Meet Founder, Kimberly Keighley

Connect with kim!

Kimberly is a fellow alumni of the University of Texas at Austin where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 2002. While at UT, Kimberly interned for Saks 5th Avenue in NYC as an Assistant Buyer in their jewelry department. This is where Kimberly’s love and passion for high-end gems and jewelry began. She further expanded her jewelry career when she earned her Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in 2003, the world’s foremost authority in gemology, diamond grading, and jewelry education.

While working in NYC and the Diamond District, she developed long lasting relationships with global suppliers. Kimberly also got to work along side her family, who have been in the industry for 30+ years, and are some of the best jewelers, appraisers, and gemologists.
 
Kimberly moved back to Texas to marry her high school sweetheart and became a Buyer at a wholesale diamond company.  She would later expand her career and work as the in-house Appraiser for Houston’s largest independent jeweler before moving back to Austin. 
  

 

Mission

Kimberly believes jewelry is meant to celebrate life’s cherished moments and spark emotion. She realized something was missing in the jewelry store purchase: the ability to connect with clients on a deeper level and be a part of their life’s journey. This partnership with clients is what fueled Kimberly to team back up with her family and approach the jewelry buying experience differently. Instead of focused on selling the piece, the focus is really the joy behind the occasion in life that the jewelry symbolizes for her clients. Her passion for humanizing the jewelry buying experience led to the launch of her own company, Austin Private Jeweler. 

The company would be built on personal relationships
and it would encompass the following 3 key principles: 

#1 Ensure that my clients have the best quality for the best price

We have the resources to fulfill all of your jewelry and gemstone desires through our worldwide contacts. Our global suppliers can source rare diamonds and gemstones and because of my low overhead, offer them to you at prices below retail stores.  

#2 Client education is critical

I bring a unique perspective that is focused on education, which is key to having my clients feel confident in their gem and jewelry purchases. The jewelry buying experience can be daunting at times and you need someone in your corner to equip you with the right knowledge.

#3 Best customer service and undivided attention to my clients

We live in a world of “click and ship” through the internet and there is a tremendous risk applying this type of process to jewelry purchasing. Gems and diamonds require a professional who will spend the time as your jewelry consultant to help you research all potential options. I pride myself on the customer experience and having the eye to help you choose the right stone. 

Interested in working together?