Emily Galsky: Redefining Modern Glamour with The White Gem
An Exclusive Look at the Designer Turning Jewelry into Emotionally Charged Art
In the glamorous world of fine jewelry, where trends come and go, Emily Galsky, founder of The White Gem, is building something designed to last—not only in material but in meaning. From her early days designing swimwear in Lima, Peru, to becoming a certified diamond expert and founder of one of Miami’s most distinct luxury brands, Emily’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and a commitment to timeless elegance.
Before launching The White Gem, Emily was the founder of Aquamarina Swimwear, a brand that quickly gained traction and landed in Sports Illustrated. But after selling the company and moving to Miami, she felt a deeper calling. Her passion for storytelling and timeless beauty led her into the world of fine jewelry—where every stone, every setting, and every silhouette could tell a story.
On Evolving Style and Identity
1. From launching a swimwear brand to building a luxury jewelry house, how has your definition of style evolved over the years?
From launching a swimwear brand to building The White Gem, I believe that my definition of style has evolved from always being trend driven to becoming much more authentic with my own essence. I wanted to become more intentional and timeless. Since my early days, style to me was about making a statement, being bold, playful, and experimental.
As I transitioned into the fine jewelry industry, I began to appreciate the quiet confidence of pieces that last, that tell stories, and that grow with the person wearing them. Style, to me now, is about authenticity—it’s less about standing out and more about resonating deeply with who you are and what you value as a person. That’s what I aimed to create through The White Gem since the beginning—jewelry that reflects personal elegance, endures beyond moments, and becomes a legacy.
On Designing for the Discerning Client
2. The White Gem speaks to a clientele that already ‘has it all.’ How do you continue to surprise and inspire such a discerning audience?
At The White Gem, we understand that our clients aren’t just looking to add another simple piece to their collection, they’re looking for something with a unique meaning. They seek pieces that reflect their stories, their values, and their individuality. That’s why we focus on intentional design, unexpected gemstone combinations, and exceptional craftsmanship. We also surprise them by remaining personal and offering custom made experiences based on getting to know my clients’ tastes and using my knowledge of them to create one-of-a-kind designs. Inspiration comes from honoring tradition while constantly reimagining how timeless elegance can meet modern moments.
On Designing with Emotion
3. What role does emotion play in your design process, and how do you turn moments into wearable works of art?
Emotion is at the heart of everything I design. Jewelry, to me, is deeply personal—it’s how we mark love, create legacies, and define very special moments. When I begin a design, I think about the feeling I want it to evoke: Is it joy, nostalgia, empowerment, or connection? I draw inspiration from real stories and places I’ve visited that left a lasting impression on me, transforming those experiences into meaningful expressions through my work, whether it’s a mother’s heirloom, a milestone celebration, or simply a woman choosing something beautiful for herself. From there, I bring that emotion to life through thoughtful details, intentional stones, and craftsmanship that transforms fleeting moments into pieces that last forever and get passed down for generations to come.
On Global Influence and the ‘Around the World’ Collection
4. Your pieces are known for their global inspiration. How do you translate the spirit of a place into the form of fine jewelry?
For me, travelling has always been a form of storytelling. I’m always observing the textures, colors, architecture, and emotions that make a place unique. Whether it’s the faded blues of the Mediterranean Sea, the golden light of the Andes, or the intricate patterns of the Portuguese tiles, I absorb those details and let them live in my imagination until they naturally evolve into a flawless design. It’s not about replicating a place, it’s more about capturing its essence and the feeling it leaves behind. Every destination has its own unique energy, culture, and soul, and I’m deeply inspired by the stories a place tells, whether it’s through the vibrant chaos of a city or the quiet beauty of untouched nature. I translate that spirit into fine jewelry through thoughtful stone choices, unexpected silhouettes, and delicate details that echo the patterns, textures, and contrasts of those landscapes.
Each piece becomes a wearable memory, not just of where I’ve been, but of how that place made me feel, allowing others to carry a piece of that story with them too. This is exactly how I created The White Gem’s newest collection “Around The World With The White Gem.” This line invites our clients to travel to some of the world’s most beautiful places through every single one of our pieces. Starting the journey off in St. Barth’s and going all the way to Florencia, this collection redefines how we express ourselves through timeless jewelry.
On Timelessness in a Trend-Driven Industry
5. In a world obsessed with trends, how do you ensure The White Gem remains timeless?
At The White Gem, we don’t chase trends, we chase meaning. I believe that true luxury exists in pieces that hold emotional value and craftsmanship that transcends seasons. Every design begins with a story and is shaped with the intention of becoming part of someone’s life for years, even generations. We focus on clean lines, natural elegance, and top quality materials so our jewelry doesn’t just reflect the moment, it honors it and endures beyond it. Timelessness to me isn’t about following the trend of the moment—it’s about keeping your essence and being meaningful.
On the Importance of Stone Quality
6. As a GIA-certified expert, how important is stone quality in telling the story behind each piece?
As a GIA-certified expert, trained in New York City, stone quality is absolutely foundational to the story each piece tells. The cut, clarity, and color of a gemstone aren’t just technical details—they’re emotional cues that bring depth and soul to a design. A diamond with a certain warmth might evoke nostalgia, while a vivid sapphire can make you feel bold and empowered. I choose each stone with intention, knowing it will not only just become the heartbeat of the piece but also reflect my client’s stories and become part of their legacy. It’s that precision and care that allows The White Gem to create jewelry that not only looks exquisite but also carries meaning you can feel.
On Defining Personal Luxury
7. What does personal luxury mean to you, and how do you reflect that philosophy through your brand?
To me, personal luxury is about wearing pieces that reflect the confidence within you and feel deeply meaningful to the person wearing them. It’s not about excess, but about intention. I’m personally someone who doesn’t wear large or flashy pieces. I gravitate more towards smaller refined designs that, no matter the size, remain unique. When I wear these pieces, they make me feel special and always receive great compliments on.
At The White Gem, we reflect our philosophy through jewelry that is timeless, emotionally resonant, and crafted with the highest attention to detail. Every piece is meant to feel like it was made just for you—inspired by your story, your style, and your special moments. That’s what makes it truly luxurious—the feeling that it belongs to you and no one else. And we make sure that every one of our clients receives this same feeling through their chosen pieces.
I reflect that philosophy through every layer of The White Gem, from the intention behind each design to the experience we create for our clients. Quality is a core part of our philosophy—every detail, every stone, and every setting is held to the highest standard because true luxury is felt in the craftsmanship. Each piece tells a story, whether it’s inspired by a memory, a place, or a moment in someone’s life. We design jewelry that feels deeply personal and reflects individuality, not trends.
Explore The World of The White Gem
Website: https://thewhitegem.com
Instagram: @thewhitegem
LinkedIn: The White Gem
Pinterest: The White Gem Jewelry
Creative Credits
Photographer: Tommy Chung – @tommychungphotography
Hair and Makeup: Natasha Katrina – @makeupbynkc
Stylist: Mimi Tyko – @mimipersonalstyling
