Meet Gemma Clopton: Artist and Jewelry Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gemma Clopton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gemma, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I have always been an avid collector and enthusiast of jewelry and adornments.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My name is Gemma, but I create under the moniker, Gem the Jeweler. I am also one half of the Artist Collective, Too Dope Chicks that I share with my friend and fellow artist.

I make earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, hair jewelry accessories/adornments, lapel pins, housewares, canvas art, and other decorative items.

I believe what sets my art apart from others is that I hand-make the majority of my works. I use several types of mediums to achieve unique, custom pieces. My style or aesthetic is glam meets cultural – glitz meets spiritual; paying homage to my ancestry with ostentatious sophistication.

My intent is to show the world lots of dangly, glittery, colorful, shiny, and bright magic through my art. I also make small batches of jewelry. For example, I may make one to three pairs of a certain earring or bracelet. I typically recreate if commissioned. With that said, most of my pieces are one of a kind.

Through my brand, I want people to know that it’s okay to be big and bold. You don’t have to make yourself small or dim your own light. Typically, when you radiate there will be individuals or even entities that would rather you not. I mean, as long as you’re ethical, kind, and respectful then who cares who’s intimidated by your presence. I just want the world to know it’s okay to be ornate, to be extra, to be audacious. I just happen to use jewelry, adornments, and accessories to speak those vibes.

I believe that I got to this place professionally by having the drive and the vision to create. These two factors are bigger and brighter than ever for me at this juncture. I know that I have been able to get to this level in business by opening my mouth and speaking outwardly to the universe and most importantly people in general. I’m vocal about my wants and needs for my business. This has totally guided a lot of my journey.

You have to utilize the resources within you paired with the resources that reside within the people you know, paired with what resides within the people who know the people you know. Connectivity and community is a driving force in the art world. It’s cyclical. Opportunities should move around like a rap cipher.

I think the greatest challenge in my journey or scope is making sure that I am promoting myself gracefully. Assessing when and where the right time is for you to sell yourself. Also, sometimes you simply might not always feel like being social or communal, but you have to you to really give your vision a fighting chance. You have to be able to talk to people – ask questions and answer questions. Show people that you’re curious, passionate, and interesting.

Through my brand, I want people to know that it’s okay to be big and bold. You don’t have to make yourself small or dim your own light. Typically, when you radiate there will be individuals or even entities that would rather you not. I mean, as long as you’re ethical, kind, and respectful then who cares who’s intimidated by your presence. I just want the world to know it’s okay to be ornate, to be extra, to be audacious. I just happen to use jewelry, adornments, and accessories to speak those vibes.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I think we would eat our hearts out in the city.

I would take them to Thumbs Up in East Point for Brunch, Vortex in Little Five Points for Lunch, then Dinner and maybe some late night drinks at Vickery’s off of Glenwood.

I would probably take them to my favorite antique stores like Kudzu in Decatur or Kaboodle in East Atlanta Village.

We would definitely have to stop by one of my favorite metaphysical stores, too, like Yeye’s Botanica in Decatur.

We’d probably check out some pop up shops in different areas of the city, too. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this story to my sister, Shelley. She has been my cheerleader and voice of reason throughout every chapter of my creative journey. I also want to thank my business partner and friend, Kerri, who has also contributed greatly to my path as an artist.

Instagram: instagram.com/gemthejeweler

Other: Jewelry Artist Page – gemthejeweler@gmail.com Artist Collective Page – Too Dope Chicks, LLC – instagram.com/too_dope_chicks