I’M LOCAL! with KIM BOYKIN

OWNER OF DESERT DIAMOND BAR Profiles of Local People by Local Umbrella Media

Tell us what are Desert Diamonds?

Dotting the deserts in the Arabian Peninsula are quartz stones which glitter like diamonds. These stones, referred to as Desert Diamonds or Al Quysumah diamonds, have become popular as they have a similar appearance to real diamonds.

How did this all start?

My family was first introduced to Desert Diamonds in 1980 when we were stationed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For fun, we would go Desert Diamond hunting in the desert outside of Riyadh. We would see these quartz-based stones sparkle on the dunes at dawn and again at dusk. My dad hired a jeweler in Thailand to cut these stones and set them in gold or silver settings. Thirty years ago, Desert Diamonds were cut straight from the quartz stone, but over time our jeweler has perfected the “look” of these stones by crushing the quartz into powder form and heat treating them. The end result is a high-quality diamond simulant, equal to a D color and VS1 grade. These stones are impossible to distinguish from carbon diamonds. They are 8.5 on the MOHS scale of hardness and a CARBON diamond is 10. Desert Diamonds will not discolor, crack or become brittle with age. Our jeweler hand cuts each stone with the same carbon powder used in cutting real diamonds. They are also cut with the same faceting technique as a diamond. The result has a fire, luster and brilliance of a real diamond without the HIGH cost of a real diamond.

Tell us about your customers.

I took over my dad’s Desert Diamond business in 2004. The most rewarding part of my business is helping my customers create their dream piece of jewelry for a fraction of the cost that they would pay at a high-end jewelry store. Custom creations are so fun because we are creating something that is one of a kind and often comes with a personal story. One customer, a US Naval Officer, came to me to make pendants for his wife and two daughters. He was set to retire and wanted to honor his family at his retirement ceremony with personal gifts. We went straight to work on ideas for his wife. We agreed on a design that would incorporate the “nautical knot” signifying his career in the Navy and we added the birthstones of his two daughters to the pendant. For his two daughters we designed anchors adorned with desert diamonds. It is not just the serviceman who serves, it is the entire family and he wanted to express his gratitude with a “Nod to the Navy.”

Why is jewelry so important?

Jewelry is often sentimental because it comes with a meaning or a story especially if it was given to you by a loved one. A newly engaged bride to be came to me and asked me to design a pendant she could gift her mom on the morning of her wedding. This customer described her mom as a powerful force. She was a single mom, the breadwinner and the two of them did life together. Her mom did everything she could to make sure she had a full and happy childhood. We decided to incorporate two Desert Diamonds side by side, signifying their bond. The linear elements are their two lives together and even though she was entering a new chapter of her life, their bond would continue side by side and never be broken.

How has your collection changed over the years?

My Desert Diamond Collection has grown and evolved over the years, but the bread and butter of my business has always been the classic Desert Diamond stud. Diamond studs are not only timeless but can be dressed up or dressed down and are great for everyday wear. They are subtle enough to match any occasion but elegant enough to offer your style a refined touch. Our consistent top sellers have been the Brilliant Cut, Asscher Cut, Cushion Cut, Princess Cut and the Bezel Set.

You are a mom, a Navy wife and an entrepreneur. How do you balance it all?

It all started in 2003 when I had my first daughter. She was born premature at 3lbs 2oz and I was forced to quit my job and stay home to take care of her. I loved being a stay-at-home mom, but I felt something was lacking in my life. I love being productive and have always wanted to branch off on my own and start something that I could take with me wherever the Navy sent us. The opportunity to take over my dad’s jewelry business was a perfect fit. I remember visiting our jeweler in Thailand when I was a child and I have always been my dad’s “go to” when it came to jewelry design. It was a lot of work in the beginning, a lot of sweat and tears as I started my “word of mouth” business before social media was even on the internet. Step by step I have grown quite a following and my customers are what drive me to provide the absolute best service. This business is mobile as it is all online, I can work it at any hour and it fits into my busy schedule with two active teenagers in the house.

In time, after doing countless trade shows and presentations, I eventually got the attention of some retailers and was able to get my line in retail stores in both Honolulu and San Diego. The turning point for my business was in 2016 when I partnered with Joyus. Joyus is an online store that specializes in apparel, beauty and lifestyle. This partnership capitulated Desert Diamond Bar into mainstream as they have over a million followers. In the end it has been the connections I have made with my customers that has made this journey so incredibly special to me.

Being a Navy spouse, I have had to become creative when it comes to work. We move every few years and doing something online has been a godsend. In 2014 I became a Rodan + Fields Skincare consultant, I fell in love with their skincare and it seemed like a fun side business to add to my Desert Diamond business. Both businesses are done entirely online and not only do they provide two streams of income, but they keep me inspired and motivated. I love helping women connect with products that make them sparkle and glow.

How can people contact you?

If you ever need help with creating that special gift for someone or if you just want to splurge and have something made just for YOU, please feel free to contact me via my website: www.desertdiamondbar.com ■