Born and raised in Bozeman, Jason Baide grew up surrounded by the art of jewelry making at the Gem Gallery, learning from the store's experienced goldsmiths and jewelers, including his father, Don Baide. By early high school, he was fully hooked and knew it would be a life-long pursuit. Starting with matching stones and sweeping floors in seventh grade, Jason grew through the ranks of the Gem Gallery.
He honed his skills at Montana State University, studying metalsmithing and business, and further advanced his expertise with a Graduate Diamond degree from the Gemological Institute of America. After managing and running Gem Gallery for many years, he purchased Gem Gallery in 2020 from his father. (2020 was a wild year to say the least!) He now honors the tradition that his father started while pushing the store forward. Jason has built the business by expanding the team and embracing new technologies in the jewelry industry. He has also pushed Gem Gallery’s aesthetic, celebrating the launch of two in-house designed & crafted collections: the Aurum collection in 2021, and the Imperfectionist collection in 2023.
Jason's talents in design and goldsmithing have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Saul Bell Awards and a Bronze Pencil Award upon graduation from MSU. His leadership extends into the community as he chairs the boards of the Emerson Center for Arts & Culture, Queer Bozeman,
Retail Jewelers Organization's Next Gen Board, and he co-founded the Bozeman Downbeat Vintage Swing Society.
Outside of his professional life, Jason is an accomplished violinist with the Bozeman Symphony, a passionate rock climber, and a prolific ceramicist. He also dedicates time to his two rambunctious dogs, Dorian and Darcy. Jason’s commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and community involvement makes him a pivotal figure in Bozeman and beyond.
