5 replies to this topic

[JamesB]

Someone kicked the idea loose in my head... are there ever diamond shows one can attend, meet dealers and jewelers, look at stones? Maybe this is a silly question, but I would drive far/wide to get to one if there were such a thing.

Thanks!

[davidelevi]

There's plenty of shows, but - as far as I know:

1. None are dedicated to diamonds. Gems (including diamonds) yes, jewellery (including jewels with diamonds) yes.

2. Many of the events are trade only. Finding your way in can be a bit tricksy (though feasible in most cases), but the bigger issue at trade shows is that people want to talk trade, not consumer terms. Which is fine if you are trying to learn things, not fine if you want to buy.

[denverappraiser]

There are lots of shows out there and they can be fun. As Davide points out, it's not really very conducive to retailing diamonds because a retail diamond presentation can be distinctly time consuming. Peope ask a LOT of questions, want to see and compare lots of things, etc. That does better in a more traditional selling environment although it's remarkably well sutited to Internet sales as well. The other problem has to do with security and carrying inventory. In terms of the 'wholesale' shows, the solution is that people don't carry much in the way of inventory. They're there to meet people, make connections, buy and learn to use the various tools used by dealers, take classes and be seen. (I'm at just such a show in Las Vegas right now). The buyers here aren't shopping for inventory, they're shopping for vendors with whom they hope to have a relationship for the upcoming year. Sneaking in as a consumer isn't usually all that difficult but most people who do so are a bit disappointed in what they find.

A comment on shows in general. My office is on the same campus as a big convention type building and they have about half a dozen gem shows a year there. I even 'exhibit' occasionally for appraisal services and stone identification. Like I said above, it's good fun, most of the vendors are honest enough folks and most of the shoppers are having a plesant day but it's NOT a particularly good place to get a 'deal'. It's an expensive way to sell things involving travel (for the dealer), hotels, show fees, display costs, employees, security et.al. Obviously these costs are passed on to the consumers just like the costs of running a showroom or any other business. The selection is usually pretty good and you get a lot of dealers who may not be near where you live but don't believe they hype that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Edited by denverappraiser, 03 June 2011 - 07:28 AM.

[LaurieH]

We have some "gem and jewelry" shows in my area that are open to the public, but they're generally not fine jewelry---beads and minerals and stuff that generally appeals to folks who just collect rocks and such. The fine jewelry shows around here tend to be trade only, and require credentials (or a friend with credentials who can get you in on theirs). It's a good idea, but I can't even imagine what something like that would be like as a consumer show...(read: head exploding!)

[JamesB]

Yeah, that all makes perfect sense.

:: sigh :: just grasping at straws, I suppose... not finding anything out there that is grabbing me, and I'm afraid that new diamonds to look at don't come in by the dozens... at least not Princess cuts of the quality I'm trying to hold out for

[davidelevi]

Keep holding - it's worth it. If you are keen on Infinity, call Paul Slegers and ask him if he's cutting anything that may work, or ask Wink to give him a call.

Other dealers stock excellent quality princess cuts: Brian Gavin and Good Old Gold are among those that present the most information online. Another option is to pick a retailer (including one of the three above) and ask them to help you locate something. You needn't be on your own in this search...