Sparkling Success
All things being equal, most customers will choose the diamond with the most sparkle, especially when contemplating wedding and engagement jewelry. Fire Polish developed technology that exceeds the sparkle achieved by traditionally faceted stones. The company places thousands of nano-prisms — each far smaller than a human hair — along the pavilion of a diamond to release a spectrum of rainbow colored light. And now there’s a New York-based factory dedicated to creating a supply of those special diamonds, so that they’re an option for anyone. firepolishdiamonds.com
Stone Study
If you want to understand how to sell to clients, it’s a good idea to know the diamonds and jewelry that reflect their tastes. White PinE, whose services include purchasing diamonds, jewelry and watches from retailers, conducted America’s Diamond and Jewelry Ranking, a report that analyzes ownership across the country. It touches on data like the popularity of various diamond cuts in every state and the locations with the biggest diamonds (Texans go bigger than Virginians, but don’t top Alaskans). The report provides information that helps make smart buying decisions and cocktail party conversation. wpdiamonds.com
Millennial Maker
Matthew Ego’s family has included artisans for more than a century. He’s building on that legacy with his venture Guild+Facet, a fine jewelry manufacturing facility in New Jersey that caters to independent retailers. The 16,000-square-foot space provides real-time feeds that track pieces during production, diamond and gemstone services, three-day turn-around and immediately available products including bridal rings and diamond studs and solitaires. (201) 758-5368
The Studio System
Diamond importer and jewelry manufacturer Star Gems is now making only custom designs with the help of its app, Custom Studio. The app permits clients to make adjustments to details like the shape and size of center stones or metal selections on their mobile devices or desktop and will gradually add thousands of different designs to the subscription-based service. stargems.com
Happily Ever After
Bridal buying has gotten easier thanks to a partnership between Stuller’s Ever&Ever wedding and engagement jewelry program and its Red Box Diamond brand. With the purchase of the Ever&Ever Red Box Diamond, customers receive benefits that include the option of free laser inscription, special Ever&Ever packaging, yearlong complimentary insurance against loss, theft or damage, and individual grading with an accompanying report. The perks make it easier to feel ready for a long-term commitment. stuller.com
Getting Stranded
Assouline has dedicated an entire volume to pearl necklaces. Written by jewelry historian Vivienne Becker, The Pearl Necklace investigates the symbolism, style and celebrity influencers that are associated with its story, and the lavishly illustrated volume provides inspiration aplenty for brides-to-be. assouline.com
This article originally appeared in the September 2016 edition of INSTORE.