SAMUEL History
SAMUEL was founded by GIA Graduate Gemologist Jason Perry and formally launched in 2013. Our mission is to help you create and celebrate precious memories through the art and inspiration of jewelry design. Our services are backed by more than 15 years of experience in sales, management, buying, appraising, and custom design with some of the jewelry industry's most successful and well known companies.
A few words about our founder…
People often ask, “How did you get into this business?” To which he replies, “I’ve always had a passion and talent for fine arts and and an eye for design. I realized I could use it in a very practical way when I got my first major job in sales at a retail jewelry store during college.”
The experience of shopping for an engagement ring for his own fiance, sparked Jason’s curiosity about what it would be like to work in a jewelry store…so he decided to apply for a sales position in a local mall jewelry store and find out. Continuing in retail sales for several years, he became interested in the appraisal side of the business when his grandmother, who was an antique dealer, furniture restorer and former jewelry business owner, left behind her jewelry collection. As his family sorted through the items, there was an obvious need to accurately identify the gemstones, separate the fine jewelry from the costume jewelry and figure out the value of it all. It was at this point that Jason understood the importance of properly identifying, describing, and documenting the value of family heirlooms and personal property, particularly gems and jewelry, for insurance, division and transfer of estate.
With a desire to serve the needs of others in similar situations as his family had been, he embarked on a journey to learn and build the skills necessary to do so professionally. Additionally, during his time in retail sales, Jason attended the Gemological Institute of America in Manhattan, New York City, eventually receiving the prestigious Graduate Gemologist diploma, as well as several other credentials, which form the foundation of his professional skill set.
Jason formally began appraising while working as an assistant manager of a gold buying franchise. He later continued appraising as part of a national appraisal firm, traveling and working in territories as diverse as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Washington D.C., Minnesota, North Dakota, Colorado, North Carolina and Georgia. In 2019, Jason achieved Certified Member status in the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.
Around the same time he began appraising professionally, Jason was contacted by a family member and asked to assist with the design an custom engagement ring. It was the summer of 2012. While he had assisted with designing pieces as a retail sales rep and store manager, this would be the first custom design project he completed from start to finish independently. The project was a success…and the rest is history. He combined his expertise in design, manufacturing, buying and appraising to form a unique concierge boutique that has served clients since 2013. Recognizing an opportunity to meet a need in the area’s marketplace, he decided to relocate and base SAMUEL, his jewelry design firm, in Gwinnett County, Georgia in 2017.
Knowledge, experience, integrity, personalized service and attention to detail are why clients choose SAMUEL to assist with making informed jewelry purchases and provide appraisal expertise. We look forward to becoming part of your story as we seek to advise, serve and inspire you through jewelry arts. Thank you for taking the time to visit us.
