BY SHALEEN DESTEFANO

It is under immense pressure, combined with patience that the diamond is created. So it makes sense that the process of purchasing a forever stone, can be a stressful task. We caught up with Kaeleigh Testwuide, owner of The Diamond Reserve, to hear how she found herself pioneering a male-dominated industry. Together with her colleague Erin Kurtz, they have perfected the art of both educating and putting their clients at ease.

Starting from the beginning, tell us how you found yourself in the world of purchasing diamonds.

In 2015, I was in search of a job. I found an interesting job posting on Craigslist. The position was to manage a marketing company that specialized in generating leads for jewelers. After an interview, I got hired. The marketing company’s name was “The Diamond Reserve.” After six months of working for the company, I told my boss, the owner at the time, that I wanted to purchase The Diamond Reserve. From there, I got started on the acquisition. My goal was to keep it as a marketing company for a time, rebrand, and after figuring my way around the diamond and jewelry industry turn it into a full-service private jewelry office. After about two years of ownership and learning, I began to buy, sell, and trade diamonds. 

Together with Erin, you have created an inviting and educational experience for your clients, in a process that might otherwise be deemed intimidating. Tell us what sets The Diamond Reserve apart.

Unlike traditional jewelers, The Diamond Reserve’s mission is to not sell our client’s diamonds, but to educate them. In this transparent education, we provide our clients the ability to understand what they are purchasing as well as navigate making a purchase that is right for them. Instead of selling our clients diamonds and jewelry, we guide them. It is very traditional for jewelers to push the sales of what goods they have on hand. At The Diamond Reserve, we are first and foremost never pushy. We believe it is our responsibility to cut no corners, and never make our clients sacrifice any of their needs. We will hunt endlessly around the world to find our clients exactly what they want for the most competitive pricing in the marketplace. 

While specializing in diamonds, you work with other gemstones and have a line of unique jewelry. Tell us a bit more about your wide collection.

Our bespoke bridal jewelry is crafted to truly represent each individual couple’s love story. From small gemstone details to hidden engraved messages, every piece is uniquely symbolic and hints to the greater meaning behind the jewelry. 

All of our engagement rings are made to order, designed in house, and handmade to the highest standards in Denver. 

We do sell everyday fashion jewelry by EF Collection. EF Collection is female-owned and operated, just like The Diamond Reserve. Founded by Emily Faith, who creates price approachable everyday fashion jewelry pieces. 

You work closely with your clients to create custom designs. What has been your favorite project to date?

Not to be cliche, but each project we work on is special. It is difficult to choose a favorite. It’s like choosing a favorite kid! From working with influencers, celebrities, close friends, sports stars, and everyday couples, all the projects standout for their own reason. I love working with clients that appreciate diamond quality and timeless styles. However, I also have been falling more for more contemporary projects involving colored diamonds and rare cuts. 

What about people working on a tight budget, can you accommodate? 

The Diamond Reserve works with all budgets. We work very hard to ensure everyone can have an engagement ring that will encapsulate their love story no matter the budget. 

What is it like being a woman-owned business in a highly male-dominated industry? 

It hasn’t always been easy and was extremely challenging in the early years to show I had a place in the diamond industry. It is important to me to show other women that we can not only make our mark in this extremely competitive industry but also be the leaders. Like any business, being successful in the industry takes extremely hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. 

 

You and Erin have made it a priority to support charities. Can you tell us more about this?

We make it a point to just act when we feel called. Whether it is a person we know directly or someone we connected with over social media, I feel it’s incredibly important to give as the need arises. We have initiated campaigns to raise awareness and funds for Childhood Cancer and Infant Loss. These are some of the things that happen in this world that really break my heart. If I can help even a bit, I will. We give financial support but more importantly the community-strengthening and connection is what makes a difference.

What can we expect from you in the future?

The Diamond Reserve has the goal to continue to grow in the Colorado market as well as nationwide as we have been! Our growth has been tremendous and really exciting. We have some projects currently in the works that are coming to fruition this year that we can’t wait to share as they unfold. 

When you two aren’t tirelessly working together at TDR, how do you both spend your free time?

  We do work a lot. The Diamond Reserve really is a big part of our lives! When we are not working, we spend it with our families and friends. In the winter I love to ski. If I have a weekend off, you’ll find me on Vail mountain with my husband and two & 1/2 year old! My son is just learning to ski and is completely shredding, it’s incredible to watch. In the summers, my family and I like to retreat to our family ranch where we enjoy hiking, river floats, and lots of fishing. Erin is the queen of outdoors and is always taking mountain drives to hike or explore, she loves checking out Colorado’s hot springs and sleepier towns. Erin also loves to travel internationally and tries to take two trips a year. We both love Colorado, so we try to experience the state’s best offerings when we can!

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Kaeleigh! If you’d like to see the expansive collection at The Diamond Reserve, visit thediamondreserve.com. Kaeleigh and her team are ready to help you through every step of the process from start to finish.