The buying group’s members who visited Antwerp from 15–21 March stopped by the Alexandre School for Optical Diamond Setting to receive a one-hour demonstration on the latest techniques.
“We are always looking at ways to add value to our Antwerp trips,” Nationwide managing director Colin Pocklington said.
Nationwide is now collaborating with the school to arrange a five-day course in optical stone setting for future trips. The buying group organises visits for its members to Antwerp twice a year, with a total of 850 trips undertaken since the program started in 1999.
According to Pocklington, the trips offer “tremendous value in buying from major sightholders” and the educational experience is “highly valued” by members who attend.
“They visit a diamond cutting factory, are briefed on current diamond issues at the HRD, and meet the inspirational diamond legend – Sir Gabriel Tolkowsky,” Pocklington explained.
Members who have achieved in excess of $50,000 in pre-sold diamonds on any one Antwerp trip will be presented with an Antwerp marketing award at the Nationwide conference in June later this year.
“Our Antwerp marketing program continues to deliver significant increases in diamond sales,” Pocklington said.
Nationwide Jewellers is the largest jewellery buying group in Australasia, with more than 500 members in Australia and New Zealand.