Author: Jessica Mabuza

Jessica aims to be first to bring the news on industry updates, while her finance background informs her insights on how broader economic trends affect the jewellery trade

Gemological Science International (GSI) has announced the completion of its first advanced gemology program, the Colored Stone Professional Program. This 14-week diploma program, run at GSI’s Jaipur, India campus, welcomed students from across India.”It feels nostalgic to see students graduating from an institution like GSI, which provides a recent and detailed curriculum in an internationally made facility,” says Ms. Sunita Shekhawat, an accomplished Indian jewellery designer known for her intricate craftsmanship and revival of traditional meenakari techniques. Shekhawat adds, “The students using gemology as their base should showcase Indian culture and art when they design gemstone jewellery”.Dr K.L Jain, President,…

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In the world of jewellery sales, understanding your customers is paramount to success. But who are your customers, really? As diverse as they are, most customers can be grouped into four basic types:This categorisation can offer invaluable insights into their buying behaviour and help you tailor your sales approach. This article delves into these customer types and provides tips for effectively selling to each.The Price Buyer: Competitive Cost is KeyPrice Buyers are customers driven primarily by cost. Their quest for the best deal often makes them less brand loyal; they’ll compare prices across different retailers to ensure they’re getting the…

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Jewellery, especially high-value items, is rarely an impulse purchase. Customers often take time to consider their options, explore various designs, styles, and price points before making a decision. So, when a visitor comes to your website for the first time, it’s unlikely they will make a purchase straight away. This is where a digital sales funnel can come into play.What is a sales funnel?A sales funnel, in essence, represents the journey a potential customer takes from their first interaction with your brand to the final purchase. It’s called a ‘funnel’ because, much like a real-world funnel, the number of people…

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Trade show season is coming up and, when done correctly, can play a crucial role in the success of businesses, providing a unique opportunity to interact with potential clients and industry peers. With shows like Pure, the Jewellery Show being one of the most highly anticipated events, standing out amidst a sea of competitors can be a challenging task. Participating in these events can significantly enhance brand visibility, generate sales, and forge strong customer relationships. However, to reap these benefits, it’s vital to set clear, realistic objectives. Whether it’s lead generation, enhancing brand awareness, or driving sales, defining your goals…

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The nearing coronation of King Charles III has reignited discussions concerning the Cullinan diamonds, particularly the “Star of Africa” housed in the British crown jewels. These diamonds were excavated in South Africa in 1905 and subsequently gifted to King Edward VII. The largest cut, known as the “Star of Africa” or “First Star of Africa,” is housed in the Sovereign’s Scepter with Cross, while other cuts are placed in the Imperial State Crown and other royal items.Call for ReturnA petition spearheaded by Johannesburg lawyer and activist, Mothusi Kamanga, has amassed over 8,000 signatures. The petition urges King Charles III to…

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New York, NY – In an effort to harness increasing consumer demand and sustain the prosperity of the natural diamond industry, the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) has announced a new partnership with the Natural Diamond Council (NDC). This collaboration represents a proactive move in response to shifting market dynamics and a growing need for industry cohesion.Alongside an initial financial investment, the partnership will focus on strategic initiatives to expand the reach and influence of natural diamond values. The WFDB, with its member bourses and individual members, aims to provide wider exposure for natural diamonds and leverage their unique…

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The Met Gala 2023 was not just about the clothes – the jewelry worn by the attendees was equally as stunning. The event, which was dedicated to the late Karl Lagerfeld, saw celebrities and fashionistas adorned with pieces that reflected Lagerfeld’s love for pearls and fine jewelry, and served as testament to the transformative power of accessories in creating unforgettable looks. We take you through our top 5 looks below. Dua Lipa’s Legendary Tiffany & Co Diamond NecklaceAs one of the event chairs, Dua Lipa was expected to shine, and she did just that. The singer wore an eggshell-colored vintage…

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Launching your new online jewellery store in todays internet driven society is the relatively easy bit. The real work begins when you aim to attract traffic, engage your customers, and clinch those crucial sales.It’s a dynamic world out there – the ebb and flow of consumer behaviour and social media trends make it quite the challenge. This is our first steps SEO guide, the must haves to get your company getting traffic and being found online.First up: What is SEO?SEO, or Search Engine Optimisation, is a set of strategies and techniques aimed at improving your jewellery store’s visibility on search…

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