The first negative encounter I remembered as a result of being adopted was when I was seven. A little girl who lived down the hill exclaimed in a hateful voice, “I know something you don’t know...you’re adopted!” Although that was a familiar word, I wasn’t fond of the tone. “So what?” I fired back. “Your… Continue reading Chapter 3. From Crayons to Confusion
Author: Diamond Mike Watson
Diamond Mike lives in Orange County, California. He is a diamond merchant and the founder of Gallery of Diamonds Jewelers and the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond writing contest. He is a music writer, book author, and time traveler. To contact him call 714-549-2000, or email him at info@galleryofdiamonds.com. He would love to hear from you!
How to Make Amazing Biscuits and Gravy
When I was little, my mom would slave away over the hot kitchen stove every Saturday morning. I remember her constantly stirring milk sprinkled with flour and seasoned with bacon grease in a large skillet until the gravy was the desired thickness. Then she would crumble crisp bacon or chipped beef into the scalding pan.… Continue reading How to Make Amazing Biscuits and Gravy
Can Jewelry Change the Universe?
As my moving truck was grunting on the solo three-day journey to Southern California, I don't think owning a jewelry company entered my mind. I did know Southern California was the land of opportunity, and that I would help change the world for the better. I'm sure my confidence came from my adoptive mother, who… Continue reading Can Jewelry Change the Universe?
How to Make the Best Cupcakes
See my 2-minute instructional video here: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Vr3JId7H9WM Due to the overwhelming response to my homemade cupcakes, I made a tutorial how to make these delicious treats. Never say,"I don't have time" or, "There's no way I could do that!" Believe me, my first batch turned out horrible. With practice, will become an expert baker and… Continue reading How to Make the Best Cupcakes
My diamond chipped!
We have always be told that diamonds are the hardest natural substance in the universe. If that is true, why do they sometimes chip or break? The reason is that the definition of a gemstones hardness is its resistance to scratching, not breaking. The scale of "break ability" is called toughness. In fact, if you… Continue reading My diamond chipped!
The Death Certificate
The Story of Diamond Mike and Carmen
After working for a diamond company for many years in the Midwest, I moved to California. I drove for days, and arrived in Orange County. While unloading my belongings, I saw a beautiful, dark-skinned girl with long hair. She said her name was Carmen. After some small talk we made our first date. The next… Continue reading The Story of Diamond Mike and Carmen
The Garden Chair
As I type these words from my electronic device, I realize that this same instrument has stifled my life to the confines of my garden chair. Our bodies are agile and are designed for motion. How many butterflies have I missed that fluttered by me today? Did I ignore a child who tugged on my… Continue reading The Garden Chair
The Embers of Encouragement
It is funny I never had the burning desire to be a diamond broker until I was hired at the Shane Diamond company in Louisville, Kentucky. I just received my degree from Indiana University and was ready for the world. None of my college classes taught anything notable about this miracle gem that was created… Continue reading The Embers of Encouragement
Big Red
"That'll be $4.99," the cashier said as he slid the cans of Big Red soda to the grocery bagger. "What flavor is that stuff, anyways? Cherry? Strawberry?""I don't know," I answered, "but I haven't drank one in twelve years. It's hard to find Big Red in this part of the country, but I sure loved… Continue reading Big Red
Winds of Change
It was a plausible answer. The Great Ice Age swept over the earth and froze all the dinosaurs. I had no reason to doubt Mrs. Moore, my fourth grade teacher at Fairmont Elementary in New Albany, Indiana. If I verified her claims in my encyclopedias that dad bought me, I'm sure this fact would be… Continue reading Winds of Change
Where Do We Go from Here?
As the 22nd annual Why Mom Deserves a Diamond contest nears the end, we are left with awe and wonder. Over 6,000 people came to Gallery of Diamonds jewelers this year to celebrate a mother and child experience. In a showroom that is only 500 square feet, 3,000 kids read their words of love to… Continue reading Where Do We Go from Here?
The World Table (revisited)
What are Fracture-Filled or “Clarity Enhanced” Diamonds?
The term "clarity enhanced" is an advertising term. The word "enhanced" means to become better or more desirable. In fact, the FTC says that a diamond dealer cannot use this term because it does not accurately describe the nature of the diamond. A fracture-filled diamond is simply that. It is a diamond that is injected… Continue reading What are Fracture-Filled or “Clarity Enhanced” Diamonds?
Raise Your Umbrella
Career Day at MacArthur Fundamental School in Santa Ana, California. As my staff and I discovered the positive power of increasing a child's confidence and self- esteem from praising their academic accomplishment, the raising of the black and white umbrella became a symbol of this newfound awareness. Why Mom Deserves a Diamond, Inc. had to… Continue reading Raise Your Umbrella