|
Jewelry Secret Reports!
|
Diamonds on the Internet! A new and better way of shopping f
By Angelo Tambe
How safe is diamond and jewelry shopping on the internet? What do you need to know! An interview with Patrick J. Boening, President & CEO of the Diamond Wholesale Corporation, aka: DWC Inc. One of North America's top firms in the diamond online and wholesale business. (http://www.DiamondWholesaleCorporation.com)
February 11, 2004-- Interviewing Patrick J. Boening, President and CEO of the Diamond Wholesale Corporation.
Q: More and more people decide to purchase their diamonds online. DWC Inc. could improve its online sales by an impressive 83%. How come?
A: Price, Quality, Variety, Availability and good Customer Service. The confidence and trust in online diamond firms grow over the last years enormously, as most online businesses did. This is the 21st century; you don’t have to spend hours in jewelry stores only to be shown a medium quality diamond, in dimmed light for a ridicules price. Then you need to compare and run to the next store to start the whole process over and over again. A tiring, long and expensive way to do business. Retail stores will not give prices over the phone. They need you trapped within their environment. They have to sell you what they have on stock rather then what is available on the market. Remember, when you purchase a diamond or a piece of jewelry in a store, you pay for everything, the expensive location, the beautiful and costly store decoration, sales and security staff etc. etc. The price differences between online and store can easily be 50 – 70 %. On the other hand, jewelers are spoiled and hate the internet. It is like a secret leaked out. Did you ever wonder why jewelers did so well and whenever you passed by the store, their is hardly customer traffic? The smart and educated client with access to the internet realized all that.
Q: Isn’t it to risky to purchase such expensive items over the internet, and how can one minimize that risk?
A: I have never heard of an internet diamond firm that "ran off" with the client’s money. That would be a one time action. The internet is the fastest media in the world, such actions would be known and spread in hours, around the world and this company would be black listed forever. Surely you should not trust anyone just because they have a web site. If you keep these 9 rules, your purchase will be safer then in most stores:
Rule # 1: Trust a web site (company or organization) only if they publish on their web site, the full businesses address (not only a PO. Box) and phone number. If they don’t, they have a reason. Many web sites are owned by the same company or person and would show the same address and phone number.
Rule # 2: Check their references (Testimonials) and talk to existing clients. You will quick find out if they are real or made up.
Rule # 3: Check the professional trade networks and organizations, in the diamond and jewelry field: JBT (Jewelers Board of Trade), Polygon, Rapaport Network etc. If they are not registered there, they are no professionals.
Rule # 4: Check with your local BBB (Better Business Bureau). This is usually one of the first organizations that will receive a customer’s complaint.
Rule # 5: Make sure the company you are dealing with gives a full money back guarantee of at least 5 days. This will give you enough time to have the item checked by a professional (Gemologist/Appraiser) of your choice.
Rule # 6: Always choose the appraiser / gemologist yourself. Never let the salesperson recommend one. If the firm recommends an “independent” appraiser or sends the item (s) to an “independent” appraiser/gemologist of their choice, rest assure, that they are in cahoots. (If you have to sign a contract, would you ask the other parties lawyer for advice? Or would you hire your own lawyer?)
Rule # 7: Don’t be blinded by photos of diamonds. In most cases the are very misleading. Everyone who understands a little about photography knows that, photos are totally worthless. You need the scientific facts of the diamond, which are written in the Diamond Report, or Certificate. The more details you get the better. AGS (American Gemological Society) provides at the moment North Americas top certificate. It will mention details of cut that are most important and unfortunately most ignored. Crown angle in degrees and height in percent. Pavilion depth and girdle thickness. AGS is as tough as GIA (Gemological Institute of America), but gives you much more scientific details.
Rule # 8: If you found your stone, go for it! Don’t wait too long because this diamond could be sold to someone else and you have to start all over again. There are no endless supplies on diamonds in every size, shape, clarity and color out there. Like with most things in life, you often have to compromise.
Rule # 9: Compare apples with apples! When you compare one diamond and it’s price with another, hold both certificates (print out the copies that you get via e-mail) next to each other. Look at all the facts and compare, consult the gemologist if data is not clear or you need advice. Comparing one company and their prices with another, take in consideration if taxes, insurance during transport and shipping are included, is any extra cost involved, certificate, appraisal etc., or does it all come as a complete package?
Q: What will the New Year (2004) bring the Diamond Online Industry?
A: Growth! We expect a minimum total growth of 37% this year for the diamond online firms. The Diamond Wholesale Corporation (DWC Inc.) invested heavily and increased customer service as well as keeping the prices at the lowest level possible in order to insure satisfied clients.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Angelo Tambe is the PR Director of the Diamond Wholesale Corporation.
More Jewelry Articles
|
Online Jewelry Auction Sites
eBay Jewelry -
What can we say? eBay is the largest online marketplace, period. Jewelry is a major category on eBay and there are always great deals to be found. Still need to register? Click here to sign up now!
ubid Jewelry - This site gets less traffic than eBay, so you can often find excellent bargains. Most auctions start at $1, and you can save up to 70% on jewelry.
Specialty Jewelry Retailers
Heavenly Treasures -
Unique selection of fine jewelry with prices from 10%-50% off, including the highly demanded Zoppini Italian charm bracelet collection.
Iced Out Gear - Hip hop "bling bling" fashion accessories including custom name belts, spinning rims, bling bling watches and other bling.
Italian Charm Bracelets -
JJ Kent's online bracelet builder is genious. Choose from over a thousand different charms. Simply drag and drop charms onto your bracelet to see what it will look like.
Je Gem Artisan Gemstones -
Premier artisan gemstone jewelry specializing in modern and traditional birthstones, hand selected and handcrafted by gifted designers using techniques handed down for generations.
Get Our Free Hot Jewelry Tips!
We will never sell, rent, or give away your email address. Join now and instantly get a free insider's report of secrets that jewelry stores hide from you!
|
|
Jewelry & Diamond Wholesalers
Jewelry Television™ -
Their mission is to open the world of fine jewelry and gemstones to everyone. Whether it’s a special gift, rare gemstone, or fast-paced auction that you’re looking for, Jewelry Television™ has it all!
Ultra Diamonds -
Ultra's buyers travel the globe to find the best deals in fine jewelry and then pass those savings on to you. They reinforce this philosophy with a "Lowest Price Guarantee" - if you find a lower priced identical piece, they will beat that price.
GoldenMine -
They offer the largest selection of gold jewelry at wholesale prices. Gram per gram, carat per carat, GoldenMine always offers the lowest prices on the web so you are guaranteed to save money.
Goldspeed.com -
With over 50,000 different items available for immediate shipment they are arguably the largest online jewelry retailer, earning the prestigious Yahoo! 5-Star Top Service Award each year since they began in 1999.
CZ Jewelry -
They are America's # 1 cubic zirconia jewelry manufacturer. Their jewelry is made so beautifully, and with such precision, it will look like you have been shopping at a world class diamond jewelry store.
Jewelry Avenue -
With over 30 years of experience, they offer high-quality diamonds and jewelry at outstanding prices, and are committed to providing customers with the best value, quality, service, and selection on the web.
Watches
eWatches.com -
They only offer name brand watches and watch lines of proven quality. Don't get scammed into buying a fake watch online. It's worth buying from a trusted source like eWatches.com.
FOSSIL - The maker of the popular FOSSIL and RELIC watch lines offers great deals online, and also a very cool build-your-own-watch online tool where you can design and order your own custom watch.
Don't forget to bookmark this page so you can come back whenever you need to find a great jewelry deal.
|
|