JCK Article: The Debate on Online Jewelers

[John P]

Daniel Ford of JCK Online discusses the impact and future of online jewelers in a JCK Online article from this week. Pricescope regulars Barbara Palumbo (Union Diamond) and Jim Schultz (James Allen) contribute intelligent and insightful commentary on behalf of successful online models in this piece:

Read the full article at JCK: http://www.jckonline.com/blogs/louped-in/2012/01/21/debate-on-online-jewelers?

When Blue Nile’s CEO resigned after the company’s disappointing third-quarter profit numbers this past November, JCK senior editor Rob Bates posed the question: “Should Blue Nile Have the Blues?”

As someone who is still learning the ins and outs of the industry, I looked back on these stories and started thinking about what impact online jewelers have had in the jewelry business, and what role will they serve in the future. I’ve heard grumblings about companies like Blue Nile, but I’ve never quite understood where the animosity came from.

As always, several industry veterans had some pretty passionate opinions regarding the issue.