How does the independent jeweler compete with the big chain stores? A local business has figured it out. Ashland Jewelers Richard & Ron Hansen of Gold & Gems Fine Jewelry have developed the necessary relationships to travel directly to the original sources for their fine jewelry, gems & diamonds.
"Once we managed to directly align ourselves with the main sources," Ron explains, “we were instantly able to compete with anyone. Combine this with personal & professional advice and you have reached an unmatched combination for your best fine jewelry value".
Recent travels have found the Father & son team buying from select sources in Antwerp, Belgium, Guangzhou, China, Hong Kong, and most recently in Bangkok, Thailand.
The “food chain” in the gem industry generally works like this;
The rough crystals are mined and transferred to the rightful owner, commonly referred to as the “siteholder”
Once the gems reach the US Jeweler’s display case they may have changed hands up to 10 times. Each change of hands sees the price escalate slightly for each business to achieve necessary profit. By the time a couple buy their wedding bands or a man gets buys a TAG Heuer watch or Swiss Army watch, the price has escalated considerably (http://www.goldandgems.com/
The Hansens, being 30-year veterans in the diamond, gem and jewelry business, are now able to buy from the first source – the Siteholders.
The Hansens have owned Gold & Gems Fine Jewelry in Ashland, Oregon since 1982. Their online ecommerce extension at http://www.goldandgems.com has been touted as the most complete jewelry buying site of all independent jewelers.
