Guest Blogger:: Mr. Greg

Everyone seems to have a certification company.  “Yes, ma'am, this diamond has an "H" color, and it was certified by the XYZ Certification Company in Florence, Arizona.”  Does it mean it’s credible?  Is it worth the paper it’s printed on?  Maybe, and maybe not.

In purchasing a diamond, now more than ever, you are buying an appreciating asset.  Throughout history, monarchies were financed by their crown jewels.  In 1976, National Geographic Magazine reported that the crown jewels of Iran served as backing for 75% of all Iranian currency.

Unfortunately, many certification companies grades are not accurate. Below, you will notice that there are two sets of diamond certificates: this time representing certification for two separate diamonds, a 5.08 carat and a 5.00 carat. However, both are for the same stone.  Pay particular attention to the clarity and color grades assigned.

It’s interesting that a jeweler would sell a client a diamond that has an incorrect certification.  As a jeweler, you would be expected to know the difference, right?  I invite you to read an interesting article on this challenge from last year's Molina Magazine.  It is titled “Your Crown Jewels”.  Click here to get to the e-copy as I strongly suggest reading it before you purchase any diamond.

The main question I have been asked is “how does this happen?” The answer is simple.  People want to know that they are getting a “good deal.”  Good deals are a state of mind, and are rarely in fact a good deal.  We deliver value beyond price.  Remember, you are buying an appreciating asset.  Can you imagine anyone silly enough to buy a Chevy with a Bentley grill, and pay $200,000 for it? 

The same is true with discounting.  How do you know the ring is 25% off?  Has the jewelry store ever sold the ring you are looking at for the full retail price?  Is it always “on sale”?  Then it’s not a sale.  It’s simply clever marketing.

Your Diamond Guru,

Mr. Greg

Greg works for Molina Fine Jewelers in Phoenix who is proud to be a member of the MRSter FabUlist.

Guest Blogger :: Mr. Greg

Since diamonds have the ability to convey a message, everyone should learn a bit about them. First, there are several “C’s” that determine the overall value of a diamond. This time, we will visit the first “C” which is the most obvious: carat weight. Now, as many of you know, there are a few people who seem to know what a carat is before they learn to speak – and if you have ever asked a small child if they want a cookie, the answer can be a resounding “TWO!”. I know one myself. Hmm.

A carat is a weight measurement for gemstones. There are 100 points in a carat, just as there are 100 pennies in a dollar. Prices increase with diamonds as you move up in carat weights, such as half-carat, three-quarter carat, one carat and so on.

When a crystal is mined from the earth, the shape of the finished diamond is pretty much pre-determined by the rough shape itself. It isn’t as if there is a mold where diamonds are pressed out to a certain size or shape. The larger the diamond, the rarer they become, and hence, their prices increase exponentially. 

Contrary to popular belief, DeBeers does not have diamonds stocked up to last us for another 200 years. Indeed the opposite is true. Diamonds are becoming harder to find, and in many mines, going from open pit mining to an underground mining operation may be too costly to continue. This is the situation right now at one of the world’s largest diamond mines in Australia. The world’s supply of diamonds is diminishing, while the world’s appetite for diamonds grows. 

That said, our wedding bands come with and without diamonds, but I speak from experience that no diamonds in the band means "no"...

Seriously though, many of our rings have center diamonds, and we create in both 18K gold or in platinum. As with varying tastes, we have many, many rings to choose from. We are known for our custom designs, and will hand-craft whatever you can imagine. It will be one-of-a-kind. Dare to dream. This is the time of your life that you will always remember, so lets make it SPECIAL, let’s make it UNFORGETTABLE.  I will make it happen.

Your Diamond Guru,

Mr. Greg

Greg works for Molina Fine Jewelers in Phoenix who is proud to be a proud member of the MRSter FabUlist

Associate Editor, Cicely Rocha-Miller writes :: I am pleased to announce a new member to our FabUlist; Mr. Greg from Molina Fine Jewelers. He is filled with so much information when it comes to picking out that perfect engagement and wedding ring for your nuptials. He is super to be around, full of personality and loves what MRSter is doing for couples. We welcome Mr. Greg to our FabUlist and am excited to have Molina's on board for the fight for equality. Enjoy Mr. Greg's upcoming series and be entertained. 

Guest Blogger:: Mr. Greg

As we launch into December, I remember the first holiday season after my partner and I had begun our life together. It was couple of years ago...well okay, 14 years ago!  What an exciting time! 

If you are looking for the perfect rings for your upcoming marriage, make an appointment to see me in the Bridal Boutique at Molina Fine Jewelers. There, in our private setting, I will work one-on-one with you to make sure that the rings selected perfectly fit your personalities and lifestyles. 

I want to talk to you a bit about diamonds each time we meet because diamonds are the most emotionally charged gift that one can receive, and will be remembered for the rest of your lives.  Diamonds say “will you marry me?” and diamonds say “happy birthday,” OR “I’m sorry – can I please sleep inside tonight?”  Oops.  That one is for January when we’re all cross and tired.

Stay tuned for more information soon from yours truly.

Your Diamond Guru,

Mr. Greg {yeah, that's me}

Greg works for Molina Fine Jewelers in Phoenix who is proud to be a member of the MRSter FabUlist.