Jeweller - October 2022

Local Brands | FEATURE
advantage. Price says local suppliers are able to offer local
insight and knowledge that international companies can’t
match.
“Sourcing from local brands is of great advantage to
retailers on both the local and international stages.
Having a local point of contact offers so many pluses.
For example, at Ellendale Diamonds Australia, local
retailers can view our inventory prior to selection, including
in-store viewing with our friendly and experienced team,”
she explains.
Unlike other industries, the international jewellery sector
still maintains businesses with a long family history – often
over generations – with a legacy to protect. It’s also true
for retailers; Australia can demonstrate jewellery stores
still in the hands of the family over many decades.
And when coupled with suppliers that began business as
local manufacturers supplying to local retailers, it adds
to the home-grown feeling of both businesses supporting
each other. This fact was endlessly demonstrated
throughout the pandemic where consumers went out
their way to support local manufacturers, often knowingly
paying a higher price.
Being an Australian company became a distinct advantage.
For example, Paterson Fine Jewellery boasts a proud
history having been founded in 1935 by Keith Paterson. The
Gerri Maunder
Gerrim
"Suppliers are, essentially,
solution-based businesses.
Retailers need stock – and
they want the supplier to offer
a solution – to provide the
stock and deliver it on time. It
doesn’t have to be any more
complicated than that."
Melinda Carey
Georgini
"When brands have that
‘you need us more than we
need you mentality’, it's never
great. We have seen this
countless times in the last
couple of years. Australian
brands are not like that!"
company is rapidly approaching the 100-year mark and is
currently under the leadership of managing director David
Paterson – grandson of the founder.
Another business with a long history is Palloys, established
in 1951. When it comes to supplier guarantees it’s
difficult to look past the ‘Palloys Promise’ as an industry
benchmark – which is a pledge to use 100 per cent
Australian refined and internationally accredited precious
metals with a price-beat guarantee.
One jewellery business that highlights the significance of
quality local manufacturing is Mark McAskill Jewellery.
Based in South Australia, it offers jewellers everything
from bespoke design to large production runs and aims
to provide quick local supply.
Georgini’s Carey agrees with Price and says that local
supply and quality customer service can’t be overlooked.
She points to the importance of holding stock for the
customer, avoiding six month ordering lead times: “Ease
of stock supply and access to excellent staff are the most
significant advantages to purchasing locally,” she tells
Jeweller.
“When brands have that ‘you need us more than we
need you mentality’, it's never great. We have seen this
countless times in the last couple of years. Australian
brands are not like that! We want all parties to succeed
The
Elizabeth
Ring
9ct gold and diamonds
A timeless classic
birthstone ring
03 9764 2165
sales@lacouronnejwl.com.au
www.lacouronnejewellery.com.au