ALFREDO J. MOLINA

Internationally recognized jeweler and top gemological expert known worldwide, Alfredo J. Molina is Chairman of Black, Starr & Frost, America’s First Jeweler Since 1810. The name is synonymous with sophisticated designs and rare gemstones, and creating historic jewelry for America’s captains of industry, as well as Hollywood celebrities and royal families. Black, Starr & Frost was one of the most venerable American jewelers during the 19th and 20th centuries. Alfredo has restored this historic house to its prior prominence.

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Alfredo’s lineage of master jewelers dates back to 1634 in Milan, Italy. As an 11th generation jeweler, he has built an unparalleled reputation, offering the rarest of gems and exclusive collections of fine jewelry. Alfredo is one of the nation’s most prestigious jewelers. His ability to secure the world’s rarest gems, such as the priceless, historic Archduke Joseph Diamond, the world’s 12th largest perfect Golconda type 2A white diamond. His success has earned him guest appearances on numerous television programs, including CBS Early Show and the Today Show, and has been featured in The New York Times, The Financial Times, The London Times and countless luxury magazines including Robb Report, Departures, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country and Elite Traveler.

Alfredo’s education and experience in the jewelry industry is extensive. He is a Graduate Gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America and a Fellow Member of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain with Distinction. He is an expert in determining the country of origin of gemstones. He is past President of the American Society of Appraisers, Arizona Jewelers Association, and the GIA Alumni Association. He has served as Vice-Chairman of the Jewelers of America Council and Co-Chairman of the Master Gemologist Appraiser program, and co-authored the curriculum in appraisal practices. Alfredo has been called upon to appraise many very important gemological collections from around the world. Alfredo serves as a trusted advisor to royal houses, captains of industry and some of the world’s wealthiest families. Alfredo has served as a jewelry stylist for Hollywood’s elite.

Alfredo is a qualified appraiser for the Internal Revenue Service and an alumnus of FBI Citizens Academy. In 2002, he was appointed to serve as Honorary Consul of Spain for Arizona. Alfredo is the founder of the Advisory Posse in Maricopa County and served as its founding commanding officer.

Alfredo was honored in Washington, DC as one of seven caring Americans and was inducted in to the Frederick Douglass Museum & Hall of Fame for Caring Americans on Capitol Hill. He was named a 2008 Outstanding Business Leader by Northwood University. Alfredo was inducted into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame in 2008. Alfredo was honored with the Jewelers that Care Award in 2011.

Alfredo’s vision is Changing The World One Jewel At A Time ™. He believes that every individual is a precious jewel and it is our commitment and social responsibility to ensure that they become brilliant.

CREDENTIALS

EDUCATION

G.G. Graduate Gemologist from Gemological Institute of America

F.G.A. Fellow Member of Gemmological Association of Great Britain (with distinction)

R.J. Registered Jeweler from American Gem Society

C.G. Certified Gemologist from American Gem Society

C.G.A. Certified Gemologist Appraiser from American Gem Society

EXPERIENCE

2006 - Present Chairman of Black, Starr & Frost

1987 - Present CEO of Molina Fine Jewelers

1982 - Present President of Intercontinental Gemological Laboratory Inc.

1980 - Present President of Jewels Replacement Company

1980 - Present Professional Jewelry Appraiser and Consultant

1980 - 1987 Vice-President & Co-Owner of a Phoenix-based fine jewelry company

1976 - 1979 Manager and Buyer for Chicago Import/Export Gem Company

1967 - 1976 Apprentice Bench Jeweler under mentorship of Grandfather

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Appears as invited guest speaker at Gem and Jewelry conferences, seminars and workshops on appraising gems, jewelry and discussing latest gemological trends and developments

Assists law enforcement agencies in recovering stolen gems and jewelry

Serves as an expert witness in court cases involving jewelry evaluation

Appears as a witness for U.S. Customs Service as Gem Authority

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

American Society of Appraisers: Past President Chapter 37, Region 8 and Past Co-Chairman of the Master Gemologist Appraiser program

Jewelers Security Alliance

Internal Revenue Service: Qualified Appraiser

GIA Alumni Association: Past President

Jewelers of America: Past Vice Chairman of JA Council

24kt Club of Southern California

Accredited Gemologist Association: Past Regional Governor, Past MGA Program Co-Chairman, Education Committee Chairman

Arizona Jewelers Association: Past President, Past Director

Member of FBI Citizens Academy

Consular Corps of Arizona: Vice-Chairman

Maricopa Country Sheriff’s Office Advisory Posse: Founder and First Commanding Officer