b'20 UNDER 40 Q&AQ4: IF YOUR PERSONALITY WAS A GEMSTONE, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?BEAU MAVILLE ALYSA TEICHMANDUTILLES JEWELRYYLANG 23DESIGN STUDIO I would definitely be an opal; they are so If I were a gemstone, I would be abeautifully complex. You never really know zircon. Its wide range of colors com- what youre going to get when you cut intoplements my brown hair, red beard,the stone. and blue eyes. On a more serious note, Ive always been fascinated by the variety and brilliance of zircon. Similarly, my personality harmonizes well with a diverse array of people. PAULA GRACIABEN BRIDGE JEWELERA Colombian emerald. Im energetic and optimis-tic, always ready to grow and learn. When life gets WILLIAM JONES IV crazy, I strive to be a calming presence. My passion SISSYS LOG CABIN for learning and self-improvement is like the emer-Jade, able to be polished and faceted into aalds vibrant green glow. And just as emeralds are rare beautiful gem but the toughest of them all. and precious, I aim to be a unique and valuable friend and colleague, making a real difference in the lives of those I care about. Emeralds are a reminder that growth and renewal are always possible, and thats a philosophy I try to live by every day.AMELIA TUTTLEDAYS JEWELERSPer my friend Larkin, moonstone.ILSA HEINICKE HUSCHERThis luminous gemstone reveals layerBORSHEIMSafter layer the longer you spend withMoonstone. People have told me I seem cool it, shifting and shimmering in light toand collected, which I always find surprising and reveal new colors and depth. hilarious. While I am usually reserved and calm, theres a lot going on under the surface. VIVIANA LANGHOFF, ADORNMENT + THEORYIf my personality were a gemstone, it would be citrine. Its warm, inviting honey color beautifully complements darker skin tones, bringing a touch of radiant elegance. Citrine often goes unnoticed in contemporary designs, yet I find it stunning and endlessly versatile, much like how I approach my craft. This captivating gem is the centerpiece of my latest collection, Dia, reflecting its association with attracting abundance and wealth. It perfectly symbolizes my creative spirit, consistently bringing a refined and positive energy to all my designs.JANINA MESSERLIAN, BAXTERS FINE JEWELRYAs I am sure most people would say, I would be a diamond, but my reason why, I like to think, is different. I would be a diamond because it is one of the most versatile gemstones available. In my role at work, I am put into many different positions and have to adapt to what that role needs; diamonds are no different. They are used in machinery, mass-produced jewelry, specialty custom pieces, everyday wearable items and so much more. Each diamond may be the same but they are serving a different purpose in each piece they adorn. So, while I am the same person in each scenario I am put into, I am able to adapt to what is most needed in that moment.72 RETAILER HALL OF FAME 2024'