Behind the Scenes
Brian started in the business at a very early age (about four years old) and began in coins. As he worked in coins often times jewelry, diamonds, and timepieces would come in his fathers store and these items intrigued him. He worked after school and summers until college.
In college all of his friends took part time work at a pizza place and they told him over and over that he should get a part time job with them. After much convincing he decided to check it out. He went and decided within 2 minutes of being there that was not for him. He went home that day began to post ad's in the newspaper, online, and go to yard sales each weekend. He attended estate sales, auctions, and frequented antique shops and jewelry stores all over Rhode Island and Massachusetts; slowly he built my reputation from the ground up. 
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It was not easy as most dealers would not take him seriously, the University even shut off his email for using it for his work, and dealers would send him on wild goose chases including making him wait in a snow storm for 2 hours outside of a bank for no reason. As a young 21 year old he persisted. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Bryant University (Bryant College for most of his time there) he moved to New York City downtown to Wall Street to further his career in diamonds, gemstones, and jewelry.
He attended the Gemological Institute of America to receive his Graduate Gemologist degree (amongst others). From there he lived and worked in Manhattan dealing in higher end antique and estate jewelry, loose diamonds, and loose colored stones. He dove deep into the world of antique and estate jewelry including beginning to catalog counterfeit signatures and hallmarks of famous jewelers (a book he has been working on for quite some time). He continued his hunger for knowledge attending every class, lesson, and lecture he could attend (and afford) on any of the areas of interest. Soon he began giving the lectures, first to school students then to colleagues and peers in the industry. Today he has become a published author in the field of Gemology, has received many awards for excellence in the field, and even has pieces in museums currently here in the United States. He hopes his wife will join him in his quest in jewelry and gemstones and that his passion will ignite a passion in his daughter in whatever field she is passionate about. "My hunger and passion for learning burns deeper. I am humbled and proud to do what I do and love doing it every day. Our family is passionate about sourcing, designing, creating, and delivering treasures. They represent important moments in a persons life. We truly love what we do and take pride in being part of your moments." Brian T. Berger G.G. |
In 1986 my father founded a company that worked in jewelry, gemstones, and precious metals. It was his knowledge that ignited my passion for collecting, learning, and discovering the world of jewelry. What better way to share my passion than to discover treasures from history, and create baubles that show the beauty of nature."
Brian T. Berger
Graduate Gemologist G.I.A. Founder
Brian T. Berger
Graduate Gemologist G.I.A. Founder
Our masterpieces speak volumes about our character.
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Velvet Box Society has come to embody a tradition of excellence. This has truly become our duty. Our commitment extends beyond our creations, beyond our quality of service, beyond our selection, and beyond our business to our ethical, social, and environmental beliefs.
With our corporate responsibility policy, we formalize our commitments as a responsible jeweler and treasure hunter. From our core we commit ourselves to excellence in each and every factor of our existence, beyond just those of business. |
