RapNet Blog

• Apr 12, 2016
• by Jonny Katz

Ah, the lovely couple - the girl with her shy smile, the beaming groom-to-be. They’ve said they want to buy an engagement ring and you’ve shown them some of this year’s best sellers, but so far, you’re not getting a sale. When you pull out the vintage Monique Lhuillier hexagon baguette diamond engagement ring in platinum, she gasps. Is this the ring they’ll choose or will they walk out the door? How do you know when someone is ready to buy? Is there a science to it or is it a matter of luck? Furthermore, can you use your own body language to influence a sale?

• Mar 29, 2016
• by Shoshi Grossman

What is it about diamonds that has continuously fascinated and intrigued those who buy them? From their early discovery in India in the 4th century BC, diamonds have been a source of myth, legend, and folklore. Through time, diamonds have continued to hold great allure and romanticism everywhere in the world. The intrinsic magic of a diamond can be used as a unique selling tool for all diamond jewelry retailers

• Mar 15, 2016
• by Shoshi Grossman

Social media provides particular advantages in the marketing of diamond jewelry. The networking element means that the proverbial word-of-mouth is spread rapidly and extensively. The visual component means that jewelers can easily showcase their diamond jewelry, and the potential for positive reviews means that the jewelers themselves are presented well too. Moreover, given the amount of time that consumers spend on social media sites, advertising the jewelry store and its diamonds through targeted ads can also be a sound business move.

• Mar 01, 2016
• by Jonny Katz

Building a customer base is vital to the success of all diamond jewelry stores, but what might seem less apparent is the importance of retaining the customers you already have.

• Feb 23, 2016
• by Shoshi Grossman

Most industries offer trade shows, and the diamond and jewelry industry is no different. But should you be spending the time and money to go? What are the benefits of attending? Are all trade shows created equal? What should you expect to get out of a trade show?

• Feb 16, 2016
• by Shoshi Grossman

As diamond buyers and sellers, we are always looking to make new connections and find original ways to promote ourselves. Networking is a great method to develop partnerships and relationships that will yield results if not now, then certainly in the future.

• Feb 16, 2016
• by Debra Greenstein

Mobile and web technologies have fundamentally changed the way people do business worldwide. While basic principles have remained intact, such as providing real value to customers, strategically expanding your business to increase profitability, and more, there are many tactics which have changed. Before we get into the effect that technology has had on individual diamond retailers and suppliers, let’s take a look at how it has impacted the diamond market as a whole.

• Feb 15, 2016
• by Debra Greenstein

In the diamond business, tradition can be hard to ignore. With such a complex and defined supply chain, many believe that there is no way to adjust existing buying, selling and distribution models to include a digital element. While more of the world’s economy has already moved online, the diamond industry cannot afford to get left behind.

• Feb 10, 2016
• by Raeleen Kaesehagen

Securing business and customer information is of utmost importance to all retailers. If addressed and implemented correctly keeping data secure can be simple and straightforward. If forgotten or overlooked, the unsecured data can be accessed by unwanted persons, leading to negative press, lawsuits for lack of compliance, and a very big headache.

• Feb 02, 2016

The elusive engagement ring has been a hot topic among budding brides and grooms for decades. Hours upon hours can be spent on websites searching for trends, looking through bridal magazines for inspiration, and going into stores to try on different styles. Major research is often conducted to learn about the 4Cs and how to choose the best diamond possible for their budget. All in search of the perfect engagement ring diamond, shape, size and setting. This blog will focus on ring settings and how you can guide your customers toward the right diamond ring setting for them.

• Jan 26, 2016

Carat weight is likely to be the 4C in which most customers are more familiar. It is also the easiest characteristic to describe and present to your customers since size differences are more easily discernible. Furthermore, carat weight plays an important part in the overall value of a diamond because larger diamonds are more rare and therefore cost more. However, just because a diamond might be bigger, does not necessarily mean it will be the best choice for your customer.

• Jan 19, 2016
• by Debra Greenstein

Diamonds come in many colors and many different shades. From white, to striking “fancies,” the choice of diamonds for your customer can be colorless or full of color, depending on their preference. As a diamond retailer, being able to explain the variations in color, while describing the unique qualities of each variant in a positive way, will help your customer choose the diamond they find most beautiful.

• Jan 13, 2016
• by Raeleen Kaesehagen

When looking at software to help run your diamond retail store there are so many questions. The first questions are often "What does my store need? What type of software and what functions does that software need to perform?" In the following blog I'll answer these question and provide details of what to look for, as well as briefly look at why software is such an essential part of a diamond retailer's business.