Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Include fine jewelry associations in your research links

Fine jewelry supplier and fine jewelry distributor associations and professional groups offer long lists of members that adhere to specific goals and standards. The websites of many of these organizations are the ideal places to find product information, news and other information about the diamond and fine jewelry business industry.

I recommend: The American Gem Society offers news, links and information about gems and the related businesses in the United States. For publications, industry shows and events, check out the Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America. These shows and events are a great place to learn more about the industry as a whole.

Gather a selection of fine jewelry distributors for your industry overview

Diamonds and fine jewelry items are sold by both large and small distributors and wholesalers. To gain an effective understanding about the fine jewelry industry as a whole, it's imperative to research all the fine jewelry suppliers for your overview.

I recommend: As a fine jewelry distributor, Gold Link Jewelry has provided fine jewelry items for over 20 years. It's a direct distributor and one of the top providers of wholesale jewelry from one of the largest jewelry manufacturers in the U.S. For a fine jewelry wholesaler that specializes in pearls, check out Pearl Distributors and its selection of freshwater beauties.

Learn about the regulators of the fine jewelry industry

Every business industry in the country is regulated by one or more United States government or international agency. For diamonds and fine gold jewelry, the rules can be difficult to follow. As a business owner, it's important to be aware of these rules, which are usually posted on a few select agency websites, to round out your industry overview.

I recommend: The World Diamond Council regulates all of the world's diamonds used in fine jewelry. For regulations in gem mining, check out Earthworks, an environmental group supported by many fine jewelers and fine jewelry industry leaders. Its No Dirty Gold campaign page provides a plethora of information about the mining process required for gold jewelry.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use caution when searching the Internet for fine jewelry distributors. Some companies may offer faux products as the real thing.

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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose diamonds and wholesale fine jewelry with a 100% guarantee

When shopping on the Internet, credibility is the primary concern. One way wholesale fine jewelry distributors ensure legitimacy is to give a 100% guarantee with an easy-return policy.

I recommend: For a modern flavor, choose Titanium-Jewelry with an array of rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces and other fine jewelry. For unique jewelry with an ancient flavor, choose House of Shalom which features beautiful gemstone gold jewelry and other selections that set your boutique apart.

Confirm fine diamond jewelry is certified as conflict-free and for clarity

Ask about the diamond's clarity, whether you can order custom settings and if the diamonds have been assessed by the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme that ensures the diamonds are not part of the blood diamond trade. If in doubt, just ask if the jeweler can certify the diamonds are conflict-free.

I recommend: You can find certified diamond jewelry at Brilliant Earth, where you can also create custom diamond jewelry. At Sea of Diamonds, your selections include wedding rings, estate jewelry and other diamonds and fine jewelry. Another diamond jeweler to browse is Diamonds on Web, where there is a large selection of diamond rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. To view a video about blood diamonds, go to The Kimberly Process Certification Scheme a leader in fine jewelry stores.

Agree to a contract as exclusive distributor of brand name fine jewelry

In building your business, set yourself apart with fine jewelry designers. Many manufacturers of fine wholesale jewelry seek out regional exclusive retailers. These wholesalers feature everything from fun and trendy fine jewelry to traditional bridal rings and other exquisite custom pieces.

I recommend: Choose ekDesign for exclusive rights to a unique collection that includes bridal jewelry to sea glass designs. And nothing is more exclusive than Cartier.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Meet market demand with blood-free diamonds. We live in a time when green and conflict-free diamonds are in style.
• •  Determine how can you market yourself as a unique boutique as an exclusive retailer.
• •  Ask about the return policy for returns. Will it be a credit or cash refund?
• •  Initially, order a small quantity and increase purchases as you become confidant the online fine jewelry wholesaler is reliable.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for reliable blogs for fine jewelry news and informed opinions

Blogs and RSS feeds are great ways for informed opinions and ideas to find and audience. The best bloggers are up to date on the subject that they blog about. Fine jewelry bloggers often work in the industry or are affiliated with a professional organization. Some fine jewelry designers also maintain a blog in order to showcase their latest designs.

I recommend: Learn more from Forever Jewelry & Gem Accessories blog on the latest in fine gold jewelry and luxurious accessories. Check out The Fine Jewelry Blog for buying tips and current industry news and information.

Gather a selection of the industry's best magazines for news about diamonds and fine jewelry

Print publications in general are an essential source of information on a wide variety of topics. As a business owner, you already know it's important to stay up to date on the news and trends of the fine jewelry industry.

I recommend: Instore magazine offers a variety of topics useful to retail fine jewelry store owners. For a look at jewelry as art and the up to date art and fine jewelry trends, check out Art Jewelry magazine. Other fine-jewelry trade magazines include Modern Jeweler and Lustre.

Include fine jewelry stores' professional organizations and associations in your research links

In the fine jewelry industry, professional associations not only offer a great source for a business owner to find a fine jewelry supplier or a fine jewelry distribution center, but they also offer information about up to date news and trends. In fact, you can usually find an association nationally, as well as, in your local area.

I recommend: Turn to the Gemological Institute of America for news and information about diamonds and fine jewelry. It’s a nonprofit institute of research and learning devoted especially to fine gold jewelry and diamond jewelry. For information tailored especially for fine jewelers and jewelry designers, check out Jewelers of America. Other fine-jewelry trade associations include the American Gem Trade Association and the Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use caution when searching for a reputable diamonds and fine jewelry blog or RSS feed. Some bloggers have no education or inside connection to the wholesale fine jewelry industry.

Guide to Fine-Jewelry Key Terms

Understand every facet of fine-jewelry designs and styles by learning their key terms

By Rachel Davy, Writer/Editor

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Gemology

Gemology is the science of evaluating and identifying fine jewelry and gemstones. Gemologists study various kinds of gems from diamonds to colored stones and pearls so they can evaluate their worth.

I recommend: Read about the classes required to become a gemologist at the Gemological Institute of America.

Carat

A carat is a measure of weight used for gemstones. There are differences between the weights and sizes of gemstones based on which family of stones they are in. For example, rubies and sapphires are heavier than diamonds.

I recommend: Learn about carat weight at Asia-Gems.

Diamond coloration

Diamond coloration is the scale that refers to the color of a diamond. There is a scale that goes from D to Z that is used to measure diamond color with D representing the highest value of diamond coloration and Z being the lowest. Diamonds that rate on the highest end of the diamond coloration scale are more valuable than those on the lowest end of the scale.

I recommend: Learn about diamond coloration at Since 1910.

Cultured or lab created

Cultured or lab-created gemstones are made of the same minerals as natural gemstones, but they are formed with equipment that simulates the natural processes that form natural gemstones. Though cultured or lab-created gemstones are less expensive to purchase than natural gemstones, many of them look just as beautiful as natural stones and are used to create many beautiful fine-jewelry items.

I recommend: Visit Created Gem to learn about cultured and lab-created gemstones.

Jewelry settings

Jewelry settings are the settings used when placing gemstones in rings, bracelets, necklaces and pendants. There are many types of jewelry settings, including open settings, which are open at the bottom and allow light to shine through the stone; closed settings, where light can enter the stone only from the top; and those that use prongs and bezels.

I recommend: Get information about various kinds of jewelry settings at KHI.

Faceted and cabochon

A facet is a flat surface that is cut into a gemstone, and a cabochon is a gemstone that is smooth and cut without facets. There are certain gemstones that are either always faceted like diamonds or always cabochon like abalone, and others that can be either faceted or cabochon, such as peridot or garnets.

I recommend: Review the information about faceted and cabochon gemstones at Fire Mountain Gems.