Christchurch siblings turn pebble collecting into $90,000 gemstone business

Gemma Brain and her brother Thomas, from Christchurch, started a luxury gemstone business after struggling to find a special sapphire for Thomas's engagement ring. They found only two small, expensive sapphires at local jewelers. Inspired by her previous trip to Sri Lanka, where she explored sapphire mining areas, Gemma decided to import gemstones from around the world. Their venture has grown significantly, with sales reaching $90,000. The siblings transitioned from collecting pebbles on the beach to running a successful jewelry business, showcasing their journey from local searches to international sourcing.