The holidays are a season of sparkle—and bling shouldn’t be limited to decking the halls. Whether it’s the perfect gift or a custom engagement or wedding ring, The Diamond Bar in Town and Country has jewelry for every occasion. Owned by designer Christopher Phillips, the store offers a shopping experience unlike any other.
Phillips has been designing custom jewelry for almost two decades. He studied at a jewelry school in Illinois and handcrafted many of the tools he still uses today. To date, he has created more than 3,000 custom pieces. He enjoys providing clients with one-of-a-kind items that no one else has. “When people are looking for jewelry, it often commemorates an important milestone, and I think the piece needs to be equally special,” he says. “With a mass-produced product, someone else can buy the exact same thing, so it’s no longer personal. We show clients something they can’t find anywhere else.”
When designing a custom item at The Diamond Bar, people can bring in their own gemstones or choose from the store’s selection of natural diamonds and other stones. Phillips meets with clients one-on-one to discuss ideas for the design and create sketches. Those sketches are then used to create a 3D model in a computer program. The program allows the design to be altered, so the final product is exactly as desired. The model is used to create a wax mold, which is cast in the metal of the customer’s choosing. “The final product is hand-polished and hand-set by me right here in the shop,” he says. “Every step of the process is shown and explained to clients.”
Along with its custom services, the store has a selection of around 750 unique pieces available for customers to shop. All engagement rings, wedding bands and one-of-a-kind pieces are designed and made in the United States. The Diamond Bar also lives up to its name as it includes a fully stocked bar that is complimentary for guests. It is part of Phillips’ unique approach to customer service. One of his major goals is to create a less stressful experience. “I want to change how people shop for jewelry,” he explains. “We provide a no-pressure environment where we get to know customers and educate them about items they are purchasing.”
Shopping is one of the many things impacted by the pandemic, but Phillips and The Diamond Bar are working hard to keep customers safe. The number of people in the store is limited to allow social distancing, and the hours have been expanded to increase access. Private appointments also can be scheduled, so people can shop with peace of mind. The store offers virtual shopping appointments over Zoom and Skype. Customers are shown a selection of items, and if they choose to purchase, curbside pickup is available, along with delivery within a 15-mile radius from the store.
“I’m a strong proponent that jewelry should be shopped in store,” Phillips says. “No matter the circumstances, The Diamond Bar is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality products at a better value in a unique, relaxed environment.”
Located in Town and Country at 13360 Clayton Road, The Diamond Bar offers a one-of-a kind shopping experience, including custom jewelry design. Pictured on the cover: Owner Christopher Phillips. For more information, call 314.548.5100 or visit thediamondbarstl.com.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Bill Barrett
Pictured at top: The Diamond Bar offers a curated selection of one-of-a-kind pieces.
Photo: Bill Barrett