Istanbul Jewellery Show reports a huge increase in attendance. Do lab-grown diamonds have a future in India? Tips on how to sell customers who are just looking. Medical jewellery becomes a fashion trend. U.S. polished diamond sales make little headway. Angelina Jolie uses jewellery to build a school in Afghanistan. And, the former Harry Diamond Corp. files its first earnings report under its new name.
Attendance Up 30% at Istanbul Jewelry Show
The 36th Istanbul Jewelry Show- March concluded on 24 March with a 30% increase in visitors to 26,523. Nearly 20% of them came from 110 countries and regions. The four-day event targeted the buyers in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, North Africa, Russia, CIS Countries, United States and Asia. An impressive growth on international buyer attendance is recorded from Jordan, Kosova, Israel, Serbia, Syria, Libya, France, Kazakhstan, Northern Cyprus Turkish Republic, Spain, Belgium, China, Malaysia, Netherlands, Liberia, Albania, Canada, Georgia, Pakistan and United Kingdom.
A 'Transformation Stage' for Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Some consumers in India are looking for a less expensive and conflict-free alternative to natural diamonds and this search is leading them to lab-grown diamonds. The market for alternatives to natural diamonds is in a "transformation stage" and on the rise, having captured 1 percent of the India's diamond jewellery market. "Synthetic diamonds were introduced two decades ago in India to offer an alternative to the price-sensitive customers. Since then, its market has been growing at a compounded annual growth rate of 25%," said Vipul Shah, chairman of India's Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council.
Converting Lookers into Buyers
The job of a salesperson is to sell products. This means converting lookers into buyers. Once a new customer steps into a store you have the opportunity to not only show your products but it is your chance to convince them that your store is the best place for them to make a purchase. Now is the time to talk about customer service and guarantees. Let them know that anytime they come in you will clean, polish and inspect their jewellery for free so that it will always look fresh and new. Remind them that personal service is something an internet seller cannot supply, but you are always here for them ready to help at any time. If they are local, don't be afraid to discuss how spending their money with you means that the entire community benefits because you return that money back into the community when you go shopping.
ID Jewelry Trend
ID bracelets, once only viewed as medical bracelets and military dog tags, have become a fashion trend. Leading this trend are Rihanna and Kim Kardashian. When purchasing a bracelet or a choker chain ID necklace, think big. Go for the overbearing bling that will set your jewellery apart as a fashion statement – not a medical condition.
