The program allows Nationwide members to easily compare diamonds from the group’s preferred suppliers using a range of different search filters, and includes both a Wholesale Price Portal and Retail Price Portal – the latter of which has been designed for retailers to use in conjunction with customers.
While there are several international digital diamond sourcing platforms currently operating – including the World Federation of Diamond Bourses’ Get Diamonds and Rapaport’s RapNet – it is believed the Global Diamond Vault is the first one available to jewellers in Australia and New Zealand that includes an integrated customer-focused facility.
Colin Pocklington, managing director Nationwide, said, “We expect the Retail Portal to be very popular with customers, as it allows them to be highly involved with the selection of the diamond for their custom-made piece of jewellery. It will also allow the retailer to communicate their diamond expertise to the client during the search process.”
Meanwhile, the Wholesale Price Portal allows for quick price comparisons, allowing retailers to find the best value diamond that meets their specifications.
Orders and requests for diamonds on consignment can be made automatically from the search screen. Nationwide members have been sent an instructional video and user guide for both wholesale and retail sections.
Pocklington said the Global Diamond Vault represented another addition to Nationwide’s existing diamond marketing programmes, including the annual Antwerp diamond-sourcing trip which will be held as a virtual event in September.
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