Shelly Sergent

Shelly Sergent, a Phoenix resident, is the Collection Manager of the Somewhere in the Rainbow gemstone and jewelry collection, which had been on display at the UA’s Flandrau Planetarium and Science Center’s main floor until the end of the year 2018. In 2013, the collection was the subject of a feature article in The New York Times. The mission of the collection is to bring hands-on education, understanding and appreciation of fine colored gems and artisan crafted jewelry to museums, retail stores and educational facilities dedicated to enjoying and appreciating the rarity, beauty and value of these gems and master artisan’s works.
 
Shelly spent 35 years in the jewelry industry, starting at age 16 as a holiday season giftwrap girl for Zales Jewelers. She quickly realized her passion for fine gems, design, and first-class client services, and learned the business of the jewelry industry by climbing the ranks from giftwrap gal to sales, service, philanthropy, and management. She has been a featured guest presenter with JTV, keynote speaker for many industry events, and travels extensively sharing gem and jewelry passion with guests and museum attendees here and abroad. Shelly is also a Curator of Boutique Gem Sourcing and a Professional Member of the American Gem Trade Association.
 
Shelly was appointed to the Museum Board in 2017, as part of the Board and Museum’s expansion to emphasize the importance to the Gem and Mineral Museum’s expanding interest in the science and technology of gems and gemology.