The first trip I took to Rome Italy back in 1983 changed my life. No matter where I turned, what alley I found myself on or what cafe I sat in, there was jaw dropping beauty. The air was different, the colors on the buildings were those that I had never seen before. The local residents looked like they just stepped out of a Vogue photo shoot. The food tasted better just because of the surroundings. On the plane home I was making plans for the trip back.

I have made it back several times since and each time I see something more magnificent, more inspiring. My dream was to create a place reminiscent of just one small street in Rome. So that no matter where you turn or how long you look, you will always see something new and beautiful.

The wine bar and espresso machine that is complimentary to all who visit me here reminds me of meeting my old friends in the Piazza Navona and sitting for hours just enjoying company and a few glasses of cold wine. The murals on the walls and the paint colors that I chose are all from old photos of that perfect city. No one could ever replicate the frescos on the Sistine Cieling, so, in my store, I painted the Delphic and Lybian Sibyls as a small tribute to Michelangelo directly on the FLOOR!

The artwork and statues in Rome are priceless treasures. Each one a rare GEM. When buying art to frame for my store I take great pride in making sure that each piece has that special magic. Whether its an original oil or simply a print, the quality of the artists that make it to the walls of my store are the types that I can only aspire to emulate. The detail, perfection of realism and the color choices are all taken into serious consideration. Even the small candlesticks, urns, bowls and accents all have a certain touch to them that is hard to describe.

When it comes to frames, there are none better than what house the masterpieces in Rome. The frames are almost as priceless as the art they contain. Unmatchable. The 800 mouldings at The Gem were picked for their beauty, quality and value. Your artwork is just as priceless, encasing it with the perfect frame to display in your home is just as important.

I would offer my customers nothing less.