Staff
Julie Haack
As President of Donald Haack Diamonds, having taken over the helm from her father, Julie Haack combines her passion for unique and versatile jewelry with helping her clients develop their own personal sense of style and to select a jewelry piece as their signature. Raised on the Caribbean Island of Grenada, Julie earned her BA degree from UNC-Chapel Hill in Political Science, hoping to become a diplomat. Lured by and acute interest in Naturopathy, she earned a Master’s Degree in this subject from Clayton College. Such a varied interest in life serves her well in connecting with her clients.
Don & Jan Haack
Since 1955 when they left to set up a home and mining operation on the border river between Brazil and British Guiana, Donald (1930-2009) and Janet Haack were involved in the diamond business. From mining, trading, and selling rough diamonds to the industry to the founding of one of the nation’s pre-eminent and most respected sources for diamond and precious gem jewelry, their name is synonymous with experience and quality.
Christina Holmes
Christina Holmes joined the Donald Haack Diamonds team in 2000, having already worked in the jewelry industry many years in both sales and management. She is working toward her GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Gemologist degree and assists with buying inventory and jewelry design as well as sales.
Jennifer Patnode
A graduate of the University of South Carolina with a BA degree in Political Science, Jennifer has furthered her education in the jewelry industry with certificates from GIA (Gemological Institute of America) in Diamonds and in Diamond Grading. Jennifer joined our sales staff in February 2004. Jennifer lends her creative talents to designing custom pieces for the Donald Haack Diamonds collection and for our clients.
Sara Wilkinson
Sara joined the Donald Haack Diamonds team in 2004 and immediately embarked on her mission to become a Graduate Gemologist. Certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in Diamonds and Diamond Grading, Sara is currently working to attain certification in Colored Stones. Sara is a vital and enthusiastic part of promoting DHD to the public.
Scott Falconer
The fully-equipped grading laboratory at Donald Haack Diamonds is managed by Scott Falconer, whose vast knowledge of diamonds and colored gems stands behind the appraisals which accompany DHD products. With over 35 years of experience evaluating diamonds and gemstones, Scott’s expertise includes appraisal of estate and vintage jewelry. He is a Graduate Gemologist who follows strict GIA (Gemological Institute of America) standards when grading each and every diamond bought and/or sold DHD.
Leslie Englander
Leslie joined Donald Haack Diamonds as Business Manager in September, 2009. Leslie brings her experience in retail jewelry as well as diverse operational and marketing experience to her role; and loves wearing all the different hats that being a Business Manager requires. A life-long Bostonian, with a Master of Science in Communications from Boston University, Leslie moved to Charlotte in 2005.
Sue Ann Wilson
Sue Ann joined Donald Haack Diamonds in May 2004 as the first friendly voice you heard on the phone and the first smiling face you saw at our front door. With over 35 years in Customer Service, Sue Ann is our Office Manager, acting as liaison between our clients and goldsmiths.
Russell McKenzie
A Master Craftsman joining the goldsmith shop at Donald Haack Diamonds in March 2005, Russell started casting metals when he was in a high school art class. With over 30 years of experience designing, crafting, and fabricating fine jewelry, he works with all metals, studied at the Revere Academy (a premier educational institution in jewelry arts) and has experience using the latest laser fabrication technology.
Robbie Fowler
Robbie joined the goldsmith shop at Donald Haack Diamonds in January 2004. His 14 years in jewelry repair and design also includes laser technology experience. Robbie has studied stone setting, jewelry design, and fabrication at the Revere Academy (a premier educational institution in jewelry arts) and has participated in the Jewelers Bench Conferences in Chicago, Atlanta, and Colorado.
