-teaching and seek formal, professional training.

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At the age of 47, I made a bold decision to put my wedding photography business on hold and train full-time at the prestigious Gemmological Institute of America (GIA). Returning to the classroom was no small feat. The other students were younger, faster, and many already worked in the trade. But I was determined. I wasn’t there for a formality—I was there to truly master the craft. Seven months of intensive, full-time study later, I emerged not just with qualifications, but with a renewed sense of purpose.

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It was during this time at the GIA that I met Vincent Pardieu, a world-renowned field gemmologist who gave a talk about collecting rubies for research in Mozambique. His stories of travelling to mines, meeting miners, and working at the source ignited something in me. I knew immediately that my passion lay not in retail or a gem lab, but in exploring the world, uncovering the stories behind the gemstones, and connecting with the people who bring them to life. That evening, I very boldly shook his hand and told him that I wanted to travel with him.

Shortly after qualifying as a gemmologist, I had taken myself to Thailand to visit the mines in Chanthaburi, driven by a desire to see the source of these incredible gemstones. In May 2016, I found myself back in Thailand, this time as Vincent’s official photographer (and trainee field gemmologist), coincidentally revisiting the very same mines I had been to six months earlier. 

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To fund my venture, my husband and I re-mortgaged our house and I travelled the world solo, visiting mines, meeting miners, and documenting the stories behind the gemstones. The result? Eight published books in the ground-breaking Gemstone Detective travel series, a legacy project born from my mission to protect consumers from being ripped off on holiday. These books empower travellers and collectors to buy gemstones with confidence, offering practical advice and insider knowledge that can only come from first-hand experience.

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The results of my journey have been both humbling and rewarding. Gemstone Detective has been honoured with two prestigious awards: the LUXLife Travel & Tourism Award for Best Ethical Gemstone Tourism Enterprise 2025 and the LUXLife Perfect Gift Award for Best Bespoke Gemstone Sourcing Specialist 2025 in the UK. These accolades reflect my commitment to ethical practices and personalised service in the gemstone industry.

Beyond the awards, I’ve built a loyal community of gemstone enthusiasts and travellers, empowering them to navigate the often-intimidating world of gemstone buying with confidence and clarity.

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These experiences have shaped me into someone who values integrity, curiosity, and resilience above all else. I approach everything I do with authenticity, believing that transparency and truth are the cornerstones of trust. Life has taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability, and I’m driven by a desire to help others live their best lives, just as I strive to live mine.

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I’m not extraordinary—I’m just someone who saw a problem, took a risk, and committed to making a difference. Whether you’re a traveller, a collector, or simply someone navigating life’s challenges, my story is proof that it’s never too late to learn, grow, and make a difference. At 47, I returned to the classroom. At 48, I launched a global mission. And every step of the way, I’ve learned that resilience, curiosity, and integrity can take you further than you ever imagined.

My hope is that, through my work, I can inspire others to embrace their own journeys, live with purpose, and make the most of this incredible opportunity we’ve been given.