Shannon Passey – Founder

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. 

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