Rébecca Michelot, founder and director of SYNAPSIA.
CREATION
I founded SYNAPSIA in July 2011 to advise and support people wishing to acquire gemstones or jewelry, in the best possible conditions of design, production and price.
With a strong background in international client relations and asset management, I went on to study at the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), where I earned the Graduate Gemologist and A.J.P. diplomas.
WHY GEMSTONES?
Gemstones have always fascinated me, but as I was not born into a family in the trade, working in this field never occurred to me.
Meeting gemologist friends made me realise the door was open.
CAREER PATH
After graduating from GIA, I focused on the "Big 4": ruby, sapphire, emerald and diamond, tangible investment assets, like gold.
As I met my clients, it became clear there was a real need for bespoke jewelry, and the whole range of fine stones and birthstones brought joy into my workplace.
I work in a world of discretion and private dealings, long dominated by family and male influences. I found my place by offering a fully personalised service, true to my values of honesty and sound advice.
MISSION
What drives me:
- making sure my clients know exactly what they are buying;
- providing accurate information on the origin and characteristics of each stone;
- explaining the traceability process;
- providing a recognised laboratory report for important stones;
- creating fully personalised jewelry.
Happy clients come back for each new event in their lives: I work mainly by recommendation.
CONTINUING EDUCATION AND COMMITMENT
Driven by curiosity, I keep expanding my expertise and networks:
- President of the GIA Alumni Collective – Switzerland Chapter;
- Board member and Secretary of the Swiss Gemmological Society (SSG);
- Member of ASMEBI;
- Past President and active member of BPW (Business and Professional Women);
- Gemology lecturer at the École Technique de la Vallée de Joux (ETVJ), teaching CFC apprentices.
FUTURE
What gets me up each morning with a smile: knowing my clients will find the stone they need, for a legacy or for a piece that is truly theirs.
I believe in a bright future for SYNAPSIA.
SYNAPSIA'S PROMISE:
- Fine jewelry quality, for every budget.
- Gemmological expertise and certified gemstones.
- A wide choice of gems, stone sourcing on request, design proposals and drawings, supervised manufacturing in Switzerland and Europe.
- A fully personalised service.
- Precious metals meeting the strictest Swiss standards.
- Fairtrade or "Ecological Gold" on request: 100% recycled and processed to Swiss standards, under irreproachable ethical, environmental and social conditions.
- GIA report for every diamond from 0.20 ct, with the report number laser-inscribed on the girdle.
- SSEF, Gübelin, GGTL, GRS or SIG reports for any coloured stone of a certain value
- Insurance replacement value certificate, stating the value of your piece at retail price.
COLLABORATORS & PARTNERS
Depending on the mandate, SYNAPSIA works with scientists, lapidaries, gemologists, gem experts and dealers, auction specialists and antique jewelry experts, to offer a comprehensive, personalised service.
ASSET MANAGEMENT
Specialising in exceptional tangible assets, SYNAPSIA advises you on valuing your assets and builds with you a lasting portfolio of precious stones.
All our investment stones come with a report from leading laboratories, and we have privileged access to the finest stones through partners in the countries of origin and cutting.
TRACEABILITY
Mindful of the traceability of its acquisitions, SYNAPSIA works only with partners who share the same ethical code, respecting human rights and the conventions in force in the countries where stones are sourced and cut.