This summer, Gypsy & Gem, the jewelry brand founded by Aimee Gisondi, settled in a permanent home in Rock Hill’s historic downtown. A Lexington, SC, native and College of Charleston graduate, Gisondi honed her craft through metalsmithing classes in New York City and years of self-teaching—hours of trial, and handmade designs alongside permanent jewelry services, seven days a week. With its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, the shop encourages visitors to browse freely, try on pieces, and connect with the artistry behind each design. More than just a retail space, Gypsy & Gem aims to inspire—a warm, stylish, intentional destination for gifts, keepsakes, and everyday adornment.
Here, Aimee tells us more about her choice to open a brick-and-mortar, leave her corporate job and embrace a new beginning.
What inspired you to start your own business?
There were a couple of major life events. The first was meeting Nathalia Perozo. She was a huge inspiration at a time when I was craving something creative for myself outside of motherhood and corporate life. One day she said to me, “You live in the greatest city in the world where you can literally do anything… what do you want to do?” Without even thinking, I blurted out, “I want to make jewelry!”
The second major shift came after the COVID pandemic. As the world slowly reopened, I started seeing local vendors and markets popping up on Instagram. I noticed people making jewelry and selling it at these events, and I thought, Wait—I can do that too! I’d already been making pieces for friends, family, and the occasional Etsy order, so I applied to the Fort Mill Farmers & Artisans Market.
Describe your personal and artistic style.
I’ve always loved having fun with fashion—my first job ever was actually in the fashion industry in NYC! I love mixing things up and playing with different looks. As much as I love a good pop of color, I’m also a big fan of neutrals. I tend to gravitate toward classic staples as the base of an outfit and then layer in pieces depending on my mood or the moment. My style is truly about balance: playful yet timeless, bold yet wearable.
What different materials do you use in your jewelry and how do you choose them?
I work with high-quality gold-filled, rose gold-filled, and sterling silver metals that I source from trusted jeweler-specific suppliers here in the U.S. I’ve been working with two of those companies for almost a decade now. I try to source as many materials as I can from U.S.-based companies, though with certain gemstones that can be challenging. Sometimes I’ll fall in love with a stone’s shape or color long before I have a design in mind, and the piece just grows from there. That’s what makes it feel organic and intuitive.
What would you say is your most popular or signature piece?
I have a few best-sellers that my customers keep coming back for. One of the most classic pieces in the Gypsy & Gem collection is a petite sunburst charm with a Herkimer diamond at the center, available on either a cable or paperclip chain. It’s simple, beautiful, and super wearable. Another fan favorite is the Groupie Ring—a wide, hammered band that feels bold but timeless. And lately, thanks to the buzz around White Lotus Season 3, my hand-cut and hand-stamped Stay Gold necklace has been stealing the show. It’s quickly becoming the new front-runner!
Tell us about the choice to open a brick and mortar space.
Opening a brick-and-mortar space wasn’t something I had originally planned—but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I left my corporate job as an executive assistant in May 2025, after 8-plus years. It was a huge leap, but I knew I had hit a point where I couldn’t grow Gypsy & Gem the way I wanted to while still working full-time. I got a text from Sarah, the owner of The Hickory Post.
She told me a shop space had just opened up in the store and asked if I’d be interested. Talk about divine timing! It was as if all the stars aligned. I had just made this massive life change, and here was the universe dropping this opportunity in my lap. I couldn’t say no. I wanted to be in an environment that felt collaborative, inspiring, and aligned with my values—and that’s exactly what The Hickory Post offers. It already felt like home before it ever officially became mine.
Do you take commissions?
I do! That said, it really depends on the scope of the project. I only take on custom pieces that I feel confident I can execute beautifully and in line with my aesthetic. I love when someone brings an idea to me, and we get to figure out together how my style and their vision can align. When it works—it feels like magic. And it always makes the final piece that much more special.
