Amy M. Curran
Business Operations Lead
Which country do you live in?
United States
When did you join Hill & Co.?
March 2021
How many years have you worked in the diamond, gemstone and jewelry industry?
40
Background and experience
My background is geology; I hold a college degree in Geological Sciences and specialized in mineralogy and petrology.
I spent many years with a $150M/year, six store fine jewelry retailer in the New York area, starting on the ladder as Assistant Manager, Customer Service & Direct Sales, managing a team handling all high-ticket custom orders for our $60M flagship store. I moved up, becoming a Buyer for diamonds and important gemstones before being promoted to Vice President of Merchandising.
When the company closed during the height of the 2008/2009 recession, I launched my own consulting firm, working on projects for some of the largest companies in the mining, diamond and jewelry world.
I later resumed a role as Merchandise Manager for a clicks-and-mortar fine jewelry business, which has since transitioned to online only, where I serve in multiple capacities.
Skills and specialisms
· Gemologist, with subsequent extensive training at GIA in diamonds, colored gemstones and pearls.
· Expert in identification and grading.
· Business plan development and implementation
· Listening carefully to clients to understand exactly what they seek to create (whether a jewel, a business, or a partnership), and finding the perfect solution.
Personal Information
Happily married for over 42 years (to another geologist!), we have a son and a brand-new daughter-in-law, both of whom are among the finest people we've ever met. We love to travel and being out in nature - by the ocean, in the mountains or a forest - gives us great joy.
Industry membership
I am a member of the Women's Jewelry Association Metro chapter, currently on the Mentorship committee. I have previously served as a member of the Membership committee, and was Chair of the Education committee.
I was an officer for the GIA Alumni association Long Island chapter and was awarded a Member of the Year award.
Member of the American Gem Society; Registered Jeweler during my time with the 9-figure retailer.
What do you appreciate most about being part of the Hill & Co. team?
Our team members are truly brilliant, and I learn multiple new things every single day from these kind, caring, dedicated people and mentors.
There is not a hard hierarchy where a person at the top dictates the company's actions, but rather an authentic collaborative environment, where each of us can rise to our own level of comfort, expertise and satisfaction, supporting each other.
Not many people know this but…