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Seven young women competed in the 2003 Miss Rancho Penasquitos Pageant Saturday night March 1 at Westview High School.

Over 200 guests, including family and friends of the contestants, dignitaries and other San Diego Area Queens, attended the themed event called "Glitz & Glitter."

Contestants danced in glittering gold top hats and canes to the song "Steppin Out." Dressed in black tie and short sets with gold cummerbunds and red rose boutonnieres, the contestants dazzled the crowd in the introduction portion of the program.

Later in the evening these young ladies walked gracefully across the stage in evening gowns and jewelry of their choice, to the soft playing music of Artie Shaw and Glen Miller tunes.

Each gave a one-minute memorized speech and answered an Impromptu Question on stage. Lori Bautista gave her farewell speech to her family and friends, and to the Rancho Penasquitos community she has so graciously volunteered to serve this year.

The highlight of the evening was the crowning of a new Miss Rancho Penasquitos for 2003, Miss Jessica Goral. The First Princess is Jessie Calcott and the Second Princess is Anna Le.

Judges this year included Tommy Sablan from STAR 100.7, and De'Anna Gullotta, the reigning Mrs. California United States.

A newly-designed crown pendant was presented to the winners from Matt Meis Goldsmith. One of these works of art may be purchased directly from Meis. In turn, he will donate 20 percent back to the scholarship fund with each necklace sold.

The after pageant party was hosted by Giorgio's Restaurant in Rancho Penasquitos. For more information, call the Diamond Gateway Chamber at 858-484-2800.

Club members enjoyed learning about the jewelry business last Wednesday from a wandering jeweler - and no, Rick, that's not a person who sells you a diamond ring in a solid gold setting and then wanders off leaving you to shift for yourself when you discover the diamond's not a diamond and the gold setting isn't gold! This jeweler is known to his clients as the "Wandering Jeweler" as he comes to the clients rather than making them come to a store.

Speaker Matt Meis has worked in the jewelry and diamond business for many years and now operates his own jewelry design and sales business.

Evolution of Diamonds
Matt explained that the first recorded mention of diamonds is found in writings from India around 600-800 BC. Diamonds gained popularity in the royal courts of Europe in the early 15th century and by the beginning of the 16th century the custom of a diamond engagement ring was well established.

Large deposits of diamonds are found in various places throughout the world where volcanic activity once existed, said Matt. The first large commercial deposit was found in Southern Africa in the 1860's.

Mining operations today are conducted on a massive scale since only three ounces of gem-quality stones are recovered out of 17,000 tons of earth that are mined. Diamonds are graded on cut, clarity, color and weight, Matt concluded.

Thanks much, Matt, for an entertaining and educational presentation.

That tall distinguished looking gentleman with the big, friendly smile so often seen at just about any I-15 Diamond Gateway Chamber of Commerce event is Matt Meis, this month's Ambassador of the Month.

Matt, who specializes in custom jewelry, has been one of the chamber's most consistent and dependable members since joining the chamber in 1998.

He can always be counted on to donate items and services for Sundowners and just about any other chamber activity. He is a ready and willing volunteer and a Chamber director.

Matt Meis Goldsmith is unique in that Matt has no storefront. He meets with his clients at their convenience, at their business or their home.

Matt provides custom and semi-custom design services, using select craftsmen, and he delivers the finished jewelry to his clients himself.

In addition to specializing in custom and semi-custom jewelry, Matt offers jewelry and watch repair and appraisals. "My goal is to become your Personal Jeweler," he explains. He can be reached at 619-218-1319 or on the web at matt@mattmeis.com.

Matt studied jewelry and metalsmithing at Washington University School of Fine Art in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1975, while still in school, he began working for a jewelry repair company where he learned many of the skills of the jewelry trade.

Prior to starting his own business in 1997, Matt worked as the goldsmith for The Collector Fine Jewelry in La Jolla, in sales and management for two retail jewelry stores, and for a San Diego based diamond importer and wholesaler.

In addition to his work with the I-15 Diamond Gateway Chamber, Matt is a member of  the Rotary Club of Old Mission, and Tipsters of San Diego.