SHELLY SERGENT

Shelly Sergent has spent more than 30 years in the jewelry industry. Starting at age 16 as a holiday season gift-wrapper for Zales Jewelers, Shelly quickly discovered her passion for fine gems, design and first-class client services. She learned the business of the jewelry industry climbing the ranks from gift-wrapper to sales, service, philanthropy and eventually management. She came to understand the study of fine gems, jewelry-making and how to recognize the finishing details that distinguish expertly crafted jewelry.

Shelly worked hard to establish herself as an industry “go-to person” for fine, rare-colored gems and design. She has had the privilege of working with some of today's top design houses and is grateful for the mentoring, time and shared passion she’s enjoyed from brokers, designers and collectors around the world.

Shelly’s philosophy has proven tried and true over the years: to build, nurture and maintain long-standing relationships with clients and suppliers by being honest and transparent in all aspects of doing business. Shelly understands that making a sale isn’t always the pinnacle of her work, but that understanding each person’s needs will bring success, fun and a sharing of the intimate nature of the jewelry world.

Fast forward to today…Shelly has the amazing job of lead curator for a world-class gem and jewelry collection, Somewhere In The Rainbow. The mission of Somewhere In The Rainbow is to bring hands-on education, understanding and appreciation of fine colored gems and artisan-crafted jewelry to museums, retail stores and educational facilities. These groups are dedicated to enjoying and appreciating the rarity, beauty and value of these gems and the work of master artisans.

Shelly has presented and exhibited in places such as The Smithsonian Natural History Museum as well as many other Smithsonian affiliate museums and multiple gemological events for gemologists and appraisers. She has been a presenter for the 100 Year Celebration of Gem-A in London. She is a regular education specialist for JTV and a popular presenter for GIA/AGS Alumni Guilds. She serves on the University of Arizona Board Of Directors for Geosciences and is a founding member of the new Tucson Gem and Mineral Museum, slated to open late autumn, 2020. Shelly and Somewhere In The Rainbow are members of AGTA, AGS, WJA, Gem-A of Great Britain and JSA.