In a career that began twenty years ago, David Nassi, CG, took his first steps in lapidary and gemology with his father, a renowned specialist in the rare, large stones termed the big three: sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. Today, he serves as president of 100% Natural, Ltd.
Together, they discovered a niche for untreated, high-quality gemstones, particularly those not typically recognized in the collectors’ market. In 2003, they established 100% Natural, Ltd. in New York City to cater to this unique segment.
In 2011, David debuted his first booth at the AGTA show with a selection of gemstones that were well-received, boosting his confidence to showcase more of his work. “Since then, I began to expand my trade show presence with my first showcase at AGS in 2018. The showcase boasts a lot of gemstones I source and facet from rough or stones we acquired and re-cut myself,” David recounts. Over the last decade, David has earned several AGTA Spectrum Awards. Something he’s very proud of! He is also the first and only to receive Best of Show two years in a row.
All loose stones pictured below were cut or recut by David Nassi, CG.
Starting in 2022, David established an emerging designer program to provide educational opportunities and support for new and first-generation jewelry designers, aiming to remove industry barriers.
His company has recently begun an exciting collaboration with a Madagascar mining company, Prosperity Earth.
“The mine uses the best environmental and traceability practices in mining, which really aligns with our mission of working towards a more sustainable industry,” David explains.
“The mine produces demantoid garnets, and I work with them by faceting the larger specimens that are being mined. The project is exciting for me because it allows me to cut stones from rough, which is a passion of mine, and also because demantoid garnets are among my favorite stones in the market (not to mention my birthstone!).”
Additionally, David is expanding their estate collection, acquiring and enhancing pieces by re-cutting the stones, further promoting sustainability within the market.
Beyond his passion for gemstones, David is an avid outdoorsman, engaging in activities like rock climbing, mountain biking, surfing, skiing, and gardening. “I love to garden and have spent the last 12 years enjoying my home garden, which can really qualify as an urban farm at this point. It’s a hobby that keeps me outside and something I can do with my family that is very rewarding.”
As an American Gem Society (AGS) member, David feels he is part of the “greatest American retail jewelry community in the industry. I’ve made so many friends from being an AGS member, which, for me personally, has exceeded the many great benefits our company has enjoyed. Accessibility to the many reliable and excellent retailers in our industry, as well as the continued educational opportunities, are likely the biggest benefits to our company as a member.”
Learn more about 100% Natural, Ltd. at supernaturalgems.com.
