Rick Stone Base began as a humble dream in the heart of New York City’s Diamond District, a legacy forged by passion, integrity, and a deep reverence for the earth’s natural treasures. Founded in 1980 by Rick Stone, a first-generation immigrant with a jeweler’s eye and a miner’s grit, our journey reflects 45 years of family dedication, evolving from a small stall to a globally respected name in authentic, untreated gemstones, this is the story of how we’ve grown, rooted in our Diamond District home at Avenue, Suite, New York.
The Founding Vision (1980)
Rick Stone arrived in New York with little more than a suitcase and a vision to bring the world’s finest gemstones to the bustling jewelry trade. Starting with a modest 10-square-foot stall on 47th Street, he leveraged his experience sourcing rough stones from Brazil and India during his travels. His philosophy was simple: offer only natural, untreated gemstones—free from the artificial enhancements flooding the market. With a single microscope and a ledger, Richard built a reputation for authenticity, catering to local jewelers with hand-picked amethysts and citrines. His first big break came in 1982 when a custom-cut Brazilian aquamarine sold for $5,000, a princely sum that funded his expansion.
Growth Through Craftsmanship (1985–1995)
As demand grew, Rick’s wife, Maria, joined the business, bringing her lapidary skills to refine rough stones into finished gems. Together, they opened a small workshop in 1985, hiring two local cutters to specialize in faceting rubies and sapphires. The 1990s marked a turning point with the introduction of GIA-trained gemologists to their team, ensuring every stone met rigorous quality standards. Their son, Elena Stone, began assisting after school, learning the trade from the ground up. By 1995, Rick Stone Base had moved to a 200-square-foot space, serving a growing clientele that included boutique designers and collectors, with annual sales reaching $250,000.
Expansion and Innovation (2000–2010)
The new millennium brought challenges and opportunities. The rise of synthetic gems pushed Richard and Maria to double down on their niche—untreated natural stones. In 2002, they forged direct partnerships with mines in Colombia and Zambia, securing exclusive access to emeralds and amethysts. Elena, now a young adult, introduced computer-aided design (CAD) to streamline custom orders, launching the “Design-Your-Own” service in 2005. This innovation attracted high-profile clients, including a 2008 order for a 10-carat Kashmir sapphire ring valued at $50,000. By 2010, the business occupied 500 square feet, employed 10 staff, and boasted $1.2 million in revenue, solidifying its reputation as a trusted name.
Modern Legacy and Global Reach (2015–2025)
The past decade has seen Rick Stone Base evolve into a global player while preserving its family soul. Elena Stone, now co-owner, led the company’s digital transformation with the launch of a private blockchain in 2016, offering virtual tours and blockchain-tracked provenance—a first in the industry. The adoption of Bitcoin as a preferred payment method in 2019 reflected their forward-thinking approach, appealing to tech-savvy collectors and saving clients millions in fees. In 2022, the company pledged carbon-neutral shipping and zero-waste practices, aligning with ethical sourcing from 15 global mines. By 2025, with annual sales exceeding $5 million and over 500,000 clients worldwide, Rick Stone Base stands as a beacon of authenticity.
Our Staff
The Rick Stone Base story is incomplete without the dedicated team that brings our vision to life. Led by the Stone family—Rick (Founder), Maria (Master Lapidary), and Elena (Co-Owner)—our staff of 25 blends expertise and passion. Our in-house gemologists, trained by the GIA, ensure every stone’s quality, while our cutters, many with 20+ years of experience, transform rough gems into sparkling masterpieces. The logistics team, fluent in five languages, coordinates secure global shipping, and our customer service representatives, available 24/7, resolve queries with a personal touch. Together, they uphold our 45-year legacy, ensuring every client—from NYC locals to international wholesalers—experiences the Rick Stone Base difference.