In the summer of 1998 a tiny storefront opened its doors on the bustling corner of West Broadway and Broome Street. Within a few years, this small family owned boutique in the competitive downtown shopping mecca of Manhattan would become an essential destination of fine jewelry enthusiasts from all over the world. As children growing up in their family’s legacy business of collecting, buying and selling fine art, antiques and jewelry, sisters Maria Benavides and Irina Ferry developed an innate understanding and appreciation for quality and beauty. The synergy of this shared heritage with their business savvy and professional vision inspired their realized dream: SOHO GEM. Featuring a unique and carefully curated selection of jewelry ranging from delicate diamond designs to bold and colorful statement pieces - the appeal was instant. A swift expansion included the creation of a successful online boutique which quickly introduced Soho Gem to future devotees from all over the globe. In a time when mass production of jewelry was the norm, Soho Gem carved out a niche in the bridal market by offering extraordinary custom hand-made engagement rings and delicate wedding bands designed by Irina Ferry. Helming their team with skilled GIA graduate gemologists and experienced jewelry professionals, the boutique established itself as an authority on the complete customer service experience for every budget. This approach - one tailored to guide and empower the client from stone selection to custom design - was key in converting the diamond-buying experience from intimidating to enjoyable. 2013 marked the debut of a new collection: The Gemstone Boutique. Whereas most fine jewelry stores placed focus on diamond engagement rings and a minimal standard of colored gemstone fashion options, SOHO GEM would offer their fine handmade pieces featuring beautiful (and often rare) colored stones.