In an exclusive interview with Astitva Tripathi, Bebe Bakhshi, the Founder and Creative Director of Champagne Gem®, delves into her journey of becoming a renowned digital content creator in the niche of diamonds, gemstones, and high jewelry. With over a million followers on Instagram, Bebe has successfully built intrinsic brand value and brand awareness for the jewelry industry, both on the B2B and B2C levels. Her passion for luxury jewelry, deeply rooted in her Persian heritage, has led her to the forefront of the digital jewelry space.
When asked about what inspired her to start her blog “Champagne Gem” and focus on luxury jewelry and diamonds, Bebe shared, “My Persian heritage has always fueled my passion for high jewelry and diamonds. Since childhood, delving into my mother’s treasure trove of jewels was my favorite playground. Upon immigrating to Australia, I made the bold decision to follow my passion instead of entering the workforce. It was the beginning of the blogging era, and writing about my passion is how Champagne Gem came to life.”
To stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the jewelry industry, Bebe revealed, “I travel the world to attend jewelry exhibitions and events at least twice a month. I also regularly participate in panel discussions to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry.”
Sharing the story behind one of her favorite diamond pieces featured on her blog, Bebe reminisced, “There were some unforgettable diamonds throughout my career that I had the privilege to hold and admire in person. But the most remarkable one is one of the largest rough diamonds in the world, the Lesedi La Rona, a 1109-carat rough diamond recovered from Karowe Mine in Botswana by Lucara Diamond. I was lucky enough to be invited to its private viewing prior to auction in May 2016.”
Discussing the challenges she faced when curating content for “Champagne Gem,” Bebe explained, “At the beginning of my career in 2015/2016, I faced significant pushback from companies due to the novelty of social media as a marketing medium and the traditional nature of the jewelry industry. Despite these challenges, I remained courteous yet persistent in my requests to film my favorite pieces, gradually persuading them to allow it. With the influx of younger generations into the industry, there has been a notable shift in perspective towards social media, with a greater understanding of its benefits. Filming pieces is now widely embraced as companies are eager to be featured.”
When asked how digital mediums like social media and online auctions are impacting the diamond industry, Bebe stated, “Their impact is immense, narrowing the gap between potential clientele and brands. I firmly believe that as ‘bloggers and influencers’ we have played a pivotal role in closing this divide and making high jewelry accessible to a broader audience that was once beyond reach.”
For those looking to start a career in luxury jewelry blogging or journalism, Bebe advised, “Stay true to who you are and remain committed to your unique style. Identify your niche and stay dedicated to it.”
Recalling a memorable experience at a jewelry exhibition or event, Bebe mentioned, “One of the most memorable aspects of attending jewelry exhibitions is the connections made with both industry professionals and end consumers. Ultimately, it is the people we interact with that shape our experiences and make them truly special. A particularly unforgettable experience occurred earlier this year when I lost my Instagram account while at a jewelry exhibition. The outpouring of support from my community was truly remarkable, reinforcing my belief that my community is like a diamond – rare and resilient.”
Discussing her approach to collaborations with jewelers and brands, Bebe shared, “I strongly believe that successful collaborations are grounded in mutual respect and a deep understanding of each other’s values and principles. For me, the cornerstone of any partnership is the integrity of the brand. I prioritize aligning with partners who uphold this fundamental principle.”
Looking ahead at future trends in the luxury jewelry market, Bebe predicted, “Over the past few years, there has been a lot of buzz surrounding lab-grown diamonds, a trend that I am strongly against. With the decreasing price per carat of lab-grown diamonds due to mass production, there is a growing appreciation among consumers for the unique brilliance of natural diamonds. While gold has always been a favorite and consistently popular, the increasing price of gold may lead to a shift towards platinum as a major metal in crafting jewelry. I believe that many major brands might consider switching from white gold to platinum to maintain cost-effectiveness in the creation of their pieces.”
As Bebe Bakhshi continues to make waves in the luxury jewelry industry, her goals for the future are clear. She aspires to reach 2 million followers on Instagram and TikTok, further expanding her influence and impact. Additionally, Bebe plans to visit a diamond mine to continue her advocacy for natural diamonds, ensuring that the beauty and rarity of these precious gems remain celebrated.
“Delving into the world of high jewelry with Bebe Bakhshi, a journey where passion meets luxury and tradition blends with modernity.”
