A Day in the Life of a Personal Jewelry Advisor: Q&A With Toi et Moi Jewellery Consulting
Meet Paulina of Toi et Moi Jewellery Consulting, a gemologist and advisor who sources gems and jewelry for clients around the globe.
This article was originally published on a WordPress blog that I’ve retired in favor of Substack. Thanks for reading!
Paulina Sierakowska, the founder of Toi et Moi Jewellery Consulting, is a gemologist and jewelry advisor based in Warsaw, Poland who sources outstanding gems, exquisite diamonds, and unique jewels for individual clients around the globe.
She regularly posts amazing gem insights and jewelry advice on Instagram at @toi.et.moi.jewelleryconsulting. And she's joining me here today to share a glimpse into her work as a personal jewelry advisor!
I’m so delighted to have Paulina virtually kick off the first interview. Stay tuned for more Q&As and stories featuring fascinating jewelry professionals, designers, collectors, and more!
But for now, let’s dive in and find out about the behind-the-scenes magic at Toi et Moi Jewellery Consulting.
JB: You’ve said that an antique ring from your grandfather really spurred your interest in jewelry. Can you describe that ring and what it meant to you?
PS: My interest in jewellery had already started when I was little, as my mum had always loved vintage and antique pieces. I was constantly trying to "borrow" her beautiful jewels!
Then, I received my very first antique piece from my grandfather, a beautiful platinum Art Deco sapphire ring. Every time I wear it, I smile and think about him. That's what I love most about jewelry – it's so tightly connected to our emotions and memories.
I love that your business name is derived from a particular ring design! What inspired you to reference the toi et moi style?
My name (Paulina Sierakowska) is very long, and hard to remember and pronounce. Add "Jewellery Consulting" to it... It's like a thousand letters!
I was looking for something meaningful but simple, something that would connect me and my story to the jewellery world and my approach to business and clients. "Toi et Moi" (French for "you and me"), which is the name of a ring style with two stones symbolizing two souls, was just 100% it.
Not only is it a design I love, but it's also French (I was born and brought up in Paris). And it's a beautiful symbol of the close relationship I want to create with my clients (having a jewellery consultant is usually a long-term relationship!).
Tell us about a day in the life of a personal jewelry advisor.
The first thing I do in the morning is go for a walk with my whippet named Jupi! Then I begin work by checking the status of the current orders with my jeweler and updating my clients.
After that, I usually prepare offers for gems or jewellery enquiries. I really make sure to offer my clients the best possible pieces their budget can get them which means it takes a lot of time to find, compare, and select them, but I love it!
During the day I often talk to my suppliers, and every other day I write educational content for my Instagram account. Usually, I have a few client meetings per week, but due to COVID-19 they are now on hold. On the other hand, now I have time to participate in numerous amazing industry webinars.
One of the important aspects of your service is that you help clients get the best value for their money. What are some of the keys to ensuring this?
The more projects I do with my clients, the more I understand that value means different things to different people.
But in general, professional knowledge (a gemological education as well as a good understanding of the industry), in-depth research, a network of trusted suppliers, and experience are some of the most important elements.
What are some misconceptions people often have about buying fine jewelry and rings in particular?
Oh, so many! First, that they have to be extremely expensive – when in fact you just need to know where to look and what to look at or know someone who does. 😊
Second, one of the common misconceptions people have is that the bigger the diamond, the more expensive it will be. Only later do they find out that it is only one of the four main diamond characteristics (the 4Cs) that impact the price.
Also, what I hear a lot is that antique jewels are undesirable and that they don't go well with the modern look. But, from what I see, people are actually starting to appreciate them and turn towards this type of jewellery, which makes me (a huge antique jewellery fan) very happy.
Can you tell us about any of the amazing rings you've found or had custom-made for your clients?
I fell in love with a very recent ring project I did with an outstanding tanzanite which I managed to source directly from Tanzania just before the coronavirus lockdown... I wasn't sure it would get here on time!
Another memorable piece was a vintage coral and onyx Van Cleef & Arpels ring I found at the GemGenève fair last year.
Also, I recently worked with a client on a limited budget, with an already existing large collection of rings, which was quite a challenge. We went with a funky cluster setting, with dozens of tiny diamonds set to look like really large ones – on a budget, with a creative twist.
What type of clientele do you work with?
Anyone who wants to experience gems and jewellery in a new, interesting way! My clients are people who want to learn about gems, be involved in the process, or discover interesting jewellery alternatives.
What I love most is that the majority of my clientele actually decides to stay with me. This means we develop a long-term relationship where I learn about my clients’ tastes, preferences, lifestyle, and values which allows me to find the perfect pieces for them!
What's your process like, and how can someone begin working with you?
It's very simple! Just call or text at +48 502 262 196, or send me an email at hello@toietmoi.pl – I work with clients from all around the world.
Every case is different, but I always take time to get to know my clients. The gems and jewellery world offers such a variety of choices that really understanding the client's needs is crucial. I provide my clients with as many options as needed to make sure we find the perfect piece and have it delivered directly to the client's doorstep.
What is your favorite ring from your personal collection?
My favorite ring is, of course, my engagement ring! It is a beautiful princess cut solitaire with a tapered band which I wear every single day.
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Connect with Paulina on Instagram and check out her website for more information about Toi et Moi Jewellery Consulting.