Forsythe Spotlight: Get to Know Amanda
It was while she was juggling two very different jobs in film preservation and healthcare that Amanda decided she wanted to change things up. So, in 2017, she decided to turn her life-time love of gemstones and jewelry into a career instead of just a hobby. This decision led her to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in New York City where she earned a coveted spot (and a scholarship to boot!) in their six-month intensive gemology program. Upon completion, a sparkly new Graduate Gemologist ready to take the jewelry industry by storm was born. And storm the industry she did! Amanda packed up her life in the big apple, moved across the country to Seattle, and started working for Blue Nile as a Staff Gemologist and Quality Assurance Inspector. Unsurprisingly, she was later promoted to Repair Specialist, which is the position she held for the remainder of her four years there. When COVID hit, Amanda decided it was high time to rejoin her family in Rochester, so she traded the West coast for the East and bam: Forsythe Jewelers entered the chat and the rest is history!
Over the past three years, Amanda has been a vital part of the Forsythe Jewelers family, consistently exemplifying the personalized care we’re known for in the greater Rochester area. She is quick to share her knowledge, warm personality, and crazy stories with anyone who walks through our door. Her attention to detail is unmatched, and she’s like a walking encyclopedia when it comes to estate jewelry (read her blog about Ancient Nubian jewelry). If you follow us on social media, you’ve likely seen her Freaky Tiquey videos, and you know exactly what I’m talking about (we have the series highlighted on our Instagram profile). If you don’t follow us, get on it. You’re missing out. In true Amanda fashion, this past April, she was recognized on a national level by being honored with an AGS Young Titleholders Converge Scholarship—one of the jewelry industry’s most prestigious accolades. To say we’re proud of her would be an understatement! Not that we needed to be reminded, but it was just another testament to how brilliant she is and how lucky we are to have her as part of our Forsythe team.
You might be wondering what Converge is and why the scholarship is such a big deal. Per the GIA, “Converge unites GIA's innovative gemological research and industry-leading education with American Gem Society’s (AGS) professional development and opportunities to connect, fostering community and collaboration, inspiring new ideas, and enhancing professional networks—all setting the stage for success.” To have the opportunity to learn from experts in the industry, get a firsthand look into the latest cutting-edge research, and connect with others who share a passion for all things gems and jewelry is invaluable. The conference is glamorous, inspiring, and downright fascinating. It’s also in Carlsbad, California this year—what could be better than that!? Now that you have a feel for what Converge is all about, I’m sure you can understand how big of a deal it is that Amanda was awarded a scholarship. It’s wonderful to have her recognized as such a standout applicant.
Amanda said, “This scholarship supports my continued gemological education and allows me to bring fresh insights back to my team and our clients. It represents connection, growth, and an exciting future in this wonderful industry!”
Without Amanda, the Forsythe family would not be complete. Next time you’re in the store, be sure to congratulate her if you see her! To learn more about our talented staff, head to our Meet the Staff page or book an appointment with Amanda today.
Read on for a few Amanda fast facts...
Current favorite piece in the store:
Amanda is loving the mid-century diamond and pearl clip-on earrings from our estate collection—versatile and elegant 14 karat white gold pieces that can be worn alone or as earring jackets. Be sure to ask her to show you these in person. Photos don’t do them justice!
Favorite restaurant in Rochester:
Roux on Park Ave. She highly recommends ordering The Frenchie because it’s tart, refreshing, and springy. She says, “It makes me feel like I’m frolicking in the lavender fields of Provence!”
Favorite celebrity encounter:
Wildly enough, Amanda has a ton of celebrity encounters. However, her favorite might be the time she was working on the set of a photoshoot and Tom Brady (yes, you read that correctly) waltzed in and she nervously announced to him, “I’m guarding the couture!” She says, “There I was, standing in the dungeon of this abandoned building where the photoshoot was occurring upstairs. He walked in with his real estate agent, but I honestly didn’t know who he was. I just knew he was really handsome, and I got nervous when he said hello and asked how I was doing. It just came out of my mouth.” Casual, right?
Where she grew up:
Outside of London. We know—she’s such a cultured fancy pants.
Favorite things to do when not at Forsythe:
Amanda enjoys hanging out with her family (including her new cat, Eloise!), planning her wedding with her ✨fiancé✨, bopping around antique stores (her favorite is Combray Gallery in Hudson), spending time at local museums, watching The Real Housewives, and catching up with friends over coffee or a great meal.
