Check Out Graham Henderson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Graham Henderson. 

Hi Graham, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Humans’ love of precious metals and gemstones is as old as human civilization. Our love for these rare and beautiful materials is embedded in our genetic code. The current industry is built upon the shoulders of thousands of years of discovery and collective knowledge. And yet, it is as fresh and rapidly evolving as ever. 

To call the gemstone and jewelry industry competitive would be an understatement. The artists that comprise the cutting edge of these art forms are pushing the envelope in ways most people can’t even imagine. Where do we fit in? 

There are so many spaces in these mediums that are already filled by exceptional artisans. We knew we wanted to be a part of it, and we knew we wanted to make waves in a significant way. So, we asked ourselves “how may we make ourselves most useful?” 

It dawned on us that nobody is documenting the world of bespoke and independent jewelry/gemstone artists in a significant way. Furthermore, gaining information about gemstones and precious metals is simply not accessible to the average person. It took us YEARS to develop the knowledge and awareness that we have. We have an obsession with these artistic mediums and we aim to make them accessible to as many people as possible. 

With Included Jewelry Enthusiasts, we are meeting with jewelers, gem cutters, gem dealers, precious metals experts, and more in an effort to film their artistic journeys and share them with the world. We want to give our audience the keys to the kingdom. 

Inclusions refer to materials trapped inside a gemstone during their formation and are a factor considered when grading stones. We chose our name due to its relation to gemstones as well as our intention to include as many people as possible with the things we are so passionate about. 

We call ourselves “jewelry enthusiasts” in order to signify that while we are both extremely knowledgeable and experienced in this field, we are ultimately just like anyone else. We are still learning and aim to devote our lives to eventually gaining a level of expertise. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We both feel like this pursuit of ours is our destiny. With that in mind, we’ve always put our best foot forward to show up with positivity and an open mind when approaching these artists. We’re making a name for ourselves with many jewelry/gemstone artists, but we have a long road ahead. 

This is both of our first foray into being business owners, that is always a bit scary. We want to cover all our bases, prepare for any situation. We want it all to work. We’ve made a lot of sacrifices and funded the entire brand out of our pockets. 

We were both working full-time at our regular jobs and grinding on the side to build this brand. Recently, we both quit our jobs to pursue Included Jewelry Enthusiasts full time. It was a big leap, there is a lot of unknowns. But we both feel like this is what we are meant to do and couldn’t live with the idea of looking back down the line and wondering “what if?” 

I (Graham) have a solid background in photography, but I was starting from ground zero with videography. Both the technical side and showing myself on video. It’s nerve-wracking, I kinda hate the sound of my own voice haha! But hey, going outside your comfort zone is a good thing, right? It was now or never, we are riding by the seat of our pants and things don’t always go as planned, but we are doing it! 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I (Graham) have a background in fine jewelry/textile sales as well as having until just recently managed a precious metals/diamond buying office. My hands have touched millions of dollars of gold and diamonds. I am very accurate with identification and evaluation of these materials. Furthermore, I am extremely knowledgeable about gemstones and have been an avid collector for years. I have designed multiple jewelry pieces of my own and I see myself as a tastemaker and curator.

My partner Drew is also extremely knowledgeable about precious metals and gemstones. We have been friends for years and I quickly took him under my wing and showed him the ropes. The tables are turning however, Drew is about to pursue a Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological institute of America. This is arguably the most esteemed and respected gemstone laboratory on earth. We met and connected due to our mutual love of avant-garde fashion and style and quickly realized we were meant to build something together. 

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Whatever you lack in knowledge and experience, you can make up for tenfold with raw unadulterated passion. We want this. Bad. Are there people out there more knowledgeable or better equipped than us in some way? Certainly. But we’re out here doing it. 

Contact Info:

• Email: includedje@gmail.com
• Instagram: @includedje
• Other: https://linktr.ee/includedje

Image Credits:
Graham Henderson