Happy Holidays! This is the time of the year when couples get engaged. I have known David Marcus and his lovely wife Karen for a very long time. My mother and I met Karen when I was 16 years old in the lobby of the Beverly Hills Hotel and we have been friends ever since.
Marcus Diamonds is an importer of fine diamonds and a prime manufacturer of jewelry on their premises. They are located in downtown Los Angeles in the jewelry district. Marcus Diamonds offers first class customer service, the best selection of rings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants and their specialty is custom made orders. I had the unique opportunity to speak with David Marcus, owner of this reputable jewelry business, who gave me the inside scoop on his company. David was President of Diamond Club West Coast from 2000 until 2010.
GP - How long have you been in the diamond business?
DM - Since 1960.
GP - How did you get your start in the diamond business?
DM- I grew up working for my Uncle in Israel. I learned every aspect of the business from polishing diamonds, then when I got older, I learned trading and cutting from the best in the business.
GP - When someone is ready to pop the question, what is the best way to propose with the engagement ring? Since most guys don't know what their fiance will like (unless she shows them) and would rather avoid buying the wrong setting (like my sweet husband did - yes, I just admitted that), what do you advise?
DM- We can sell the diamond and place it in a simple setting that will cost $200-300. After the couple becomes engaged, they make an appointment to come into our office and choose the setting. We will credit the price paid for the band towards the new setting.
GP - When selecting a diamond and the clients have a budget, but still want quality and something nice, what do you suggest?
DM- Since diamonds come in all different shapes, sizes and clarity, I would meet with them and see what is most important to them, then let them make the decision.
GP - Who determines the value of diamonds?
DM - Supply and demand. The prices start to jump as you exceed one carat. In the 1960's, the Marquis diamond was popular and in demand, now it is the least popular and the price has dropped. Again, supply and demand.
GP - Please explain about reputable certification. Who is the most prestigious?
DM - I would list the most reputable labs as such:
GIA - Gemological Institute of America is the most prestigious
then, EGL - European Gemological Laboratory,
and third is IGI - International Gemological Institute (largest laboratory in the world).
GP - What is the most expensive cut today?
DM - The round is the most expensive cut.
GP - What are the different cuts?
DM -Emerald, round, princess, cushion (between square and round), square, oval, pear, heart and radiant.
GP - How does someone choose the right jeweler?
DM - The client should establish a rapport with the jeweler. Even though someone can read volumes on how to buy a diamond, they need a jeweler that they can trust. If they don't have trust, they need to move on and find someone else whom they will trust.
GP -What are the four C's?
DM - cut (shape), color (D-Z), Clarity (imperfections - Flawless (best) to Internally Flawless which ranges from VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, I2 (eye visible) and then there is SI3 (which is in between SI2 and I1) and carat - size.
GP - Tell me an interesting fact about diamonds?
DM - Diamonds are like finger prints, there are no two alike.
GP - What are your hours?
Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Appointments are preferred.
Thank you David for helping me to better understand the process.
Member Diamond Club West Coast
550 South Hill Street
Suite 1640
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Holiday picks of the week!
Price $275.00
Sexy lavender pumps!
Price $158.00
This dress would make a pretty bridesmaid dress and double as a cocktail dress if you like the color amethyst.
Price $545.00
New Years cocktail dress!
Price $620.00
These earrings are gorgeous and would be perfect with the Sue Wong cocktail dress and Prada shoes, but they cost $8800. We are always on the hunt to find costume jewelry that looks similar to the what we are trying to match for our clients, but without the hefty price tag. We recommend checking out TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack....you never know.
Wishing you and yours a safe and Happy Holiday!
Yours truly,
