About Goddess Gems

Beth - Goddess Gems

For a veteran flight attendant, it was a typical layover in Sao Paulo, Brazil – balmy and beautiful. A perfect day for a walk on the beach. But not for me. Instead, I was spending all of my waking hours indoors doing what I loved most: visiting my favorite jeweler to peruse his latest collection. I loved to sit and admire all the beautiful stones which were so full of dancing, vibrant colors and lamenting the fact that I couldn't buy one of everything.

Quite simply, I thought to myself, “Well, other people would appreciate this superior quality for a fair price too.” Then and there I decided to start my own jewelry business.

My commitment to my buyers is fine jewelry at a fair price. To realize this mission, I work closely with a gemologist (GIA certified), Deborah Villepigue with whom I have worked since I started the business. Her expertise assisting me, I only sell pieces that represent my high standards of quality and workmanship. In addition, I work with jewelers in Sao Paulo, Brazil and New York to bring you pieces with integrity, style, and outstanding value.

Since 2003, I’ve brought my collection to buyers through jewelry parties at private homes, clubs, and restaurants. I also have private clients. Through my website, I look forward to introducing these pieces to a broader audience.

Currently, I’m pursuing my own gemology degree through a distance education course offered by The Gemological Institute of America (GIA). I have successfully completed my week of diamond grading at G.I.A.'s lab in New York City and have received my G.I.A. "Diamonds & Diamond Grading" diploma. After completing a "Colored Stones Essentials" course, I moved on to an in depth study of colored stones including more lab work learning to grade colored stones. I am now a "G.I.A. Colored Stones" graduate.

I continue to fly making frequent trips to South America and other parts of the globe, spending my layover days looking for new and exciting styles and gems to bring back to you.

Deborah A. Villepigue G.G., M.G.J., R.M.V., NAJA

Deborah A Villepigue is a highly respected member of the jewelry industry who has been actively involved in the jewelry business since 1986. She earned her graduate gemologist (G.G.) degree from the Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.). Her advanced gemological and appraisal training continues with the title of Registered Master Valuer (R.M.V.), the first of such a title in New York. As a graduate of the Bulova School of Jewelry, Deborah earned the title of Graduated Master Jeweler (M.G.J.) and is presently an active chapter member of The American Society of Appraisers (A.S.A.), the foremost organization of Appraisers.

Doing business as "The Jewelry Appraiser Inc.", with offices and gemological labs in Manhasset, New York, Deborah is currently a full time appraiser of gems and jewelry.  Her experience in all phases of the jewelry industry has made her one of the primary jewelry appraisers for New York State. Various courts throughout New York state have retained Deborah on numerous occasions for expert witness testimony. Appraisals by "The Jewelry Appraiser Inc." are accepted by all major insurance companies.

Deborah provides invaluable expertise to Goddess Gems by reviewing all the gemstones offered for sale and guaranteeing their authenticity so that you can buy with confidence knowing that the stones you receive are genuine.