A diamond may be a girl’s best friend, but exquisite design of precious stones can easily become a man’s passion. The latter is the case for Yusuf Sadiq, who started his career in the jewelry industry in 1992 selling gold, colored stones and diamonds for Kay Jewelers. Although he started as a part-time employee, Sadiq quickly became a leader in sales and was promoted to Kay’s top selling store in Columbus. After seven years Sadiq assisted in the opening of Jared the Galleria of Jewelry from Jared he moved on to obtain his professional degree in gemology from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the world’s foremost authority in the science of gems. Sadiq graduated from the GIA in San Diego, CA, excelling in color stone, gem identification and diamond grading, and upon his return to Columbus he began formulating plans to open his own company.
“Here in Columbus in 2003 I turned an unused bedroom into a home office,” recalls Sadiq. “From primarily supplying loose diamonds and bridal sets, I built my company from a bedroom office to a small downtown office to the storefront that I opened in 2006. I spent 10 years selling diamonds but I always wanted to work for myself. Now I’m putting my experience in sales and my gemologist credentials to use for my company.”
Sadiq has truly come a long way from his home office within a short amount of time. His company is now located in the historic Ohio Furniture Building and is accented with light taupe walls and Brazilian cherry hardwood floors. His inventory of loose diamonds has expanded to include bridals and ladies diamond fashion and gents jewelry.
“I had to promote my company by word of mouth, and as diamond merchants and clients became familiar with my background and my educational credentials, they began to evaluate me for what matters most, which is the quality of my product and service.”
Sadiq works very hard to make sure his clients are completely satisfied with the diamond designs they choose, and he explains the different options available to fit their budgets.
