Chris Uptain, the president and namesake of Christopher Fine Diamonds, is a master jeweler with over 35 years of experience. Renowned for his exquisite craftsmanship and contemporary creative style, his work is truly one of a kind. His unparalleled attention to detail has earned him a reputation as one of the most trusted jewelers in the industry, with a loyal client following spanning more than two decades.

Beyond his expertise at the jeweler’s bench, Chris is also a highly skilled CAD jewelry designer. His proficiency in computer-aided design sets him apart, as he not only creates stunning digital designs but also handcrafts them into reality. His deep understanding of the entire jewelry-making process ensures that every piece is designed with precision for flawless execution. At Christopher Fine Diamonds, no custom creation leaves the store without Chris’s personal stamp of approval.

When he’s not perfecting his craft, Chris enjoys spending time with his son, Bo, tinkering with computers and taking on new construction projects for his rental properties. He also loves traveling with his fiancée, Kelly, and her three daughters.

Kelly hails from Oklahoma, a place she fondly calls her true "home." While she has embraced life in Arizona, she stays deeply connected to her "Okie" roots in everything she does. As the driving force behind our marketing efforts, Kelly oversees all aspects, including in-store merchandising, event planning, and managing social media and Google campaigns. She played a pivotal role in designing and developing our e-commerce website and spearheaded our transition to a paperless, cloud-based operation by leading system implementations and training.

In 2024, Kelly oversaw the entire design and creation of our new store, including creating CAD renderings, curating the interior design elements and overseeing construction, setup and merchandising of our new store.

When is not juggling her many responsibilities at Christopher Fine Diamonds, she also manages her own insurance brokerage, which has been her primary career for over 25 years. Kelly loves traveling the world with her fiancé, Chris, and her three daughters—her beloved "mini-me's."

Meet Derek, our Graduate Gemologist and General Manager. A 12th-generation jeweler, Derek's passion for fine jewelry began at a young age, learning the business from his parents, Al and Lisa Molina of the renowned Molina Fine Jewelers. He later earned the prestigious title of Graduate Gemologist from GIA, the highest level a jeweler can achieve.

Derek is known not only for his deep expertise and leadership but also for his infamous bear hugs, those unforgettable handshakes and of course, that million dollar smile. Derek is as authentic, genuine and kind as a person could possibly be.

When he's not guiding clients through the world of fine jewelry, he loves spending time with his wife, Jazmine, and their son, affectionately known as "Little Derek", who is often seen working right alongside his dad on Saturdays, following in the Molina family footsteps.

Meet Danielle, our Sr Sales Associate and Lead Jewelry Designer. With over 20 years of experience in the jewelry industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and precision to everything she does.

"Danie", as she is affectionately referred to by her clients, is known for her exceptional attention to detail, meticulously inspecting every piece, from the most intricate designs to the smallest repairs, ensuring perfection before it leaves our store.

When she's not wowing customers with her expertise, you'll find her embracing the great outdoors, whether its hiking, yoga, or any adventure in nature. Danie's passion for excellence shines in every aspect of her work, every single day.

Meet Becca, our standout Jr. Sales
Associate and Lead CAD Designer. With a sunny disposition and a contagious laugh, she brings energy and joy to both our sales floor and design studio.

As our lead CAD designer, Becca's technical expertise and creative vision allow her to craft intricate, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, turning dreams into reality. Her extensive background in art, specifically the art of sketching, accentuates her natural talent using the computer to design. Her attention to detail and her ability to understand details in pieces that her clients desire to create is unmatched.

When she's not designing or helping customers, you might get lucky enough to catch her sharing her beautiful voice in an impromptu music session on Instagram. Becca truly knows how to make every moment shine.