How to Create a Custom Gemini Gem: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

With the rapid advancement of language models, artificial intelligence has evolved from a simple question-and-answer interface into a personalized productivity ecosystem. Following this movement, Google launched Gemini Gems (or simply "Gems"), giving users the ability to create customized versions of Gemini tailored for specific, individual goals.

Whether you want to build a coding copilot specialized in React, a grammar editor that perfectly aligns with your brand's tone of voice, or an administrative assistant that helps triage weekly reports: Gems act as digital experts always ready to assist.

The best part? You don't need to know how to program or write complex code. In this practical guide, you will learn the complete step-by-step process to create, configure, and publish your own Custom Gemini Gem, while also understanding the limits of this individual tool and how it compares to enterprise-grade platforms like Tolky.

What Is a Gemini Gem?

A Gemini Gem is a tailored version of Google Gemini that combines persistent behavior rules, specialized context, and specific capabilities into a single, focused assistant.

Think of a Gem as a highly trained departmental assistant. Instead of having to contextualize Gemini every time you open a new tab by explaining who it is, what it knows, and in what format it should answer, the Gem is born with that context and tone of voice already configured.

For companies looking to scale AI, it is helpful to understand where Gems stand in relation to enterprise productivity tools:

How to Create a Gemini Gem: Step-by-Step

To build your own Gems, you will need a Gemini Advanced, Gemini Enterprise, or Gemini Business subscription. Once logged in at gemini.google.com, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Access the Gem Manager

1. In Gemini's left sidebar, scroll down to find the Gems section or click the Gem Manager icon (represented by a jewel).
2. Click the + New Gem button to open the creation workspace.
3. You will be redirected to the builder, which is split in two: on the left is the configuration column, and on the right is the Preview panel for real-time testing.

Step 2: Define Your Gem's Identity

In the left column, start by setting up your agent's identity:

• Gem Name: Choose a clear, descriptive name (e.g., Tolky Support Partner).
• Icon: Click the icon selector to choose a custom color and symbol to identify your agent in the sidebar.

Step 3: Write Clear Instructions and Use the Magic Wand

The core of any Gem lies in its Instructions. This is where you explain the role, goals, tone, and constraints the agent must strictly follow.

Gems Creation and Configuration Panel in Gemini

Pro Tip: If you are in a hurry or aren't sure how to structure your instructions, type a brief idea (e.g., "a support assistant for Tolky" ) and click the Magic Wand icon (Rewrite instructions). Gemini will automatically expand, refine, and structure the prompt for you.

However, for maximum consistency and to prevent hallucinations, we highly recommend structuring your instructions manually using this real-world corporate template:

# PROFILE & ROLE
You are Tolky Support, a specialist assistant in charge of helping customers configure integrations, APIs, and AI features on the Tolky platform.
 
# STYLE & TONE GUIDELINES
- Adopt a strictly professional, clear, direct, and empathetic tone.
- If a response requires complex steps, format them in numbered lists (1, 2, 3).
- Never answer in an overly brief or dry manner, but always get straight to the point.
 
# KNOWLEDGE & SECURITY RULES
- Answer ONLY using information extracted from official Tolky documents and manuals.
- If the user asks something you don't have in your manuals, politely reply: "I'm sorry, I couldn't find that instruction in my support manuals. Would you like me to connect you with a specialist from our team?"
- NEVER display testing passwords, fake API tokens, or unofficial links.

Step 4: Build the Knowledge Base

A powerful feature of Gems is the Knowledge section, which allows you to attach up to 10 files (up to 100 MB each) to serve as your agent's reference base. Gemini supports PDFs, text documents, spreadsheets, and uniquely, Google Docs and Google Sheets with dynamic updates: when you edit the original document in Drive, the Gem automatically uses the latest version.

To add knowledge to your Gem:

1. In the Knowledge section of the builder, click "Upload files" or select files from Google Drive.
2. Attach relevant documents such as technical manuals, integration guides, or specification sheets.
3. Tip: create an index file (e.g., a Google Doc with a summary of all documents) to help the model navigate the base.

When your company's operation requires querying dynamic data from real-time databases or lead histories, static file uploads have limitations. For these professional scenarios, Tolky's infrastructure performs vector search (RAG) on dynamic bases in milliseconds without exposing confidential data.

Step 5: Understand the Available Tools

Unlike other platforms with individual capability toggles, Gemini Gems automatically inherit Gemini's tools, such as web search, Python code execution, and image generation (via Imagen 3). The Gem's behavior regarding these tools is guided by the instructions you defined in the previous step.

For example, if you want the Gem to avoid generating images and focus only on textual responses, include a clear directive in the instructions like: "Do not generate images. Respond only with structured text."

The main tools available to Gems include:

1. Web Browsing (Google Search): Retrieves updated information from the internet in real time.
2. Code Execution: Allows running Python in a sandbox environment for data analysis and complex calculations.
3. Image Generation (Imagen 3): Creates digital images on demand from textual descriptions.

While these tools are excellent for individual tasks, corporate operations require much deeper abilities. This is where enterprise platforms like Tolky shine, allowing your AI to connect directly to your CRM or ERP to update customer records or generate invoices securely.

Step 6: Test in the Preview Panel

Gemini provides a side-by-side Preview panel on the right that immediately loads any changes you make in the instructions column on the left.

Gems Test and Preview Panel in Gemini

Send messages mimicking your customers' most common support questions. If the tone is too informal or the Gem ignores a safety constraint, tweak the instructions on the left and test again instantly.

Step 7: Save and Publish

Once you are satisfied with the Gem's behavior, click the Create (or Save) button in the top-right corner. Your Gem will be saved and added to your Google Gemini left sidebar for instant access.

Scaling to a True Intelligent Avatar

Gemini Gems are a fantastic productivity tool for analysts and managers looking to optimize their personal workflows and Workspace tasks.

However, when it comes to external customer service on official channels (like WhatsApp), the Gems' individual layout has limitations: no native connectors to standard business CRMs, a lack of governance for response auditing, and the inability to hand off conversations seamlessly to human agents when needed.

This is exactly where Tolky comes in.

Combining the ease of "no-code" setup you experienced in Gemini Gems with the robustness of an enterprise-grade ecosystem, Tolky enables you to create intelligent agents that run on multiple channels simultaneously, query dynamic APIs securely, and work hand-in-hand with your human support team.

If you are ready to take your company's operational efficiency to the next level with true agentic AI, schedule a demo with our specialists and let's build your bespoke Intelligent Brand Avatar on Tolky!

Suggested internal links:

• How to Create a Corporate Chatbot with Generative AI without Depending on IT
• What is Agentic AI and Why It Will Redefine Business Automation
• Agent Orchestration: Architecture and Best Practices