Who is Gemara?

Hello Gorgeous!!  I'm Rachel & Gemara is my middle name.  My dad is Jewish & in Jewish tradition it's custom to name the first child that is born after the last person who has passed, or use the first letter of their name.  Luckily my parents didn't name me after my great-grandma Gertrude {who they called Gussie for short}, but they used the G, and Gemara was born.  Interesting how it has the word Gem in it, right?  Gemara's Gems was destined from the start.  Not only that but my great-grandpa opened a jewelry store in 1915 - Friedman Jewelers in Cleveland, Ohio - and was followed into the biz by my grandpa. 

My great uncle, Jack Weinstock, was the founder of August Silk which was the very first company to manufacture and import washable women's silk into the United States.  My aunt owns a high end boutique in D.C., steps away from the White House.  I'd like to think that jewelry & fashion run in my blood.

Gemara’s Gems was established as a wholesale jewelry business in 2002. I had just moved to Florida from Los Angeles and soon after started a business selling toe rings to hair & nail salons.  Over time I started bringing in jewelry.  Having a more extensive line enabled me to branch out to gift shops & boutiques.  Prior to moving to Florida, I had worked for Guess, Kenneth Cole & Lucky Brand in LA.  I have sold shoes & clothing to everyone from Halle Berry to Jay-Z.  

The wholesale side of my biz had me on the road majority of days traveling to see my clients.  From 2012 to 2023, I leased retail space at Tate & Tilly. In 2016 I launched an inspirational t-shirt line, Rachel Gemara.  From 2016 - 2018 I wrote a monthly fashion editorial for Wesley Chapel Magazine.  In 2018 I started a private Facebook group, Gemara's Gems -- Jewelry + Clothes + Inspiration, for my retail customers where we sell jewelry + clothes, do live videos & giveaways plus we offer community, inspiration & fashion tips.  I wholesale to stores all over, including the spa at the Hard Rock in Tampa.  I also host pop-up shops often at my clients boutiques and salons.  I am the exclusive jewelry vendor for the annual women's conference at my church, Grace Family Church.  Across all platforms, I strive to bring you the newest trends in jewelry + clothing.  As women, I know we feel most confident when we're put together & can go out into the world as the absolute best version of ourself...every.single.day!  

My jewelry has been seen on Daytime TV, Great Day Live Tampa Bay, WBFF athletes, many fashion shows & influencers, as well as published in many magazines.  I also "give back" by donating to non-profits such as Created, For No More & Loft 181.  I started this biz BEFORE google maps or social media was a thing.  We barely even had cell phones when I started!  Twenty two plus years later, I have been truly blessed by this business and YOU are a huge part of that.  I believe God called me to help women feel beautiful and empowered & to love the skin they're in through accessorizing& fashion.  They also call me the "friend collector" so I love helping women connect, as I truly believe in community over competition.      

I'm so excited you're here.  I believe accessorizing pulls your entire look together.  I know you will love the pieces you choose & go out into the world rockin' them with confidence.  YOU are beautiful & blessed beyond measure!

Lots of love & abundant blessings, 

Rachel xo