If you get all beginnersbonusses, you get already a nice package of gems for free. You can waste them, or use them very wise. In mine opnion, this makes already a huge difference.

For the rest you need a lot of luck. If you're lucky enough and have the skills knowing how to work with what you get in early stages, you have a good base to get a strong account without coining. Further in the game it will be harder to keep your position. But again, that depends on your luck and skills.