Molina Fine Jewelers
Jewel in the Desert
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The Molina Salon & Boutique in Phoenix |
While traversing the desert plains of Phoenix, Arizona, we stumbled onto an oasis that appeared to be a fantastic, sparkling mirage. There was ice, lots of it, gleaming at us. It was not an apparition; we were in fact surrounded by brilliant diamonds and jewels at the Molina Salon & Boutique, a luxury retailer of fine jewelry and timepieces. Inside, shoppers (many of whom arrive to Phoenix via private jet) are presented with adornment pieces that range from handmade silver bracelets to a 93-carat necklace of 30 Columbian emeralds.
The boutique resides in the prestigious Biltmore area of Phoenix, where high-end stores mingle with upscale hotels like The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix, and the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa. Needless to say, Molina fits right in. This house of finery is the result of jeweler Alfred Molina's dream and vision. Born in Cuba, a young Molina fled the country with his family and settled in Chicago, where he learned the diamond and gemstone business from his Italian grandfather.
Molina moved on to Phoenix and opened his first appointment-only salon in 1987, offering rare gems and one-of-a-kind fine jewelry. The business flourished, and Molina relocated his salon to upscale Camelback Road. Since then, the salon has expanded with a three-story addition and now houses the Molina Design Studio, where unique pieces are created by master craftsmen.
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The Molina Salon |
A $60-million stone |
Along with custom Molina designs, the boutique boasts collections by international jewelry houses such as Damiani and H. Stern. Specially selected estate pieces round out the offerings. If you so happen to be in the market for a historical diamond, Molina's crowning glory — the 76-carat Archduke Joseph diamond — sells for $60 million, and is the twelfth-largest perfect white diamond in the world.
No appointment is necessary at the boutique, but for those who want shop in privacy, there is an exclusive VIP entrance for discreet viewing and purchasing. Be warned that once inside, you might become hypnotized by the sparkle of glittering gems, but remember — it's all real.
 For more information, visit www.molinafinejewelers.com
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