Cynthia Renée Marcusson has stood in the pitch black of a gem mine 165 million years deep, washed the dirt off a stone no human had ever seen, and then figured out how to turn it into something a woman would wear for the rest of her life.

She started as a gem mine geologist, wrote her undergraduate thesis inside a working mine in Southern California, and founded Cynthia Renée, Inc. in 1990 as one of a handful of colored gem wholesale companies owned and run by a single woman. Today she works directly with private collectors, many of them for decades, sourcing rare colored gems and designing bespoke pieces around the stories of the people who wear them.

In this episode she and Lois get into what actually happens underground, why she asks clients about the shape of their dining room table before she designs anything, and why she calls the rise of colored gemstones a renaissance rather than a trend. She shares the story behind a pair of tanzanite earrings built around a sunrise over the Serengeti, explains the difference between hardness and durability before you buy that emerald engagement ring, and warns you that the way you clap your hands may be quietly wrecking your jewelry.

Veda Kalro has always been drawn to stories. Three years ago, she took a leap of faith and turned that passion into Anamśa Designs; a brand born from emotion, heritage, and a love for timeless beauty.

In this episode Lois and Veda talk about Anamśa Designs and how it is created for those who believe jewelry should feel as timeless as the memories attached to it. Veda shares how both her and her mother contribute to the brand with their unique styles which keep the collections both rooted in tradition and feeling fresh.

Veda’s life has been built around connection, creativity, and understanding people deeply. This depth shines through both the jewelry she designs and the joy she gives and receives when interacting with her customers. She shares trends she sees and her love for bringing women happiness as they

Blending traditional Indian craftsmanship with a contemporary eye for design, the brand is known for its intricate Kundan, Polki, Meenakari, antique gold, and statement bridal pieces that feel both regal and deeply personal.