Empowerment Series: Latina Entrepreneur, Diamond Expert and Founder Behind Diamond Tales, Constanza Viera Shares her Brilliance with AW
Women who love diamonds can sometimes be labeled materialistic or gold diggers. The perception that women’s admiration for the gem is pure greed is not only presumptuous, but it’s also unfair. The gift of my first gem came on my 19th birthday, the gleam in my eyes had nothing to do with the piece of jewelry but the meaning behind it. A gold heart ring with a miniature diamond in the center, gifted to me by my first love. It was a promise of his love and devotion at the time. The piece of jewelry has become part of a collection of memories in a story. The ring itself was not the centerpiece, I treasure it because of who it came from during that time in my life.
The diamond industry is a multibillion-dollar business, marketing as “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” has paid off. Thank you, Marilyn Monroe! Women have been buying and wearing diamonds for years but now they are also rising the ranks of the industry. A world previously dominated by men has finally been infiltrated by women looking to create beauty for diamond lovers.
Constanza Viera, a Miami, private jeweler is one of the women making waves across the diamond business. The expert is the founder of Diamond Tales, a luxury jewelry shopping experience fit for a princess. AW had the fabulous opportunity to sit on a Zoom interview with the stunning Latina to give us the gems she has picked up over the years.
In March 2020, Tiffany & Co. named Victoria Wirth Reynolds, its new chief gemologist. She is the first woman in the history of the luxury brand to hold this position. In an industry, mostly filled with older men, I imagine you faced some challenges but it did not deter you from pursuing a career in the field. Walking away from your 9-5 job during a pandemic to start Diamond Tales was a bold decision! A significant number of women have lost their jobs, generating a boom of entrepreneurial opportunities. What was your greatest fear going into this new venture and how did you overcome it? Going into this market, my greatest fear was people not trusting me. I make sure to practice what I preach, ensuring the delivery of the best service. The digital era has changed the shopping experience for clients. I am looking to educate customers, as well as, bring value to the virtual private buying experience. I had to be confident when asking myself, where do I see a need for this type of service in the market? I knew there was space for something like this, helping younger couples about to get married enjoy these services but also give classic couples the more traditional experience.
“A diamond tells a story. It is sophistication, grace, and elegance.” I read about your appreciation for gemstones. Every piece of jewelry becomes a memory – birthday, anniversary, engagement, marriage, or special moment. If I looked at your gem or diamond collection, what story would it tell about you? I have an appreciation for jewelry, every piece represents a memory or accomplishment for me. Whether it was a birthday, anniversary, or celebration in my life, I’ve been grateful to receive a token symbolizing a moment, ingrained in my mind forever.
Marilyn Monroe’s song “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” says it all. For many of us, diamonds represent luxury and status. The media has somehow convinced audiences the bigger the diamond, the greater his love. What is your opinion on this topic? Absolutely, not true. One of the important aspects of purchasing diamonds is to educate yourself about the gem. Prior to choosing a diamond, learn about the 4C’s (Cut, Color, Carat Weight, and Clarity) as part of the decision-making process. What is of most importance and value to you when making this personal choice?. Large diamonds can lack optimal clarity or be flawed in other ways, size doesn’t necessarily mean better. The gem is an investment, therefore, education and thought should be a key part of the purchase.
You are from Venezuela based out of Miami. A young, Latina entrepreneur with increasing success in your business. The journey of entrepreneurs is not an easy one. What are your tips for women on the same path? Coincidentally, I covered this important topic at a presentation for Geeky Latina during a 12-week mentorship program that helps with career and leadership. I’d say there are three essential steps –
- Keep Learning – Read, take classes, watch tutorials to sharpen skills or develop new ones
- Ask for Help – We all need help sometimes, don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek assistance
- Passion – I studied Economics, Finance then went on to work in Marketing. Today, I am a jeweler, finding my passion has been amazing. Keep at it, until you find what makes you love what you do.
- Networking – Relationship building, meeting people inside and outside of your expertise to create a network of resources that you can learn from or collaborate with at any time.
AW interviews always end with a positive message. Can you offer a quote, mantra, affirmation, or advice to encourage women to go after their passion? I’d say “Find your inner gem,” look within to connect with the deepest part of you. Carry that authenticity all the time, figure out what you relate to or moves you, and stick with it! Do what you love, the pieces will fall into their rightful place.
Oftentimes, we buy into materialistic fantasies that fill our eyes with sparkle. The idea that things make people happier can overwhelm our minds fueling all types of insecurities. Constanza’s purpose behind creating the jewelry line is to make pieces that become part of someone else’s story. Her admiration for the gems resonated with me, as I too, share the vision that jewelry can be primarily used to connect to special moments in our lives, instead of wealth or status. You give the diamond significance, not the other way around.
AW is incredibly grateful to Constanza for taking the time and willingness to share her story with our readers. Our stories help us learn from one another. Remember, you already have everything you need to shine, don’t waste a moment believing anything else.
“The brilliance of a diamond is special but could never outshine the radiance of the woman wearing it.”
– Yvette Bodden, Author & Founder, AW
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