Welcome, fellow gem enthusiast!

My Story

My entrepreneurial life began while I was still working full-time in London's corporate jungle, where I honed my skills as a Personal Assistant to top CEOs at places like KPMG, PwC, and Commerzbank. In 2002, I launched the SaVVy Club, an exclusive social events business that quickly caught the attention of Channel 4, who wanted to feature it on Secret Millionaire.

​

I also attracted the interest of an angel investor from Silicon Valley, eager to mentor me, confirming the potential I had tapped into. During this time, I had a chance meeting with Duncan Bannatyne at a networking event, not realizing at the time who he was. He showed interest in becoming a member of the SaVVy Club and invited me for coffee. Little did I know, his suggestion to apply for Dragons' Den was a significant opportunity. Unaware of the magnitude, I declined, thinking I wasn't ready for that kind of spotlight. Reflecting on it now, it was a moment that taught me valuable lessons about risk-taking and growth.

​

Not long afterwards, I married Steven, and left the corporate world to work full time on my business.

​

From organising events to photographing them. In 2010 I started a photography business which allowed me to work with renowned charities, such as NSPCC and Breast Cancer Care, and achieve a career highlight by capturing the Tour de France (with my images earned a coveted spot on the front page of our local newspaper). I also had the privilege of photographing the International Women's Forum Global Conference in Israel, where I had the honour of taking portraits of some of the world’s most successful women.

​

Now, I am an internationally published author and have a successful travel business which combines all my passions: gemstones, travel and photography! Last year, I was quoted by the BBC in the run up to the King’s Coronation.

​

This journey arguably began way back in 1976 when I had the privilege of meeting Princess Alexandra at the premiere of Jaws in Leicester Square, where I represented the Independent Adoption Society. She bent down to me so that I could whisper in her ear: "Why aren't you wearing your crown?" While I can't recall her exact response, I vividly remember feeling disappointed. After all, don’t all princesses wear crowns?

​

As a teenager, jewellery gifts brought back by my grandparents on their exotic travels encouraged my love for all things sparkly. In my late thirties, jewellery shopping grew into an expensive, secret addiction. Until a vacation in Egypt when I purchased a flawless red gemstone, said to be a natural Burmese ruby, only to later discover it was glass.

​

I turned to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) for training in gemmology. By 2016, I had learned the skills to identify gemstones and qualified as a gemmologist.

​

So I wrote a series of travel guidebooks called Gemstone Detective that aims to protect other enthusiasts from scams and expensive mistakes. Reader feedback was overwhelming, and an increasing number of readers started asking me to take them along on my travels, so I expanded the business to offer Gemstone Tours. In 2020, I took my first group of clients to Mogok, Burma (Myanmar), known as the "Valley of Rubies," to experience the gem trade first-hand.

​

I've had my share of struggles along the way. The journey of constant reinvention, from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, was far from smooth. Adapting to change demanded resilience and courage, especially when faced with scepticism from loved ones who questioned my career choices. Self-doubt was a frequent companion.

​

In each instance, starting a new business presented significant financial challenges. From the outset with Savvy Club, I chose to invest my savings, foregoing a salary and the security of a pension. This approach continues to be my strategy today, driven by a commitment to growth and passion.

​

Also, the experience of discovering my souvenir from Egypt was merely glass shattered more than just my expectations—it shook me to my core. Suddenly, I doubted my every decision, and I found myself questioning not just the intentions of others, but my ability to make sound choices. In the world of gemstones, this caution was both a challenge and a motivator, propelling me toward seeking knowledge and truth. I refused to be misled again.

​

This lesson resulted in the creation of Gemstone Detective. Motivated by my own experience, I was determined to empower others with knowledge, helping them navigate the complexities of gemstone purchases with confidence and clarity. Gemstone Detective became more than a guidebook series—it is a mission to transform fear and mistrust into informed decision-making and trust, equipping enthusiasts with the skills to discern authenticity.

​

Through this effort, I not only regained my ability to trust and make sound judgments, but also created a legacy that empowers others. I wanted to make sure people wouldn’t have to face the same doubts and mistakes that I did.

​

My journey with Gemstone Detective is all about trust, honesty, and doing what's right. I believe in clear and ethical ways of buying and selling gems. Many jewellers have read and enjoyed my books, often saying they've learned something new. However, they are reluctant to recommend my books because they prefer customers to purchase gemstones through them. By helping people buy gemstones on their own, the books inadvertently affect their business. But that's exactly the point—anyone can do this with some proper guidance. Working with me, means you're embracing integrity and getting truthful advice. You're ensuring that your gemstone purchase is well-informed and ethically sourced.

​

This belief is at the heart of everything I do, driving me to make a positive difference in the gem and travel industry. For me, it’s not just a job; it’s a true passion—an unyielding love for gemstones and the joy of helping others discover their perfect holiday souvenirs.