IJL 2018 saw the launch of the first ever Jewellery Blog Awards, designed to celebrate social media influencers and their important contribution to the jewellery industry. We caught up recently with the winner of the ‘Social Influencer based outside of the UK’ award, the fabulous Danielle Miele founder of Gem Gossip.
Danielle’s jewellery industry journey began over 10 years ago when she left her hometown in Western New York and moved to Tennessee. Her love and appreciation for antique collections is evident in her work as you follow her on trips around the globe, combing through flea markets or exploring jewellery stores across America in order to find a piece of jewellery that catches her eye.
Our judges loved Danielle’s work and the beautiful imagery used on her page – make sure to check it our for yourself, it is truly stunning.
How did you get started in the jewellery industry?
I’ve always had a love for jewelry. In July of 2008, I moved 11 hours away from where I grew up and didn’t have a job lined up, no car and knew no one! I had lots of free time on my hands for the first time in my entire life. That’s when I began to explore jewelry and started to learn all that I could about it. I started my blog Gem Gossip and would write about everything I was learning on there and hoped to connect with other people who also love jewelry. I continued to put out content and my blog slowly but surely grew from there!
What made you want to write about jewellery?
Jewelry is the one thing that I’ve always loved throughout my life. I think I was born loving jewelry! Back when I started my blog, only a few people had success in this realm and it was mostly females who would document their daily outfits and talk about fashion. There wasn’t a blog out there yet that did the same but with jewelry only. That helped motivate me to fill that void.
Who is your favourite designer/brand?
There are so many that I love, it would be way too hard just to choose a few. I mostly wear vintage and antique jewelry!
What are your trend predictions for 2019?
I think bold jewelry is still going to be strong for 2019 — I don’t think we are ready to go back to dainty anytime soon. I also like a “themed” ensemble, and what I mean by this is an entire look with something in common — like an all-gold look, or an all-opal look. Necklace layering will also still be a favorite trend next year!
What is on your Christmas list?
I have a few loose gemstones that I got earlier this year at the Tucson Gem Show that I haven’t done anything with — so I’d love to finally make them into something! If not that, then I really have my eye on an opal pendant from Rachel Atherley.
Which celebrity would you like to style?
Living in Nashville, TN there are actually a lot of red carpet events for the country music industry. I would love to style Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town or Lennon Stella.
Which is your most treasured piece of jewellery in your jewellery box?
Probably my engagement ring and my grandparents’ wedding bands from their wedding in Italy in 1956. I ended up choosing the same wedding date as my grandparents (October 21st) to honor them and their love story of over 55 years of marriage.
Who has been your greatest inspiration and why?
I would say the community of jewelry collectors I’ve connected with over the past several years over on Instagram — these people inspire me every day and keep me motivated to do what I do. We love sharing our latest finds with one another and showing off our collections, and because of this I think we’ve all become discerning collectors. It is so fun to connect with people that like the same things as you do, which was the whole reason why I started in the first place.
What is your favourite memory during your time as a jewellery blogger/social media influencer?
I’ve made so many incredible memories over the last ten years! It is so heart-warming to think back on everything. I would say the entirety of my Jewelry Road Trip project is my favorite memory — every trip, every store or designer I visited, every photo I took…it is a lot of hard work but it is a level of proud that I’ve never felt before.
When did your love of jewellery begin?
I’m pretty sure I was born loving jewelry. I have a photo of myself around 2 years old playing in my mom and dad’s jewelry box — I’m wearing all my dad’s gold chains and I can still vividly remember that moment!
What is the proudest moment in your jewellery career?
Well I’ve never won an award for my work in the jewelry industry until winning the IJL award, so that might actually be my proudest moment!! Wish I was there to accept the award and celebrate 🙂
The IJL Blog Awards 2019 will be opening early 2019. Keep an eye on the IJL blog and social media for all announcements!
I really like your ideas.
Amazing collection of jewelry. I really love it.