Located in the heart of the world’s diamond district, Jardin de Diamants is opening the doors to this previously inaccessible industry by offering private consumers an insider’s buying experience.

In the aftermath of the global financial crisis in 2008, Antwerp, Brussels-based diamond dealers saw an uptick in interest from private consumers looking to invest in what is considered to be the finest luxury product on the market, the diamond. Jardin de Diamants responded to this trend by creating a consumer-facing, previously unexplored, element of the diamond industry to meet demand.

 “The diamond industry here in Antwerp is a B2B market where the final consumer has no access,” said Raphael Ringer, founder and managing director of Jardin de Diamants, Antwerp, Brussels. “Jardin de Diamants was created together with Dali Diamonds to give private individuals access to the source and have the opportunity to have all the benefits from purchasing directly from the source — an offering of an incredible value in the diamond industry.

“I established the company with the desire to share my diamond expertise and privileged trading access with private consumers and, more generally, share my passion,” he said. “There is nothing more rewarding and beautiful that helping people make their dreams come true.”

In this Q&A, Mr. Ringer explains his four-generations strong background in the industry, market trends and how the business model of Jardin de Diamants is influencing the diamond industry to become more consumer friendly and transparent. Here is the dialogue:

You are a descendant of one of the most respected families in the Antwerp-based diamond industry, can you tell us about your family’s experience?

I’ve been immersed in this fascinating industry from a young age.

Charles Ringer, my great-grandfather, was a local trader of diamonds in Antwerp. Nathan Glatt, my grandfather, entered the diamond trade as a trader of rough diamonds, and later become a specialist manufacturer of top-quality gems.

Eli Ringer, my father, also became a successful, widely-respected expert trader of both rough and polished gems, selling to companies all over the world. He was also appointed vice president of the Kimberley Task Force.

Did the financial crisis in 2008 effect diamond sales?

The crisis was very short lived in the diamond industry, and quickly rebounded. The top-end of the market was even less affected as affluent individuals looked to acquire diamonds as a “safe haven” investment.

How has the demand for diamonds changed in recent years?

There is a growing demand from emerging markets like India and China. A wealthy “new middle class” is a key driver of demand for diamonds now and in the future.

In fact, Bain & Co. forecasts India and China to account for 50 percent of incremental global demand by 2020 — increasing their share of global demand from 25 percent to 36 percent.

With short supply and rising demand, we also receive more and more customers buying diamonds as investments not only to diversify their portfolio, but for many other reasons. Diamonds have demonstrated strong and stable price growth over the past 10 years.

Diamonds’ portability is more attractive than gold or silver. Diamonds are a liquid asset and can be traded all over the world. All in all, diamonds are safe, timeless and bankable on many levels.

Another interesting fact is that we are seeing a greater interest for more “unusual” diamonds — different shapes, natural fancy colors and high-end stones are very popular amongst collectors.

What current trends in the diamond market stand out the most?

Consumers are increasingly conscious about where their diamonds are sourced from and their ethical trading and processing. We see an increase in male purchasers looking for loose diamonds to hold as a status symbol or investment, rather than wanting to turn it into a piece of jewelry.

Also, consumers are getting more informed about diamonds, mainly through information available on the Internet. However, this will never replace insights from experts working in this industry for decades, and that is what Jardin de Diamants offers to its private customers.

So, diamonds are being purchased more as an investment instead of customized jewelry? Why is that?

The beauty is that it can be both — diamonds steadily appreciate in value over time, and this is true whether it is stored in the safe as a loose stone or worn as jewelry.

Are there certain attributes that make a diamond ideal or does it vary depending on the client’s wants and needs?

Of course it varies from client to client. Certain attributes like the 4Cs are fixed, but our expertise is still paramount as certain things are beyond the 4Cs.

In regards to more objective attributes that don’t fall under this, our expertise and guidance is of the utmost importance.

What is significant about Jardin de Diamants’ business model?

Jardin de Diamants’ business model and offering is very unique on multiple fronts.

Antwerp, the world’s diamond hub, is most known as a tight B2B market, rather challenging to penetrate. Jardin de Diamants enables private customers to truly break into the diamond market.

We offer private customers access to a limitless inventory through the world’s major diamond trading hub and enable consumers to buy a trade prices. In fact, Jardin de Diamants is affiliated with Dali Diamonds, one of the world’s leading diamond companies.

This association enables access to virtually any diamond required at short notice, at the best price and direct from the source. On top of that, we provide individual expert service from “insiders” that is incomparable to buying from a sales assistant at a retail jeweler.

Why should private consumers buy directly from a diamond dealer rather than a jeweler?

When buying a regular jewelry store, the consumer’s choice is usually limited by the boutique’s stock, not to mention the significant retail mark-up he or she has to pay.

Buying directly from a diamond dealer allows consumers to find the perfect stone at the best price. It also gives the consumer absolute freedom to select their ideal stone and then design the perfect setting to complement it.

How does Jardin de Diamants’ know-how reassure consumers that the diamond selected in ideal for their needs?

Thorough personal consultation helps us understand each individual’s requirements in depth.

We receive customers on appointment only and take the time to prepare our meetings with future customers. Preliminary discussions help us understand a private individual’s budgets, preferences and the goal of this purchase.

Indeed, our guidance will differ if the diamond is purchased with a view to get engaged, to make a smart investment or, why not, both?

We draw on four generations of diamond expertise to identify the optimum choice. Having access to the widest available trade inventory enables us to find the optimum stone quickly, and at the best price.

Why is transparency in the diamond industry important?

Diamonds are a high-value purchase, often bought to mark major life events.

Anyone buying a diamond should have the complete assurance of conflict-free sources, ethical trading and processing, which Jardin de Diamants guarantees 100 percent every time.

Original article available on http://www.luxurydaily.com/jardin-de-diamants-offers-transparent-view-of-tight-knit-diamond-industry/