Shannon & Bruce Passey – Founder’s

Shannon

Shannon was born in Pocatello Idaho.  When she was three years old her family moved to Cedar City with the dream of starting a new Jewelry Store.  Shortly after their arrival, Gem Jewelers were born.  Shannon grew up working at the jewelry store where she learned about precious stones and metals along with how to run and manage a business.  It was her job to engrave all of the jewelry items. 

After serving an 18-month proselytizing mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Toronto Canada, she attended classes at Brigham Young University.  She later received specialized training in Santa Monica California at the Gemological Institute of America in hand engraving. 

It was during this time that she met her husband Bruce who was studying jewelry making at the University of Southern California.  Upon deciding to marry, they relocated back to Cedar City in hopes of starting a family. 

Shannon combined her practical knowledge from working in the jewelry store, and her formal training in engraving to create Gem Awards.  Though it wasn’t easy, through hard work and determination, Shannon grew Gem Awards into the largest awards store in Southern Utah.  

Shannon led the industry with innovation by adding computerized engraving machines and experimenting with new products and processes.  After 30 years, the business was sold to her son Jacob who is determined to continue the legacy of Gem Awards that Shannon created. 

Today, she still plays a pivotal role as an engraver, advisor and founder.  She enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and seeing more of the world. 

Bruce

Bruce was born in Culver City, California.  During his childhood and teenage years, he became handy by fixing things around the house and working on cars and boats.  He later worked and managed a small electronics shop while attending school at UCLA. 

After 4 years, Bruce received his bachelor’s degree in fine art with an emphasis in jewelry making.  It was at this time that he met his wife Shannon while studying at the Gemological Institute of America.  They decided to get married and move back to her hometown in Cedar City, Utah. 

Upon arriving in Cedar City, Bruce began learning more about the engraving industry.  Being a quick learner, he adapted his art skills into becoming the main designer for the early days of Gem Awards.  He was also able to use his extensive knowledge of electronics to maintain, fix and modify many of the engraving machines we still use today. 

Along with helping found Gem Awards, he also started and runs his own business and has helped raise a family of 4 boys.   Although he is less involved in the day-to-day operations of Gem Awards, he still enjoys helping out wherever he is needed.