Claremont has a real gem on their hands and it’s called The Diamond Center (pun intended). Located in the heart of Claremont Village on the corner of Second Street & Yale Avenue, The Diamond Center is owned and operated by the Lantz family spanning three generations of jewelers. Master Jeweler Robbin Lantz and wife Debbie Lantz opened a small jewelry store in Claremont in 1972 to pursue their California dream of designing and making the highest quality jewelry in the area.
They are a Master Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) and follow a strict ethical code making them a leader in their industry and carrying world-class diamonds and gemstones.
“We specialize in the ethics of jewelry making, keeping your jewelry forever, and creating and maintaining a positive relationship with each and every one of our customers,” says Ray Lantz, owner of The Diamond Center.
I recently had the great honor of sitting down with Ray Lantz, owner of The Diamond Center to learn more about what makes this business so special and important to the community.
Ethically Sourced Diamonds
The Diamond Center is diligent and committed to sourcing their diamonds ethically with the intention of you being able to keep your jewelry forever. “We started as a repair shop and too often would repair jewelry that was not made to last. This is why we strive to make and source jewelry that is functional and made to last,” said Lantz.
While browsing through The Diamond Center’s various collections, it can be both overwhelming and exciting. So many beautiful pieces of jewelry to choose from! The sales associates have a system where a profile is created for each customer documenting the jewelry you tried and loved. Your profile includes info like your ring size, personal notes, and any piece of jewelry you potentially would like to purchase. This makes it easier for your loved ones to purchase jewelry for you.
World-Class Customer Service
My absolute favorite thing about The Diamond Center is their world-class customer service. I am always greeted by happy, smiley employees. “I just love working here! Everyday I get to be a part of everyone’s celebrations and that is really special to me,” says Bianca Ustrell, The Diamond Center Associate. Their customer service is unique in that it's not just a one-to-one experience, other sales associates also join in your shopping experience making you feel a part of the family.
“Our mission is to treat others how we want to be treated and that means having a strong relationship with our customers based on building trust,” Lantz says “If we've done our job well, you will take home a piece of jewelry that you will love and cherish forever. If it's not right, you can always come back and return it with our flexible policy.”
Jewelry Collections & Services
The Diamond Center has a plethora of brilliant and beautiful jewelry collections to choose from:
Hearts on Fire. The Diamond Center is most known for carrying the Hearts on Fire collection. Hearts on Fire is known as “The World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamond'' making it unlike any other diamond. It even radiates and sparkles in the dark! Only 400 of North America’s top jeweler can carry Hearts on Fire making The Diamond Center a cut above the rest. Personally my experience trying on a Hearts on Fire resulted in a few glistening tears (not to be dramatic or anything like that).
Claremont Collection. The Claremont Collection showcases Master Jeweler Robbin Lantz's personal designs. This unique and exclusive jewelry is completely handmade, one of a kind, and crafted with 18 Karat gold. His adoration for natural gemstones is shown in each one of his unique creations.
Gemstones. The Diamond Center is filled with display cases containing brilliant, bold, and beautiful natural gemstones. You’ll find emerald and sapphire rings, pearl and blue topaz necklaces, ruby earrings, and so much more. You can even bring in your own gemstone to get a custom jewelry made to your liking and style.
“I love adding some sparkle to every occasion and seeing how people love our jewelry as much as I do!” says Lily Nava, The Diamond Center Associate.
Estate Jewelry. The Diamond Center is proud to purchase jewelry from private owners known as their Estate Collection. This collection of previously owned jewelry is customized, cleaned, and repaired back to its original glory. Estate jewelry can date back to 100 years to 5 years old.
Shinola Watch Collection. Their stunning Shinola watch collection is Detroit-based and hand assembled in the United states since 2011. The Shinola brand offers watches that are original, stylish, durable, and reliable for both men and women.
Services. The Diamond Center offers a variety of services such as:
Jewelry appraisals
Jewelry purchases from private owners
Repairs, replacements, and cleaning
Custom jewelry design (We can turn family jewels into a ring or necklaces)
Financing. There are a few options for financing your jewelry where you can walk out with it the day of. Put your jewelry on a 3-month layaway with half down deposit with no interest if paid within that time frame. Another option is to finance your jewelry with Synchrony, a third party company offering a 12 month deferred interest program to qualified applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you do repairs?
Yes, all the time! We started a jewelry repair shop and do custom repairs especially with family jewelry and family gemstones. Our master jeweler Robbin Lantz is an expert at repairs and puts a lot of heart and passion into his work.
Can you source laboratory grown diamonds?
Yes, we can [and do] source laboratory grown diamonds upon request. They are becoming more common and can have a significant difference in price than a naturally grown diamond.
Do you have colored gemstones?
Yes, we can source colored gemstones of your choosing. We recently helped a customer source a gorgeous Sapphire, for example.
I want to propose. How can I get their ring size and style?
First of all, we got you! This is our job and we do this everyday. We encourage you to come in so we can ask you questions about your loved one to get more intel on possible metals, styles, and gemstones. You can also have your soon-to-be fiancé come down to the store to look at rings (either with you or alone) and we’ll create a profile confirming their ring size and jewelry they liked.
Who are you most frequent shoppers?
Our most frequent shoppers are female self-purchasers. However, many times we get people buying jewelry to treat themselves after a promotion or graduation. Many come for birthday gifts, or no occasion at all. Whether you are single, married, young, or retired, all walks of life are welcome and we will be here to help you build a jewelry wardrobe to last a lifetime.
Is your jewelry for special occasions only?
We aim for you to wear your jewelry everyday no matter if you’re jeans or yoga pants.
Join their newsletter to get regular email updates and stop by in-person to view their breathtaking jewelry collections especially Hearts on Fire. Jewelry will always and forever make the perfect gift for any occasion or no occasion at all. Be sure to tell them Miss Claremont sent you.
The Diamond Center Information
Address: 147 Yale Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711
Phone: (909) 399-9133
Hours:
Tue, Thu, Fri: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wed, Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sun, Mon: Closed
Thank you for letting us know about the great services that the Diamond Center provides. What a friendly place to shop. I liked the idea that buying a jewelry piece could be for everyday wear, and could be a gift to myself for no occasion at all! I will consider bringing in my wedding ring for cleaning, since my jeweler has moved.