Sales Strategy
Two Diamond Stories Worth Reading And Sharing With Your Sales Staff July 08, 2021 (0 comments)
New York, NY—In the past week, The New York Times has run two stories about diamonds and/or gemstones; one with interesting facts about diamond cuts, and one about a fashion trend on the rise. Both are good knowledge pieces, worth reading and sharing with your sales staff. Image: Jemma Wynne Connexion champagne diamond kite necklace
The first article addresses how diamond cutting skills through the ages have had an impact on the popularity of different diamond shapes. Al Gilbertson, manager of cut research at GIA (Gemological Institute of America) explained that before the advent of the incandescent electric light bulb, candlelight brought out different fire and color in a diamond. Once electric lights became de rigueur, cutting styles changed to adapt the stones to look best under the new light.
Fast-forward to today, and Gilbertson told the Times that computers now can scan a rough diamond and either suggest the best cut for that piece of rough—if not actually run the cutting machine themselves.
Different cultures also have different diamond preferences. The round brilliant is, of course, the most popular shape, but pear shapes sell worldwide, says the article. And it confirms what many jewelers already knew: Americans will typically sacrifice stone purity for size, whereas Asians typically are the opposite.
Separately, another Times article highlights the rising popularity of kite-shaped diamonds and gems. The shape, originally popular during the Art Deco period, showed up in recent high jewelry collections such as Bvlgari, Dior, and Cartier as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Art Deco period.
Other luxury jewelry designers, such as Ara Vartanian and New York-based brand Jemma Wynne, are working with the shape as well.
Top image: Jemma Wynne’s Connexion necklace has a 0.60 ct champagne diamond flanked by round white brilliant diamonds and set in 18k gold on a 20” 18k gold chain. Retail, $10,710.