Hi Michael, thanks for taking the time to have a chat with us! Tell us, how did you start your business?
I was asked once ‘Where can you buy a Diamond?’. At that time I didn’t know. So I found out. I didn’t know what colour, or clarity meant. I didn’t know what a grading report was, nor did I even know how much they should cost. So I found out. I learned about Diamonds and Gems, and discovered that they can be bought and sold far less than people were paying. And so began the personal service, supplying Diamonds and custom made Jewellery.
What is it about your Jewelers that makes it stand out?
I’m not a Jeweller. Unlike many who use the term freely, I am a broker and a Gemologist. I studied Gems. I trained with the Gemological Institute of America, and supply Diamonds and Gems. All Gems are sourced and bought for their individual merits, sourced for clients at the correct prices, and not at exorbitant cost.
All my work is bespoke. I buy the Diamonds for my clients, and I use Goldsmiths to make the pieces.This is where I stand out. A Goldsmith is a fine craftsperson, taking a brief, drafting a design, and physically creating a bespoke piece for a client. The difference is phenomenal.
Considering machine assembled rings, and cast pieces can cost 30% and 40% more in a high street.Bespoke is more personal. Diamonds sourced for you, jewellery designed for you, or even by you. Made for you.
You have a great blog that offers advice to your clients and do you think this is important when helping a bride to be choose a ring?
Thank you. I specifically avoid sales through my website.
Advice is paramount. The advice given is a guide to what is out there and what to look for. The most important piece of information I would like to give, is ask what you are getting. Ask about the Diamonds, ask about the Gems, and ask about the price. Do not entertain glossy sales techniques. A competent Jeweller or equivalent industry professional should tell you the facts, and the reasons behind the price.
Second to that, do not feel pressurized. It is possibly the most important decision in your life. Professionals like me are happy to answer any questions a prospective bride may have.
You must meet a lot of people with different engagement stories, what’s your favourite one?
I can honestly say that each story is different. Yet my favourite has to be my very first commission. It was simple, and basic, a ring that meant so much more than the merits of its parts. A lovely young couple, who took a gamble with a young man starting out, to design and create an engagement ring for a small budget. I struggled and bartered, sourced the gems, and approached a goldsmith. Terrified it wouldn’t be right, I lost sleepless nights.
I learned two valuable lessons. One: choose the right person for the right job, you’ll never be disappointed and two: Always listen to your clients. You’ll never go wrong.
What is your favourite diamond shape/cut to see on a wedding finger?
The Oval, or ‘modified brilliant. It’s a stunning cut. Unlike the Round ‘brilliant cut’, the Oval is a more substantial Diamond. It affords a better size, and is unique in that it can retain its beauty even with lower colours than say the equivalent round.
Lastly, what’s the best advice you can give to a bride or fiancé who has no idea what ring to go for?
Look around, and shop around. Just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t there. If you like a certain part of a ring, and prefer another style of stone, it can be done. I would highly recommend keeping cut outs from magazines, or catalogues. Take photographs. Always go for what you want, and never compromise. Most importantly of all never let price put you off.
Thank you Michael for answering our questions!
Many thanks to Michael Wall for taking the time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for us. For more information check out Michael’s Twitter or website.
