Hello! I am Kyla Donell Coker-Coia, Founder and CEO of Kyla Donell.

One thing my clients and friends would tell you is that I am passionate about rocks in all forms. From an early age, I knew I had a passion for geology with a need to understand how the world’s landscapes, rocks and its natural treasures were formed. 

After obtaining my Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and having a corporate career as a Geologist, it was the extraordinary materials formed within the earth, particularly gemstones, that ultimately drew me in another direction.

I decided to pursue the path to become a GIA Certified Graduate Gemologist and obtain my Gemology Degree at the world’s foremost authority in gemology: The GIA - The Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, CA. 

Once a trained Geologist and Gemologist, I became even more fascinated by the remarkable journey of gemstones, from their formation deep within the earth, to becoming meaningful jewelry pieces that mark life's most important moments. 

Since establishing the Kyla Donell brand in 2013, I have built the brand on a foundation of expertise and trusted geological and gemological connections around the world. This global network, combined with my background as both a geologist and gemologist, allows me to offer my private clients a highly personal approach to fine jewelry. With this background, I am passionate about sourcing exceptional gemstones and transforming them into thoughtfully designed, one-of-a-kind pieces that are uniquely personal to each client.

That intersection of science, beauty, and sentiment became the foundation of Kyla Donell.

The Process

I work directly and privately with clients to design, create, source, and curate fine jewelry that is deeply personal to them. My business has grown organically through relationships and referrals, with clients entrusting me with their jewelry collections, and even introducing me to their friends and families.

I am meticulous about the gemstones and materials I select and equally particular about craftsmanship. Whether creating an entirely new piece, reimagining an heirloom, or sourcing something exceptional from my trusted network, I approach each project individually.

I work closely with my clients from our earliest conversations and design concepts through gemstone selection, renderings, fabrication, and final finishing, collaborating with highly skilled jewelers and craftsmen to bring each piece to life.

My goal is never simply to make beautiful jewelry. It is to create and curate pieces that feel distinctly personal—jewelry worthy of being worn, loved, and eventually passed down.

Where It Began

Some of my earliest fondest memories of jewelry are intertwined with family and travel.

During childhood spring-break ski trips to Angel Fire, New Mexico, my parents and I would visit the silver jewelry shops in nearby Taos. Each year, I was allowed to choose a piece, often set with turquoise or another natural gemstone. I still have those pieces in my personal collection today.

Holiday family gatherings were also quality time around the family jewelry box. My Aunt Ranell traveled the globe, bringing home jewelry treasures that represented distant places - different cultures, landscapes, and stories. To me, those pieces were never simply objects. They held memories of people and places. These childhood memories are what deeply connected me to the appreciation for jewelry and shaped the way I still think about jewelry today.

It is a privilege to be trusted with those stories. My purpose is to give my clients a knowledgeable, trusted source for exceptional gemstones and fine jewelry while creating pieces that can become part of their family's story for generations. 

Donell is Kyla's official middle name, originated from her mother's sisters, Donna and Ranell.  Donell is symbolic of the sentimental stories behind each piece of our jewelry treasures. 

“I am passionate about people having access to the most rare, beautiful gemstones and custom jewelry. Blending passion and expertise, I thank my clients for the opportunity to fulfill my purpose as being a trusted source for their gemstones and jewelry. After all, jewelry is personal and it shouldn’t be taken lightly.” 

Kyla Donell Coker-Coia

Photos by: Ben Horton (@benhortonphoto)