Celebrating Women’s Day: Female Leadership in the Gem and Jewelry Industry

Globally, International Women’s Day is a celebration of monumental significance. It’s a day dedicated to honoring the advancements women have achieved across all domains. We pay tribute not only to the progress made but also to the courageous and determined women who have paved the way for the liberties and opportunities that today’s women relish and will continue to cherish in times to come. On this day, women’s accomplishments are celebrated irrespective of race, language, ethnicity, or culture.

In every industry, women are excelling in diverse roles. From the professional sphere to domestic life, each role holds equal importance and merit, be it that of a working woman or a homemaker.

Women’s Emerging Leadership in Gems and Jewelry

A notable shift is occurring in the Gems and Jewelry industry, with women emerging as leaders. Although this sector has been predominantly male-dominated, and to some extent continues to be, the landscape is changing. This change is partly due to organizations like the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA), established to unite women and elevate their presence in the gem and jewelry trade.

The Women’s Jewelry Association epitomizes empowerment and support for women within the gem and jewelry sector. It provides various resources to assist women at various stages of their professional journey. They include educational programs offering insights into the latest industry trends and technologies, networking events for connection with peers and leaders, and mentorship initiatives enabling seasoned professionals to guide those newly entering the field. Furthermore, WJA is a staunch advocate for gender equality in the workplace and fervently supports acknowledging women’s contributions within the industry. Their efforts are pivotal in dismantling barriers and fostering a more inclusive and diverse professional environment.

The Global Colored Gemstones Market is anticipated to reach US$ 4.6 billion, growing at a CAGR of 11.6% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2033, according to Future Market Insights, Inc. This growth is particularly significant given that the industry relies heavily on products primarily intended for women. Jewelry pieces, from earrings to rings, bracelets, and necklaces, are predominantly utilized by women and designed to appeal to female aesthetics.

Women form the primary consumer base for these items. Jewelry Market Statistics (2023) indicate that women accounted for 56% of jewelry purchasers, underscoring their pivotal role in the industry as a purchasing force. This effectively means that Women are buying their own Jewelry as opposed to the traditional format of Men buying it for them. It’s clear that without women, the industry would face a significant reduction in its clientele. Therefore, the presence of women in leadership positions within the industry is not just important but crucial for a deeper understanding of the primary market. Their involvement is key to driving further enhancements and growth in the industry.

Highlighting Women’s Voices in the Industry

“Mrs. Ashoo Sinchawla is a Director at Sant Enterprises, established in 1963 in Bangkok, Thailand. Over the years, SANT has developed a solid reputation as trustworthy in the supply of Rubies and Sapphires with clients from all over the world. Ashoo is also the ICA Ambassador to Thailand since 2023.

“As a women entrepreneur in this Industry, I have encountered both tremendous opportunities and challenges. On one hand, being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry has allowed me to stand out and bring a fresh perspective to the business.

I had to work hard to prove my expertise and gain the trust of suppliers and customers. This involved attending gemstone seminars, continuously learning about new trends and developments in the industry, and networking with industry professionals.

Despite the challenges, being a women entrepreneur in this industry has also come with its advantages. I have found that female customers often feel more comfortable working with me, as they appreciate having a female perspective when making purchasing decisions. This has helped me attract and retain a loyal customer base, as they trust my taste and expertise.

Moreover, being a woman in this industry has allowed me to bring a more holistic approach to the business. I prioritize ethical sourcing, fair labor practices, and sustainable mining practices. I firmly believe that these factors contribute to the overall value of gemstones and attract customers who are conscious consumers.”

Zoe Michelou is a Graduate gemmologist and second-generation owner of Imperial Colors. She has 10 Years of experience in the Gemstone industry. Her expertise lies in emeralds, tourmalines, garnets, spinels, and heated and unheated sapphires. Here, she discusses a few challenges she faced working as a woman in the industry.

My journey in the gemstone industry began with a strong foundation from my father, who specialized in Colombian emeralds for 42 years. After completing my gemology studies in Thailand, I joined forces with him, steering our focus towards Pakistani emeralds, especially small calibrated sizes from Swat.

Being the only woman in my family to venture into this business, I have made my way through an industry filled with both challenges and possibilities regarding gender biases, particularly in gem-producing countries like Pakistan and Nigeria. My role often involves challenging traditional cultural norms and proving my worth in this field. Despite these obstacles, I remain deeply committed to reshaping perceptions and advocating for greater female representation in our industry.

I’m part of a small group of women who took the initiative to establish a Thailand chapter for WJA (Women’s Jewelry Association), originally an American association. Our goal in forming WJA Thailand was to empower women in the gemstone field. Together with other women in the association, I have been involved in initiating meetings for this women’s jewelry association in Thailand, which serves the broader Asian region.

This network we’ve created is a collective effort to unite women across the industry. It provides a vital platform for sharing resources and client connections and offering mutual support. Establishing this network marks a critical step in supporting women in a field where they have historically been underrepresented, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment in the gemstone industry.

I am witnessing a gradual shift in the industry, with more women gaining decision-making power, even in traditional, male-dominated companies. This change is not merely about modernization; it’s about creating a more inclusive and diverse future for women in the gemstone and jewelry industry. My story reflects the industry’s ongoing evolution, highlighting women’s increasing influence and essential role in shaping its future.

Sneha Sukhadia is currently supporting the opertaional running of Sukhadia Stones Co Ltd. Sukhadia Stone specialises in calibrated and single precious stones, specifically Rubies and Sapphires.

I have been incredibly lucky to be given a space and platform to work in this industry. However, it has not always been a smooth ride. I personally have witnessed a lot of gender inequality in the industry. I think there’s a lot of room for growth, particularly with empowering women in decision-making roles across the board, from sourcing to manufacturing and selling, that will help advance the industry further. With a growing number of women now entering this field, I see a wealth of talent and skill that is often unrecognized or undervalued. With the right support and the push for gender equality, I am certain we can drive the industry to greater success.

Amira W Hatta Parsons is an Operations Manager at ICA |Gemlab Thailand HQ. ICA | Gemlab specializes in gemstone authentication, certification, and research. She has a background in GG and Jewelry design. Amira is a Member of the ICA, WJA, AGA and TGJTA.

Our lab is proud to have a team composition of 70% women, Our lab stands out for its female representation. It’s a source of pride for us and a step towards a more inclusive future in the gemological field, where women’s contributions are valued and recognized just as much as men’s. we’ve found strength and harmony in our diversity.
Our commitment at ICA Gemlab extends beyond just gender balance. We focus on providing transparent and accurate results to all our clients, understanding the significant impact of our work on the end-users, whether men or women. While most of the end consumers of jewelry are women, in doing so, we feel a sense of solidarity and support among women in the industry.

In my role, I’ve interacted with various clients, an experience that has taught me to maintain my perspective gracefully and share my knowledge to enhance clients’ understanding of gemstones scientifically across any gender. This approach has been pivotal in shaping my leadership and team dynamics.
I believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration. I see myself not just as a leader but as a team member, working with my colleagues. We support each other, learn from one another, and grow together.

International Women’s Day is a pivotal occasion to honor and appreciate the diverse and significant contributions of women. In the Gem and Jewelry industry, Women have not only been the primary clientele, driving the industry forward, but they have also risen as innovators and leaders. Their journey, marked by overcoming historical challenges and establishing new pathways, has been instrumental in shaping the industry’s evolution. This Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of all women, acknowledging the significance of their roles in various sectors, from leadership to gemology, design, and marketing. Their diverse choices and lifestyles enrich the industry, bringing indispensable perspectives and skills crucial for continuous growth and innovation. Hearing from women in the industry provides us with a closer look into the possibilities for advancement and growth.