The things I love about the diamond industry

[Erik Carlson GG]

I do not post as often as I would like, as you can tell from the number of posts I have had, versus the number of years I have been a member. I do however love to read the great dialog between the very well educated consumers and the members of the trade. I can learn just as much from the consumers as from the experts. I have seen a few threads recently talking about the negative aspects of the jewelry industry (not all undeserved!), and I wanted to post some of the positive things (from my point of view) as well.

First for the disclaimer. I DO work in a B&M (not the evil ones you read about!

) and am proud to say that I have made my living in the diamond industry for the last 10+ years.

The thing that I love the most about the diamond industry is being a part of those special occasions. I was thinking about this today as I was helping a friend of mine pick out a tenth wedding anniversary present.
I remember him popping the diamond out of the tweezers when I was showing him diamonds for the first time (we had a good laugh about it AFTER we found the diamond).
I saw him again about a year later when we were finding just the right width wedding band for his finger, and a wedding band for her that would fit well enough against her engagement ring and still be able to be worn on it’s own.
I remember finding that perfect locket, and how proud he was of the picture of his firstborn son that he placed inside.

My friend has come in quite a few times over the years, for all sorts of occasions (just because was always my favorite) and has always shared with me what is happening with his family.

I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to share in those very special occasions and I owe it to an industry of which I am a part to share that with you.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Thanks Eric! It''s always great to hear about someone who loves their job.

DD

 

[hairgirl95]

This is great--I know I am always guilty of complaining about the BAD things, but yes there are so many GREAT things too. So, what do I love about the diamond industry?? All the POSSIBILITIES that any stone can have. If you have a great jeweler, you can make a gorgeous masterpiece. This is evidenced by all the great pics on the smtr threads. Without you wonderful jewelers and salespeople, we couldn''t post our pretties on here. Hats off!

 

[Michel]

Systematic pillaging of the third world for corporate profit, while funding terrorists, gangsters and international money launderers.

 

[diagem]

Date: 2/20/2008 4:20:08 AM
Author: Michel
Systematic pillaging of the third world for corporate profit, while funding terrorists, gangsters and international money launderers.

I feel sorry for you....

BTW..., please read the title better next time..., and post in the right place!

What do you like the least about the diamond industry?
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/what-do-you-like-the-least-about-the-diamond-industry.78950/

 

[monarch64]

I have always loved the fact that the industry is ever-changing as far as designs and styles. Since I''ve been engaged and married, I''ve loved our jeweler because he''s straightforward and doesn''t b.s. us at all...I can safely say that because I''ve learned so much on PS and through my last job working for another jeweler.

I didn''t have anything original to complain about on the other thread, so I chose to not say anything...I''m glad you started this thread, Erik...I would much rather contribute to a positive thread than a negative one. Thanks!

 

[Cleo]

Erik - your post put tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. It was the bit about the picture of the firstborn son in the locket.... *sigh*

I took my engagement ring in to my favourite B&M yesterday for re-setting, as I wasn''t 100% happy with the job they did (and I miss it so much already!).

I had a lengthy chat with the very friendly jeweller in there... and it *did* make me grateful for B&Ms, even though I bought online.

My jeweller has quoted for setting stones for me, custom making a wedding ring for my sister, and even recently mended a wonderful tsavorite bracelet which I bought on holiday in the Maldives whilst pregnant with my little boy.

Our jewellery often means something very special to us, above and beyond its monetary value... and it''s lovely to establish a relationship with a jeweller we can trust with these precious things.

Diamonds and diamond jewellery (and hence the industry) is often associated with special events in our lives (perhaps second only to the greetings card industry)... and as a lasting token of a treasured moment or memory, I know which one I would rather have!

x x x

 

[diagem]

The trust...

A short story I encountered two weeks ago.


I traveled to one of the third world countries in the Middle East region.
One day I visited the local "Old Bazaar"..., as I was walking around..., I stumbled over this old "Antique merchant" who was selling a variety of rare amazing original pieces from the whole region!

After a short chat..., he pulled out of his pocket a little pouch in-which a Diamond rolled out!
The Diamond came with a story..., an interesting one..., but thats for another time!

I kind of liked the Diamond so I decided to negotiate with him..., it was fun as it was a type of negotiation that moved from his shop to a small "great" local restaurant for lunch! And drinks...

.

It actually reminded me of the dealing done many years ago..., no weights..., no special lights..., no tweezers and IS-ASET-HCA etc... etc...!
Just a loupe (which I always have with me) and good conversation!

By the end of lunch (which was a two and a half hour lunch) we finalized a price! We walked back to his shop, he then handed me a paper with his account number..., and we said farewell!

Oh..., BTW..., I never met the merchant in my life..., he handed me the Diamond (as I was not carrying with me this kind of $$$), and I wired him the funds when I got home!

The Diamond in Subject is pictured in my avatar!

 

[strmrdr]

The problem with the diamond industry is really its face too the public.
The problem people and/or untrained but nice people we run into out in the retail world makes the other 5% look bad that are nice and know their trade.

 

[oldminer]

I always found the total freedom to create many things of long lasting beauty and uniqueness has given me the best rewarding personal feelings. I can''t even imagine the pleasure the end users of some of my "creations" felt when they were received as gifts. The ability I have had for over forty years to add honest commerce, to encourage fair dealing, to train and oversee great employees, and to add my tiny bits to the sum total of gemological knowledge all play into what has made the experience personally great and rewarding. I won''t complain about the profits, either.

There are mostly good folks at the retail level, too. Many could use more education and supervision, but every retail seller of every item faces the same employee issues. Most consumers are well served by those in the business and Pricescope is doing a fine job sharpening the retailer''s need to be good to consumers.

Forever the optimist, the glass is more than half full.