GILLIAN GOLDMAN - FOUNDER - GRADUATE GEMOLOGIST

Gillian Goldman is a GIA Graduate Gemologist, and GIA Applied Jewelry Professional. Additionally, Gillian has dedicated herself to the world of diamonds and gemstones for many years. In 2012, she established Significant Stones, a Southern California-based concierge service specializing in diamonds, gemstones, bespoke jewelry, and fine watches, operating by appointment only.

Significant Stones caters to a discerning clientele, offering an exclusive selection of natural, rare, Earth mined diamonds and gemstones, custom jewelry, and luxury timepieces. Her considerable experience and success as an investor and collector of diamonds and gemstones have endowed her with a distinctive skill set that distinguishes her from many contemporary jewelry professionals.

“We eliminate the middleman and redirect those savings to our customers,” Gillian explains. “My goal is to empower our clients by ensuring they acquire a unique, rare diamond, gemstone, custom jewelry piece, or fine watch at an exceptional value.”

Gillian possesses a deep understanding of the unique requirements of today’s collectors and investors in diamonds, gemstones, jewelry, and watches. Leveraging her extensive network of suppliers, Gillian is able to offer her clients the highest quality diamonds, gemstones, and bespoke jewelry craftsmanship, all at competitive prices.

Gillian is also deeply committed to creating bespoke jewelry tailored to individual preferences. From the initial concept to sourcing the appropriate diamonds and gemstones, and collaborating with her in-house designer to craft a piece, she takes great joy in producing custom creations that are designed to endure in both value and craftsmanship. She is dedicated to assisting clients in discovering and connecting with the perfect stone for their personal needs.

“Diamonds and gemstones are treasures created by the Earth itself, embodying a legacy that spans generations. When you acquire a diamond or gemstone, you become intertwined with its energetic history, which will endure long after our time on this planet has concluded. Receiving a diamond or gemstone, whether as a gift or as a personal indulgence, is a significant blessing in your life. You have been selected to partake in the journey of this diamond or gemstone on Earth.”

LORIE HELMAN - GRADUATE GEMOLOGIST

Lorie is a GIA Graduate Gemologist, Graduate Pearls, and Applied Jewelry Professional.
Her expertise enables her to accurately evaluate gemstone quality, educate clients with confidence, and provide trusted guidance on important purchasing decisions. This deep understanding of gemology enhances the company’s credibility, reinforces its commitment to integrity and excellence, and ensures clients receive knowledgeable, personalized service backed by professional expertise.

Additionally, Lorie has completed GIA Continuing Education in topics including Jewelry Forensics, the Gem Access Program for Graduate Gemologists, and Watch Fundamentals. As a lifelong learner, she continues to build her knowledge studying related topics.

Through decades of consumer experience with diamond purchases, trades, recut commissions, variety of mountings, and custom projects, Lorie brings a perspective of “the other side of the counter”.
She has earned a Master of Science, with Distinction, in Family and Consumer Sciences from California State University, Northridge.
Ms. Helman is a member of the GIA Alumni Collective, GIA Los Angeles Alumni Chapter, and the Kappa Omicron Nu Human Science Honor Society.

ALLISON MCQUADE - MURPHY SALES ASSOCIATE

Allison Murphy brings a wealth of experience in fashion and design, having honed her craft in both New York City and Los Angeles. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, she began her career in sales and design, working in both jewelry and fashion. In 2004, Allison expanded her expertise into interior design, creating stunning, personalized homes for clients. With a deep understanding of aesthetics and craftsmanship, she now brings her passion for design to the jewelry world.

At the heart of Allison’s approach is her dedication to creating one-of-a-kind pieces tailored to each client’s individual style and vision. She guides you through every step of the design process, using her keen eye for detail and a patient, collaborative approach to ensure you’re thrilled with the final result. Allison’s goal is to help you love the piece you create together.

Her work on the Timepiece Collection is a particular passion, and she will work closely with you to find the perfect watch that fits your style and needs. Outside of her professional life, Allison draws inspiration from her travels and love for the outdoors. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys and currently resides in Miami, FL, where she divides her time between Florida, New York, and California.

RICK GOLDMAN - CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Last but certainly not least, the financial foundation behind the scenes is also Gillian Goldman’s husband. Rick Goldman, a Southern California native, brings decades of hands-on business leadership to Significant Stones. His career began in sales, spending four years with two national corporations before moving into merchandise buying, where he spent twelve years as a buyer and merchandise manager for a national direct marketing firm. He then spent eight years directing print, television, and internet advertising for consumer products in the mail order industry, developing a rare fluency in how brands earn trust at scale.

For twenty years, Rick served as President and Owner of a national catalog company selling clothing, housewares, giftware, and jewelry — a business he built from its inception. He was directly involved in every facet of the company’s operations, from importing and buying to advertising and finance, before successfully selling the company to a strategic buyer in 2020.
That breadth of experience — sourcing rare goods, managing supplier relationships, overseeing marketing, and stewarding the financial health of a company for two decades — translates seamlessly to the world of fine diamonds and gemstones, where value, provenance, and precision must always align. Rick’s expertise ensures that Significant Stones’ operations are as exceptional as the pieces it offers, giving clients confidence in every transaction.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​