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Ace of Diamonds

Trusted local jeweler brings holiday cheer throughout the year

December is a tremendous time to buy jewelry and it is the most popular month to get engaged. While online shopping is experiencing record sales, 2020 has also taught us how important local businesses are to our economy, just like MJ Christensen Diamonds, a longstanding family-owned retail establishment in this community. The owners, Darlene and Cliff Miller have been at the helm of this legacy store since 2000.

Cliff is often referred to as the “Ace of Diamonds,” a nickname he earned as a trusted jeweler in Vegas and as an American Gem Society member - only one in 20 jewelers have met the AGS standards required to join.

After 28 years gaining expertise in Georgia and Kentucky as a gemologist Cliff passed a rigorous test to take over the family business from its original owners. They wanted a qualified and ethical jeweler to carry on a legacy that started in 1939. MJ Christensen Diamonds originally operated in the corner of a drugstore on First and Fremont. Undoubtedly, Marcus Joy (aka MJ) Christensen would be proud of the Millers today.

The Millers have supported countless charities in meaningful ways. In fact, this is how I met Cliff and Darlene. Over a decade ago, I was invited to meet the Millers at a dinner organized by Dr. Stephanie Holland, the founder of Child Focus, and I was serving on the fundraising committee for their Moms Rock event. We wanted to share our gratitude to the Millers for years of sponsorship support. Over dinner, Cliff told a touching story about his union with Darlene, in business and in marriage. It is a delightful story that I suggest you inquire about when you meet the “Ace of Diamonds.”  

We also talked about the recession that had hit Las Vegas especially hard. Cliff humbly shared the effects the economy was having on the operation of MJ Christensen Diamonds. Their business banking and commercial property relationships changed sharply, and the Millers had to pivot. Their shift to intimately serve the west side of Las Vegas has paid off and I hope it continues to do so as we face another economic challenge during the pandemic.   

My daughter articulated a special memory, recently. As she was nearing her 8th grade graduation, I told her I wanted to buy her a present that would memorialize her achievement and we attended an invite-only event at MJ Christensen Diamonds to meet several nationally recognized designers. I introduced my daughter to Cliff and Darlene and we shared our reason for shopping. They immediately introduced us to a designer who made an instant connection with my daughter. I watched as she selected a necklace and charms that my daughter still wears as a college student.

This kind of service and relationship is not found on the internet. Whenever my daughter is ready to shop for diamonds and fine jewelry, I know she will seek out the “Ace of Diamonds.” MJ Christensen Diamonds represents what a local jeweler is all about.

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