Silversmith and model- @na.omihickey
Photographer- @luloo.co
Get to Know Naomi
What inspired this collection?
The theme for my collection is “Blue Skies”! I designed pieces with my three favorite stones, Larimar, White Buffalo, and Turquoise! I wear these three stones myself everyday, and the colors always make me happy and remind me that even when things are hard, there are always happy days and blue skies ahead to look forward to!
As the Gem Studios first ever employee, tell us about your journey with gem?!
I love the Gem Studio, it holds such a special place in my heart! I found myself in the shed on the side of Matt and his roomates’ house in Provo in 2017 when I had just turned 18 and moved to Utah. The ring making process and environment felt so therapeutic and I loved learning about the school Matt had started in Uganda and his plans to fundraise for it, and I went back to make rings 3 times in about a week! Matt asked if I would be interested in helping around the studio and teaching workshops, and I was so excited! Since then, I’ve worked as the executive assistant, managed the Provo location, moved out to St. George to open up the studio here, and have learned so much and made so many life-long friendships along the way! It has been an incredible 5 years watching the Gem Studio grow and contribute so much good to the world, and I can’t wait to see all of the exciting things to come! I feel so blessed to have been a part of the Journey.
Tell us about yourself! What do you do outside of Gem Studio?
I am from San Clemente, CA! I am married to the best guy on earth! Tyler and I met in 5th grade, dated in highschool, and got married in July of 2020! I love the beach, meeting new people, eating Poke, organizing and planning, cuddling, and watching movies with people I love!
What are you most passionate about?
I would say I’m most passionate about loving people! I believe that you can learn to love everyone if you get to know them. I love learning about people, what makes them happy, and why they are the way they are! Human connection is so important, and one of the main reasons I love working with the Gem Studio! Everyone deserves to feel important and loved!
What is currently playing on your Spotify?
This week’s obsession is the Silk Sonic album by Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak. ‘Fly as Me’ is my favorite!
What is your favorite thing about Southern Utah?
The sun! The warm weather! I have loved living in sunny St. George and getting to know the people here. Everyone I’ve met has been so down to earth and friendly, and I really enjoy the slower pace of life. There is so much to do, but it still has small town vibes!
Have you been to any National Parks in Utah? If so, what's your favorite and why?
If not, which one do you want to visit most and why?
I have been to Zion a handful of times and it is beautiful! I wouldn’t call myself a hiker, but I love seeing the red rock and driving though the winding roads with the windows down! St. George has some beautiful state parks too, Snow Canyon and Sand Hollow are our favorites!
What do you want to manifest in your life over the next year?
This year I want to manifest growth! We have a lot of exciting transitions happening, and I want to be better at being open to new opportunities and leaning into challenges! I love to be organized and have a detailed plan, and I’m working on being better at going with the flow and taking life as it comes!
What is your favorite gem, and why?
I know it’s basic but I love Larimar! Always have and always will! The light color and soft pattern is so calming, and I don’t feel like myself if I’m not wearing it!
What is your favorite part of the silversmithing process?
Burnishing! Pushing the silver over the stone and finishing the ring is so satisfying. It’s most people’s least favorite part, because it can be really difficult! I struggled with burnishing for at least the whole first month of working at Gem, but now that I feel like I’ve overcome it, it feels so good to give a ring a good burnish!
What's your favorite gem studio memory?
This is the hardest question! I have so many wonderful memories of my time in the studio over the years! I have met and grown to love some of my best friends in the world! My husband, Tyler, and I worked on his wedding band in the studio together and that is a memory I will always cherish! Gemsgivingmas is always my favorite party of the year! The legend of the molar that kept showing up in different studios over the course of a couple years! So many good laughs, good cries, good friends, I can’t pick a favorite!