The risks of the jewelry trade are no longer a secret. In light of regular reports of severe human rights and environmental concerns across jewelry materials supply chains, how can an independent designer wade through the complex web of concerns, lack of information, and misinformation to ensure that the materials purchased are not complicit in such risks? Is it possible for an independent designer to produce jewelry that can actually benefit others? If so - what does it take? Since the inception of her business in 2017, designer Cate Claus of Thesis Gems strove to create beautifully made, responsible jewelry that benefits everyone along the supply chain fairly and protects the environment. Always interested in environmentalism, and as...

At Thesis, we specialize in one-of-a-kind jewelry handmade by master artisans. We’re honored to share our custom creations — and to help bring your very own dream design to life.  Our passion for beautiful, timeless jewelry is paralleled only by our passion for ethical labor and sustainable mining. We support best practices from source to sale. This combination of craftsmanship and transparent sourcing is what brings clients to work with us. Learn how you can create a unique and meaningful heirloom to last for generations with Thesis.   (Gold Pebble Pendant with beach pebble, 18 karat reclaimed gold and Canadian diamonds) The Thesis Difference When you create a piece of jewelry with Thesis, you know who is crafting your design...

The art of gem cutting and polishing is called lapidary, and the artist doing the cutting and polishing is also called a lapidary or lapidarist. 

Behind every piece of beautifully handcrafted gold jewelry, there are hours of patient, precise work by a goldsmith. Delicate designs are forged with hammers, saws, files, blowtorches, anvils, and more. And these tools must be wielded with exceptional skill honed through years of practice.

While you can learn about your jewelry’s origins from the comfort of your home, I encourage you to embrace every opportunity to travel straight to the source. More precious than the gems and jewelry we collect are the people and places that they represent. Discovering them first-hand will add layers of meaning to your own collection. To inspire your journey, here are four awe-inspiring travel destinations where gems are ethically mined and produced.

 Radiant emeralds have been sought-after for thousands of years, and Colombian emeralds have the richest provenance. While collectors value the clarity of these verdant jewels, emerald mining practices have been less than transparent. Thankfully, IEEX Emeralds is raising the bar for transparency in the industry with emeralds from Colombia’s most legendary mines.  The Finest Emeralds in the World Colombia’s unique geology is said to create the finest emeralds on earth. Indeed, IEEX emeralds owe their superior color and clarity to the unique qualities of the famous Muzo and Chivor mines in Boyaca, Colombia. Unlike other emeralds that are found in solidified magma, Colombian emeralds form in sedimentary rock. Extreme pressure from tectonic activity turns beryllium, chromium, and vanadium in the...

Thesis Gems is proud to become a member of Ethical Metalsmiths, continuing our journey toward social and environmental responsibility and joining a vibrant community of professionals who sharpen one another.

I am beyond proud to share that Thesis Gems and Jewelry has been awarded the Butterfly Mark by Positive Luxury for our core commitment to sustainability. This means you’ll now see the trademark butterfly on our website — an interactive “trust mark” you can click on for a more in-depth look at how we practice.

Uncommon gem styles are gaining popularity as collectors seek to express themselves in more diverse and creative ways.

The term pleochroism comes from the Greek words "pleo," meaning many, and "chros," meaning color. These enigmatic stones are the chameleons of the mineral world and can display prominent shifts in color when viewed from different directions.