Adoption, Gallery of Diamonds, Why Mom Deserves A Diamond

Young Girl’s Homage To Mom Among 2 Entries In O.C. To Win Diamond This Mother’s Day

May 8, 2015 SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — Two Orange County students each won a quarter-carat diamond valued at $600 to give mom this Mother’s Day in an essay contest. Neha Abbas, 10, was one of the two winners of the 23rd annual Why Mom Deserves a Diamond contest put on by Gallery of Diamonds in… Continue reading Young Girl’s Homage To Mom Among 2 Entries In O.C. To Win Diamond This Mother’s Day

Gallery of Diamonds, Life Adventures, Why Mom Deserves A Diamond

Mother’s Touch

Everyone loves hearts, and I like to incorporate a heart shape on many of my mothers designs. The curled symbol on each side of the shank reminded me of a stylized half-heart. Every time a mother glances at her ring, she will remember that the two symbols represent the love of her child. The center… Continue reading Mother’s Touch

Gallery of Diamonds, Life Adventures, Philosophy

Thoughts Become Things

In the near future from when this post is written, the southeast corner of our new jewelry store will look like one of these computer illustrations. The first Gallery of Diamonds was established in 1991 in a 700-square foot office. The new store will showcase antique to modern jewelry and my new line of Moon… Continue reading Thoughts Become Things

Adoption, Gallery of Diamonds, Why Mom Deserves A Diamond

Newport Jeweler’s Contest Honors Moms as a Reflection of His Life’s Journey

(Diamond) Mike Watson is giving away diamonds to two students who write the best essay to the prompt "Why Mom Deserves a Diamond." Watson's own decades long search for his biological mother led him to begin the contest. (Don Leach, Daily Pilot / January 2, 2015) By Hannah Fry January 2, 2015 Through his decades-long… Continue reading Newport Jeweler’s Contest Honors Moms as a Reflection of His Life’s Journey

Ask Diamond Mike, Gallery of Diamonds, Life Adventures

Giving a Diamond

People ask me how big of a diamond they should get their girlfriend or how much to spend. Please do not worry about these things. The size or the price does not determine how much you love someone. In fact, it is not a diamond that makes a person happy, it is the memories associated… Continue reading Giving a Diamond

Gallery of Diamonds, Why Mom Deserves A Diamond

Like to Write? Start Typing Now

Every year, thousands of kids come to our store, Gallery of Diamonds, to publicly read their words of appreciation to their moms. The most important thing, whether or not a parent purchases jewelry, is that magical moment when those words are spoken. A mom never forgets that moment. A child receives a sense of pride… Continue reading Like to Write? Start Typing Now

Gallery of Diamonds, Why Mom Deserves A Diamond

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?

Ask Diamond Mike, Gallery of Diamonds

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!

Family Life, Gallery of Diamonds, Life Adventures

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

Gallery of Diamonds, Life Adventures, Why Mom Deserves A Diamond

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

Gallery of Diamonds, Why Mom Deserves A Diamond

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?

Ask Diamond Mike, Gallery of Diamonds

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?

Ask Diamond Mike, Gallery of Diamonds

Where should I buy my diamond?

Question Where should I buy my diamond? Answer I hope I am the person who helps you select this special gem that will symbolize your eternal love. If I cannot help you, may I recommend that you find a GIA gemologist who is an expert in diamonds.  A GIA gemologist must go through rigorous education… Continue reading Where should I buy my diamond?

Ask Diamond Mike, Gallery of Diamonds

How do know I am getting the diamond I selected?

Question How do know I am getting the diamond I selected? Answer Trust and honesty make up most of the jewelry profession.  Throughout history, diamonds have been "blind" products. One must first feel comfortable with the jeweler he or she is dealing with. Secondly, it is important to loupe one's diamond before and after the… Continue reading How do know I am getting the diamond I selected?

Ask Diamond Mike, Gallery of Diamonds

What if I don’t know my girlfriend’s ring size?

Question What if I don't know my girlfriend's ring size? Answer Try to find one of her old rings and bring it to a jeweler. He or she will gladly tell you the answer by slipping the ring on a metal ring size gauge called a mandrel.  Note: it is important to know which finger… Continue reading What if I don’t know my girlfriend’s ring size?