A passion for investment...

Thursday 28 December 2023

It’s clear from speaking to Sophie Marquis and spending time in her company that she simply loves both aspects of her work.

She has cultivated two very different roles for herself and she shares her enthusiasm with clients across both.

As Marquis Gemstone and Fine Art Consultancy she offers a wide variety of services including gemstone advisory, collection management, vetting, valuations for insurance and probate, brokerage of luxury assets, jewellery commissions and sourcing fine art, antiques, and some of the stunning gemstones seen in these photos.

"I view gemstones and diamonds as tangible assets presenting an attractive alternative as part of a diverse investment portfolio or non-core asset,” she explains.

In simpler terms Sophie said: “Gemstone investment is about enjoying gemstones and profiting from it.” 

Pictured: Sophie Marquis (Milly Mallender).

Her work with gemstones takes her around the world. A recent trip to Geneva was cancelled when Storm Ciaran affected flights, while a trip to Australia during the summer saw her opal mining and sourcing red diamonds, the rarest coloured diamonds in the world.

This hands-on approach to her work is evident through every aspect of it. 

“I have a background in fine art and antiques, working with auction houses, art dealers and art fairs, and then went to the jewellery industry, which has been an exciting and rewarding experience,” she explains. 

The qualified gemmologist has built her Marquis business through “word of mouth through clients that I've had in the past and new ones that they've introduced to me, to now having clients worldwide.  

“I love sharing knowledge, I think the more you know, the more fascinated you become and the more you appreciate it.”

Sophie’s knowledge of gemstones is clearly expansive and she shares that knowledge with her clients, whatever their intended investment is.

“High-grade gemstones are durable, portable, transferable, relatively liquid and are a safe haven asset. They're rare and with increasing demand and you can pass them on to the next generation to enjoy, which is what makes it so lovely.  I have the desire for diamonds and gemstones to do good, so offer clients the opportunity of offset investing, making a positive impact.”

With gems being a tangible asset, Sophie enjoys the learning journey she can take clients on.

"I can put two stones in front of you. And I can explain to you why this stone is better than this stone.

There aren't many assets that you can enjoy as easily as the beauty of a gemstone with Sophie knowing more about them than most people. 

"I am a treasure hunter, in the art and diamond spheres, so the job is very different every day. 

“I cover a range of services, whether that's when somebody needs valuation work done or they would like to have their engagement ring designed.”

Sophie does that design work herself before working with the workshop to create the jewellery from gems, including those she has mined herself.

“I've got some wonderful bench jewellers that I work with,” she says. 

"Whether it's doing that or creating a fabulous birthday present for someone or sourcing an anniversary present, with an extensive network if somebody says to me, ‘Sophie, can you go and find me a Monet, or a Damien Hirst, Picasso, or a wonderful piece of furniture’...particular items and artists tend to hold the value and do increase over a period of time. 

“The art market as a whole has performed very well over this period, it’s one of the best performing asset classes over the past 10 years.  Along with gemstones, which is what makes them a leading consideration for those looking to balance their portfolios and protect their wealth.

“Gemstones have an intrinsic value and historic trends show an increase in the value of jewels with the exceptional Estrela de FURA, a 55.22 carat ruby selling in June for $34.8 million, setting an auction record for a ruby and the most valuable coloured gemstone ever sold at auction.”

Pictured: Sophie Marquis (Milly Mallender).

Alongside her work as a gemmologist, Sophie teaches yoga classes.

With two varying businesses keeping her busy, but also smiling and glowing, does she consider herself an entrepreneur?

“If being an entrepreneur is taking that leap, following your purpose and committing to your dreams, then yes,” she says.

“I’ve set up two businesses, Marquis and Lifestyle Yoga, and I don’t think it will stop there.  

“I trained in India and have been teaching classes and private sessions for the past five years.  The two businesses are very different.

“Marquis allows me to pursue my passion and with Lifestyle Yoga I gift people the space to just be.  I love what I do, I’m very lucky.”

As a businesswoman Sophie spends a huge amount of time working towards ensuring her clients are happy and satisfied, whether that be sourcing the perfect gem for their perfect person, or helping them achieve their own personal peak health and relaxation goals through yoga.

“Being an entrepreneur requires grit,” she says.

“It is about embracing your mistakes, learning the lessons and having the determination and belief to keep going and harnessing the power of your community, which is supportive in Guernsey.  

“Setting up business has taught me about where to spend your time and energy.”

With 2024 on the horizon as we meet to discuss Sophie’s work and future plans, she has plenty to be smiling about with a hint of surprise as she confirms she is planning the next step in her life as an entrepreneur. 

“I’m excited about the launch of the gemstone and diamond investment products on the horizon, and a further exciting project in the pipeline, watch this space…”

This article first appeared in Connect which can be read online HERE. 

The next edition of Connect will be available online and at select locations across the island from 1 February.

Pictured top: Sophie Marquis (Milly Mallender).