Amidst the oil price collapse, Hans, an engineer by education, starts his lifelong journey in the jewelry industry.

Hans and Pat travel across the world importing and wholesaling jewelry from silver to pearls to twist beads.  (See Hans & Pat in Hong Kong).

Hans begins working with manufacturing jewelers, supply diamond melee.  Hans’ lifelong passion for diamonds has begun.

Hans makes his first trip to Belgium to fulfill demand for larger 1ct+ rounds.

Hans begins visiting Israel quarterly in hunt of beautifully-cut fancy shapes. 

Princess cuts are the rage, and Hans’ keen eye makes him a go-to for fine-make princess.

Hans’ passion for bettering his product leads to our initial expansion into H&A diamond cutting

After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin and working in strategy consulting, GK joins the Union Gems team.

Union Gems undergoes rapid expansion with our key formula: focus on customers.  

• We help retailers:

  • Improve their gross margins with smarter merchandising

  • Adapt to millennials with better technology and on-trend products

  • Sell VIPs with our bigger diamonds and bespoke offerings

Union Gems joins the American Gem Society. 

Cushion Halos become the engagement ring of choice, and the Union Gems brings their cushion brilliants to the market.

As elongated fancy shapes, especially ovals, grow popular, Union Gems begins curating ideal models with minimal bow-tie.  Our French culet ovals gain a loyal following. 

GK joins the AGS Laboratories Advisory Committee

GK joins industry leaders for the GIA at Harvard program.