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International jeweler Alfredo J. Molina is chairman and CEO of The Molina Group, based in Phoenix, Arizona. In October, 2006, Mr. Molina became the proprietor of Black, Starr & Frost, America’s first premiere jeweler since 1810. The name was synonymous with sophisticated designs and rare gemstones, and they crafted historic jewelry for America’s 'captains of industry', as well as Hollywood stars. Black, Starr & Frost was one of the most venerable American jewelers during the nineteenth and twentieth century. Alfredo Molina’s intent is to restore this historic house to its former position, moving forward with the beauty of its past.
Mr. Molina's lineage of master jewelers dates back to seventeenth century Italy. He was born in Santa Clara, Cuba in 1959. Eight years later, when the revolution forced the Molina family to flee the grip of communism, Alfredo settled in Chicago where he learned the diamond and gemstone business from his grandfather. He came to Phoenix with a dream of starting his own jewelry store which came true in 1987.
Since opening, Molina Fine Jewelers has built an unparalleled reputation, offering the rarest of gems and exclusive collections of fine jewelry. Alfredo Molina is one of the nation's most prestigious jewelers. His ability to secure the world's rarest gems - such as the $30 million, historic Archduke Joseph Diamond, the world's twelfth largest perfect white diamond - has earned him guest appearances on numerous television programs, including CBS' Early Show. Through Arizona Business Magazine, the community has voted Molina Fine Jewelers first among jewelers in the state of Arizona for the last ten consecutive years, a distinction that is shared by only four other Arizona businesses.
Alfredo's education and experience in the jewelry industry is extensive. He is a graduate gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America, Master Gemologist Appraiser from the American Society of Appraisers, and a Fellow Member of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain with Distinction. He is considered an expert in the determination of country of origin of gemstones. He is past President of the American Society of Appraisers, Arizona Jewelers Association, and the GIA Alumni Association and served as Vice-Chairman of the Jewelers of America Council and Co-Chairman of the Master Gemologist Appraiser program. Mr. Molina is also a qualified appraiser for the Internal Revenue Service and an alumni of FBI Citizens Academy. In 2002, he was appointed to serve as Honorary Counsul of Spain for Arizona.
Alfredo, his wife Lisa and their four children devote time and many resources to the Arizona and California community. By staying in constant contact with each community, the Molina's feel that Molina Fine Jewelers and Black, Starr & Frost are fulfilling their duty to their community, friends and their supporters. Lisa and Alfredo have chaired numerous charity events in Arizona including the Arizona Cancer Ball, The Samaritan Foundation, The Symphony Ball, The Arizona Heart Ball, Crohns and Colitis, Women of Distinction Gala and Childhelp, Drive the Dream. In Costa Mesa, they have supported Candlelite, JDRF Dream Gala 2007, and they are the 2007 Executive Producer and Exclusive Jeweler to the Grand Opening Ball for the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Lisa and Alfredo have dedicated their lives to the service of others and their children are following in their footsteps . Through their generous sponsorship and support of local and national charities, they seek to improve the lives of those less fortunate. Gratitude, selflessness, love and a firm belief in the legacies of sharing comprises the Molina way of life.
Mr. Molina's list of community affiliations runs long. Included is the A.S.U Presidents Club, the Dean's Council 100, University of Arizona Presidents Club, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Arizona Baseball Charities, Fiesta Bowl Committee, Boys & Girls Club, The Samaritan Foundation, The American Jewish Committee, The Phoenix Art Museum and the Arizona Science Center.
In December, 2005, 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. |
