“Women of the Diamond Industry” focuses on the issue of gender equality along the entire diamond and jewelry supply chain. The series provides a platform for women in the industry to tell their own stories and to describe the particular challenges they have faced in their careers.
The 23nd article in the series is authored by Bebe Bakhshi, a digital storyteller and social media influencer, who helped change the way in which the diamond dream is communicated to the public.
IGNITING THE SPARKLE IN OTHERS
Bebe Bakhshi, the author, holding the ‘Star of Egypt, a 105.52-carat cut cornered rectangular step-cut diamond auctioned at Christie’s in 2023.
OCTOBER 24, 2025
If someone had told me 15 years ago that I would build a digital platform dedicated entirely to high jewelry and natural diamonds, I might have laughed and moved on. My professional background had nothing to do with jewelry nor social media. And yet, somehow, every chapter of my life led me exactly here.
I am Persian by birth, which instilled an appreciation for diamonds and jewelry, and I am Australian by choice, having made my life in the country for the past 15 years. But jewelry was far from my world. My education was in industrial economics, and I worked in my family’s manufacturing and engineering business, which provided equipment for cement and steel plants.
The idea from which would grow Champagne Gem was sparked on a sunny beach. It began not as a business idea, but as a pure expression of love for beauty. At the time I was struggling about what to do with my life in a new country. Blogging was a recent trend to which I had discovered a natural affinity. For me it was a personal outlet to share my passions with the world.
Then one single moment changed everything. It was in 2015, and I found myself, almost by chance, holding the Blue Moon of Josephine, the most expensive fancy vivid blue diamond ever to be sold at auction at the time. That brief encounter was a turning point.
The video I shared did not just go viral – it shifted how the diamond world viewed social media. A closed and traditional trade began to see the value of digital storytelling as a bridge between craftsmanship and heritage, and global appreciation.
Celebrating jewelry with authenticity
I have always believed that beauty deserves to be shared, and that storytelling can connect people to the emotional essence of jewelry. When I started Champagne Gem, my goal was simple. It was to celebrate high jewelry and natural diamonds with authenticity, and to reveal the artistry, history, and emotion behind every piece.
What began as a passion project grew into a global platform followed by collectors, brands, and jewelry lovers who share my fascination with nature’s most beautiful gifts and human artistry.
The diamond industry welcomed me with curiosity and respect, but building trust took time. It’s a community steeped in heritage, discretion and intimate relationships, all of which are qualities that do not naturally align with the openness of social media.
One would have thought that my biggest challenge was being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry. It was not. The tallest mountain I had to climb was convincing a conservative trade that online storytelling could elevate, rather than diminish the exclusivity of their creations. I had to prove that showing exceptional pieces on digital platforms could inspire a new generation of admirers without compromising their prestige.
Persistence became my greatest ally. I kept showing up at shows, events and conversations, with curiosity, respect, and with my iPhone of course. I listened, learned and stayed true to my voice.
Bebe Bakhshi, an Australian of Persian heritage, who channeled a talent for expressing herself as a blogger into one of fine jewelry’s most widely followed social media platforms.
Over time, consistency and sincerity built credibility. Younger audiences discovered high jewelry, collectors began engaging online, and appreciation for natural diamonds expanded beyond borders. What started as one woman’s passion evolved into a movement celebrating transparency, craftsmanship and inspiration.
A storyteller who brings magic to life
When it comes to natural diamonds my mantra has always been “more is more.” It might sound indulgent and superficial, but to me it represents an abundance of creativity, confidence and self-expression.
My audience does not follow me to see the attainable. It follows me to dream. Every diamond I feature has its own universe, filled with light and potential. I see my role as the storyteller who brings its magic to life.
Through this journey, I have learned that being a woman in this industry is not a limitation – it is a strength. Women understand jewelry beyond its aesthetics; we understand its emotion. We wear our stories, our triumphs and our transformations through the jewels we choose. That female perspective allows me to connect deeply with my audience and the pieces I feature. Jewelry is not just luxury; it is identity, memory and emotion captured in art.
There were times I questioned my path. High jewelry can be an intimidating world. But each time I doubted myself, I remembered why I started – to share beauty and make people experience genuine emotion when they look at a diamond. That purpose grounded me. Over time, I learned that authenticity is the most valuable currency. In a world of trends and filters, staying true to your voice and eye is what creates real impact.
Your passion is your power
One of the greatest rewards of my journey has been the community that has grown around Champagne Gem. What began as a personal outlet has become a global network of artisans, dealers, collectors, and other storytellers who share the same appreciation for beauty and authenticity. It has also deepened my sense of responsibility, to advocate for transparency, ethics, and education.
I never wanted to be seen as a marketer, but as someone who genuinely loves and understands jewelry. That sincerity resonated, even with those who were initially skeptical.
Today, the conversation has shifted. Women are no longer only the muses and wearers of jewels but also their storytellers, curators and entrepreneurs. And the industry is stronger for it.
If I could share one message with women entering this world, it would be this – your passion is your power. You do not need to fit into an existing mold; you can create your own. The diamond industry, like the stones themselves, is evolving. It needs new voices, honest perspectives and creative energy. Bring your heart, knowledge, and persistence, there will always be space for you to shine.
The author at work, iPhone in hand.
Emerging, from behind closed doors
Natural diamonds, in particular, remind me of our resilience. They are formed under immense pressure yet emerge radiant and strong. I see that same quality in the women of our industry, each shaped by her experiences and shining brighter for it.
When I think back to that moment in 2015, holding the Blue Moon of Josephine, I could not have imagined where it would lead. That single video opened the door to a world that felt both ancient and new. Looking back now, it was the moment everything in my world aligned – my love for diamonds, my respect for heritage, and my belief in the power of storytelling.
Today, that belief is stronger than ever. The world of high jewelry continues to evolve, and I am proud to play a small part in sharing its legacy with the world. I do so not behind closed doors, but out in the open, where jewelry’s beauty can inspire generations to come.
In the end, it is not just about the sparkle. It is about what that sparkle ignites in others.