Fred Ball Speaking on Business Each weekday on KSL Radio 1160, Fred Ball of Zions Bank highlights a Utah business -- from small home based businesses to large Utah based corporations. Access the latest "Speaking on Business" report below. More info on Speaking on Business

Marriott Blom International -- December 7, 2007

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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.

Diamonds have been an important aspect of Alan Blom's life since long before he was born. His family is one of the oldest in the business, dating all the way back to 1630 in Holland, when they were considered authorities in the Dutch diamond industry.

The tradition was passed down through the family, and Alan's father taught it to him. Alan is a certified diamond appraiser, auctioneer and diamond cutter. However, he has come up with new ideas to revolutionize the business. After relocating to Provo from South Africa a few months ago, Alan formed a partnership with Phil Marriott to create Marriott Blom International.

Marriott Blom International's focus is to market diamonds and jewelry directly to consumers at prices well below normal retail level. Alan tells me they have created the ForeverView, a more complete way for consumers to view diamonds than they ever could before. The company is happy to create customized rings. They also accept jewelry trade-ins or will upgrade rings. Customers all receive personalized service and are treated the same no matter the amount of money they spend. They focus on doing business with positive energy that emphasizes the customer's unique needs first.

Marriott Blom International is a leader in the world of man-made diamonds with its cultured stones. In simple terms, a cultured diamond is grown in a lab but still has all the properties of a natural diamond. Alan says this is big news because it lowers the price of diamonds. Colored diamonds that cost $50,000 may now cost $5,000. The method is also more environmentally friendly. It takes 100 tons of earth to find a 1-carat diamond, which is alleviated with cultured diamonds. They also aren't conflict or blood diamonds.

Much of Marriott Blom International's marketing efforts, to date, have been concentrated outside the United States. With so much tradition and history in the diamond business, Alan is excited to bring another innovation to the industry.

For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.

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