Famed artist Johnathan Schultz is distributing actual diamonds for free through his NFT initiative called GemSet.
In Brief
Metaverse Post engaged in an interview with Johnathan Schultz and his partner Lou Cesario regarding their latest NFT endeavor, GemSet.
The Gemesis collection, which is free to mint, will make its debut on December 10 and offers a real diamond that will be sent to holders of the NFTs.
In response to the chaos caused by FTX and the prevailing bear market in crypto, the creators of GemSet aim to give back to the NFT community.
Esteemed South African artist Johnathan Schultz is launching a premium NFT art collection called Gemesis, which is available for free minting and rewards its holders with luxurious diamonds. The GemSet project is dedicated to uplifting the Web3 community while presenting standout art that exists in both physical and digital formats. NFT As a Gemesis NFT owner, you'll receive something far more exciting than standard merchandise like a branded cap or hoodie; instead, you'll get a carefully selected and precisely weighed precious diamond. These diamonds are intricately linked to and inspired by the artwork featured in the NFT collection.
The creative inspiration behind Schultz's work stems from his fascination with precious metals and gemstones, which he integrates into his artistic process. One of his notable pieces, the Diamond Fingerprint, comprises over 9,000 diamonds, making it the largest diamond art creation globally.
Schultz discussed both his artistic journey and the upcoming NFT project during his conversation with Metaverse Post.
Diamond Fingerprint. Source: thejohnathanschultz.com
Recently, Schultz has expanded his creative boundaries beyond traditional art forms and delved into NFTs, exploring new uses for precious materials. He has been conceptualizing luxury NFTs to bring his artistry into the digital realm. These digital collectibles also evoke nostalgia, featuring elements like pool noodles and water balloons, as well as red and gold flags. Schultz emphasizes that 'Gem symbolizes individuality.'
As he set foot on his Web3 journey, Schultz learned through experience and eventually connected with Lou Cesario from the NFT platform.
“Our goal is to make a meaningful contribution to the broader Web3 landscape, which is why we've chosen to offer free minting. Although the current market conditions and recent upheavals can be intimidating due to liquidity issues, we're fortunate to have a robust community,” Cesario pointed out. Vault 721 .
Gemesis marks the first release in a collection of 2,500 NFTs set to launch on December 10. Each NFT grants access to a redeemable diamond that holders can claim through staking.
Gemesis and GemSet NFT collections
There are three tiers for whitelisting: Gemlist (one mint without guarantees), True Gem (two mints guaranteed), and Precious Gem (three mints guaranteed). Interested minters can check for availability in Discord or on Twitter.
The creators of this project assess applicants for whitelist spots based on their backgrounds. This includes established Web3 alpha groups and other communities (such as Moonbirds and Doodles), along with average NFT enthusiasts or newcomers.
“We welcome the average degen to tell their story. We want to hear from those who have felt the impact of the bear market, the collapse of FTX, and those who were led astray by trusted influencers promoting defunct projects. We're developing an application process that allows individuals to articulate: 'This is my background, my time in this space, and the projects I've been part of.' If someone lost significant funds due to FTX, that will be a significant factor for their inclusion in a higher-tier whitelist,” Cesario clarified.
He confirmed that their intention is not to allocate NFTs to influencers with massive followings but to engage with individuals who truly grasp the vision and narrative behind the project and who are eager to actively participate in both the community and the broader Web3 space, exploring additional benefits beyond just the diamond aspect.
“Following the free mint, we'll introduce a staking platform where holders can stake their NFTs and earn a utility token, which we call the $FRVR token. This utility token will exist exclusively within the Gem Ecosystem. At the conclusion of each staking period, holders can claim their Forever token, and we'll also establish a rewards pool, which will include physical pieces created by Jonathan along with other perks to be revealed later,” Cesario shared.
Schultz has crafted various tangible artworks that incorporate unique elements tied to the GemSet collection. This includes custom-made 23-karat gold-plated hats, journals, and other handcrafted items that he plans to give back to the community for those accumulating the Forever token.
Holders of Gemesis NFTs will also enjoy a free mint opportunity for a subsequent collection of 10,000 pieces named GemSet, which will be launched shortly after the staking period ends and diamonds have been claimed.
Every piece of art for both collections has been uniquely hand-drawn by Johnathan Schultz. The artwork is entirely original, with no outsourcing involved.
The creation of the diamond and other GemSet utilities
NFT owners will have VIP access to any real-life events hosted by GemSet. Johnathan Schultz is an acclaimed artist who exhibits his work in prestigious galleries worldwide and is currently attending Art Miami and Art Basel in Miami this week (December 1-3). He has plans to host events in his studio in Las Vegas and his gallery in Miami. Additionally, GemSet is the sponsor of the upcoming Web3 Crypties Awards.
“Art Basel will serve as a significant starting point for us. There will be a cocktail reception kicking off the event, followed by a VIP dinner catering to around 200 guests. As these individuals transition from the reception to dinner, each table will be adorned with a diamond waiting for them. We aim to build anticipation leading into the mint while engaging potential contributors,” Cesario elaborated.
Schultz has meticulously documented every diamond, measuring, weighing, labeling, and packaging them in sealed envelopes marked with details such as cut, karat weight, color, and clarity.
“Many NFT collections offering physical claims often leave holders waiting six to eight months after ordering. We want to ensure that our holders receive what they expect promptly,” the artist emphasized.
Every single diamond has undergone three separate tests with a diamond tester, and the entire process was recorded for transparency. The diamonds were sourced ethically and responsibly within the U.S., where the GemSet team includes a compliance officer who conducts thorough know-your-client verifications.
GemSet transitions to a free mint model, aiming to bolster Web3 and inspire the NFT community.
“The diamonds serve as a bonus incentive in our view, representing our commitment to giving back. We want to engage sincere individuals who genuinely contribute to the Web3 ecosystem, and what better way to start than by already giving back?” remarked Schultz.
The cryptocurrency sector has been tumultuous, particularly in the wake of events surrounding FTX. The creators of GemSet are seizing this moment to offer support to the community and aid in revitalizing the Web3 landscape without any strings attached.
A guide on how to create a free NFT and sell it: 2022 edition.
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Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines Agne operates as a journalist covering the latest advancements in the metaverse, AI, and Web3 for Metaverse Post. Her storytelling passion has led her to conduct a variety of interviews with experts in these sectors, always in pursuit of captivating narratives. Agne possesses a Bachelor's degree in literature and boasts a diverse writing background, covering topics ranging from travel to art and culture. Additionally, she has volunteered as an editor for an animal rights organization, helping to raise awareness about animal welfare. You can reach out to her at
