Fashion Merchandising major Izzy Rios, '21 launched her own affordable luxury jewelry line.
Q. Tell us about your new business.
A. The brand is called Gemini Jewelers (Instagram: @gemini_jewelers_co). I founded it with a partner, Daniel DeMicco, who goes to Rutgers-Newark. We officially launched this November. Our portfolio ranges from more subtle everyday chains to the bigger flexes. Being that our brand is Gemini, just about every piece has a “twin” – a corresponding bracelet or chain, or vice-versa. All of our pieces are branded with the company insignia and come with custom jewelry boxes. There’s also an emphasis on quality, as I myself am sensitive to what jewelry I can wear.
Q. Who is your target customer?
A. Technically, our target market is the 18-35 age group, but really our customer can be someone of any age who’s interested in affordable luxury jewelry.
Q. How is sustainability a part of your business?
A. We use moissanite gemstones in our pieces. Those are lab-created – not “blood diamonds.” We will be adding quite a few more moissanite pieces in the near future.
Q. How does your experience at LIM connect with your new business?
A. I actually won a scholarship last semester for creating a sustainable business plan for Charles & Colvard, a jewelry company that specializes in moissanite. I was part of a team of students in the Sustainability and the Future of Fashion course. As part of the competition, we got to present our ideas to a representative from the Accessories Council and someone from Charles & Colvard.
