"I’ve always had an interest in beautiful things, thanks to my mother, a professional artist, and my father, a lifelong collector of gems, minerals, and other exotic treasures from around the world.

I received a Bachelors degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management at Northern Arizona University and worked for a time at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, but I knew there was more out there for me. That’s why I jumped at the chance to travel to Nairobi and learn the tanzanite business there, learning everything I could about gems and laying the groundwork for my true life’s work.

I moved to San Francisco and formed Kindy African Gemstone Company in 1995, changing the name to Collins & Collins Fine Colored Gemstones when I went into partnership with my then-husband. But the best was yet to come.

After broadening my horizons still further with eye-opening trips to Bangkok and Sri Lanka, I decided to go independent."

"In 2008, I opened Kimberly Collins Colored Gems, featuring a continually expanding inventory and adding a finished colored-stone jewelry line.

I consider it a great privilege to be able to share my expertise, attention to detail, and my dedication with jewelers. I strive to provide them with the very finest in colored gems. I hope you’ll create your next masterpieces with stunning gemstones from Kimberly Collins Colored Gems."