Jeweller – February 2024

News
Globetrotting: Nationwide heading to
the US for September to remember
Earlier this month, Australasia’s largest jewellery industry buying group,
Nationwide Jewellers, announced plans for an educational trip to the US.
Nearly every booking was sold within hours.
Nationwide members will travel to Lafayette, Louisiana, to tour Stuller’s
headquarters in September. Founded in 1970, Stuller is one of the largest
jewellery manufacturers in the US. While in Lafayette, members will
attend Stuller’s ‘Bridge Conference’. Nationwide general manager Glen
Pocklington has previously participated in the conference and said the
insights gained by members will be invaluable.
“The conference focusses on present and future trends in the jewellery
industry, provides data-driven strategies for retailers, and new directions
in customisation technology,” he told Jeweller.
“Networking with more than 100 fellow retailers and Stuller staff provides
valuable insights and opportunities to grow your jewellery retail business.”
He added: “Our initial allocation of registrations for the Bridge event
at Stuller was fully booked within hours of the details being shared
with our members. Fortunately, Stuller allowed us to increase our
booking, enabling us to include those members on the waitlist. There
are now only a handful of spots remaining.”
Following the conference, members will travel to New York City and
visit the Diamond District. In the past, Nationwide has organised trips to
Antwerp in Belgium to facilitate diamond buying; however, the group has
taken a new approach this year.
“Instead of our usual trip to Antwerp in September, this year we have
arranged for our members to visit the New York offices of our Antwerp
diamond suppliers,” Pocklington said.
“In a similar fashion to the way our Antwerp Diamond Program works,
members will begin promoting their trip to hand pick the perfect
diamonds for their customers from July.”
In November, the group revealed the details of a trip to Spain which begins
in Madrid and concludes in Barcelona nine days later.
Counterfeit jewellery allegations emerge
Australia Post has launched an investigation after one of its stores allegedly
sold counterfeit designer jewellery.
A visitor to the Australia Post location in Wentworthville in New South Wales,
took to social media in early January to express confusion about a range of
jewellery stocked on shelves. The jewellery included earrings, necklaces and
rings that appeared to be from luxury brands such as Yves Saint Laurent,
Louis Vuitton, and Chanel; however, each item was offered at just $39.99.
More than 60 per cent of the national postal outlet network consists of
Licensed Post Offices, independent businesses with a licence to provide
Australia Post products and services. Trading in counterfeit goods is
prohibited under Australian law.
Featuring the delicate pink tone
of Argyle pink diamonds
PinkKimberley.com.au
Become a stockist today 02 9290 2199
People and businesses found to have purchased or sold counterfeit goods
are subject to legal consequences, including copyright and trademark
infringement penalties.
“Australia Post outlets are required to comply with all federal, state and
local laws. We treat any breaches of this requirement seriously and are
investigating this matter,” a spokesperson for Australia Post said.
The Wentworthville store manager was interviewed by A Current Affair and
confirmed that the jewellery was purchased in Vietnam.