Over the past decade, Jonathan Paz has had the privilege of designing and creating hundreds of one-of-a-kind pieces that hold deep personal significance for clients in Roswell and beyond. His knowledge of diamonds and gemstones adds another layer of expertise to his design process. What does a diamond expert and jewelry designer do all day? We caught up with Jonathan and he shared a few stories:
Recently, we completed an exquisite engagement ring featuring a rare blue diamond, designed for a couple who wanted something truly unique. Another memorable project involved creating a custom anniversary necklace, incorporating elements from the couple’s original wedding rings. These projects allow us to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design, resulting in timeless pieces that tell a story.
We had a pop-up shop at Avalon Festival of Speed, and a gentleman pulled up in a Batmobile. For Christmas that year, we created a one-of-a-kind, custom diamond Batman-inspired ring for his wife. The ring featured black and white diamonds set in 14k white gold with black rhodium to set off the black diamonds. We then had the privilege of hand-delivering this unique piece to the customer’s house in Kennesaw where we took pictures of the ring next to the Batmobile.
Custom-Created Jewelry Process
Our custom jewelry process is a collaborative journey. We start with an initial consultation, either in our boutique showroom near the Avalon or through a virtual appointment. During virtual consultations, we use shared screen technology and interactive design software to make the experience as engaging and detailed as an in-person visit. Through this method, you can see the design process in real time, providing feedback and witnessing your vision come to life on the screen. Once the design is finalized, we hand select the perfect diamonds or gemstones and move forward with crafting your piece. Thanks to the ease of technology, we work with clients all over the country, from California to New York, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience no matter where you are located.
To ensure every detail is perfect, we have the capability of providing 3D wax prints of our custom designs for clients to view and hold in real life before giving the green light to move into production. We are happy to make any modifications along the way and each time, new CAD renderings are provided. These renderings offer a photo-realistic image for the client to review, ensuring their vision is fully captured and brought to life.
Throughout the process, clients are involved in every step. I draw from my creative background in music and photography, incorporating the way I view the world into each unique design. Having been a musician since the age of 3 and performing alongside legends like Sheila E and Ringo Starr at Chastain when I was just 10, I bring a unique perspective to jewelry design, blending artistic expression with technical expertise.
Legacy and Passion for Ethical Sourcing
In 1990, my father founded Oropaz Trading, a global diamond wholesale company that fostered strong relationships between diamond miners and cutters worldwide and the U.S. jewelry retail industry. His company specializes in ethically sourced diamonds, trading, marketing, and diamond branding for major regional and national retailers. Buying diamonds is all about trust, and my father instilled in me the importance of integrity and transparency in the diamond industry.
From an early age, I grew up immersed in the business. My father taught me how to sort through diamonds, and I was inspired by his passion and success. Little did I know that one day I would venture out on my own, with my father's unwavering support, to create Privée Diamonds Direct. I’ve always admired my father’s dedication to the industry and his innovative approach to diamond branding and customer education.
While Oropaz Trading and Privée Diamonds Direct operate in different spheres of the diamond industry, they share a common foundation of ethical sourcing and customer trust. My father’s commitment to ethical diamond mining and tracking a diamond's journey from the mines to the consumer deeply influenced me. Our diamonds are sourced from all over the world, including India, Israel, Canada, and Belgium, to name a few. At Privée, we take this even a step further by prioritizing the use of recycled metals in all our custom pieces and bridal collections. This commitment to sustainability and ethical practices ensures that our clients can feel confident in the integrity of their jewelry.
My father’s emphasis on the ethics of diamond mining and his desire to innovate the customer experience have been guiding principles for me. Privée embraces these values while adding a creative touch, drawing from my background in music and photography, to design pieces that are not only beautiful, but also ethically responsible.
404.702.6665
3265 North Point Parkway, Suite 101, Alpharetta