How It All Started
Wilson Diamonds was established in Provo in 1974 by Keith and Richard Wilson, who were students at Brigham Young University. Their whole idea to start a store came from Richard’s attempt to buy a diamond engagement ring from the local stores.
After looking around at other jewelry stores in Utah, Richard was disappointed at the lack of real information available from salespeople about quality, price, and disrespect towards customers. Keith and Richard saw the opportunity to open a store that focused on the customer and their needs, while providing low prices on quality diamonds and engagement rings. Using Richard’s Belgian diamond source (another long story), they began to develop this side of diamond sales in Provo. Their whole philosophy was to sell better quality for less, focus on engagement and wedding rings, and empower people by giving them the tools they needed to understand quality with rings and diamonds.
Keith Wilson
Since 1986, Keith Wilson has pursued a teaching career and no longer plays an active part in the management of Wilson Diamonds. He now has a doctorate degree and teaches religion full time at BYU. His first love has always been teaching.
The way Wilson Diamonds teaches its customers is largely his legacy. He has eight children, 14 grandchildren, and lives in Provo with his wife of 35 years, Linda.
Richard Wilson
Richard now handles the day-to-day management responsibilities of the store, as well as a sizable wholesale network. Richard has been married for 36 years to Debbie, and they have six children and ten grandchildren. He lives in Orem.
Richard Wilson received his undergraduate degrees in microbiology and chemistry from BYU, with minors in English and Math. He also received a master’s degree from BYU. Richard went on to complete all GIA courses available on diamond grading. (see The Learning Center)