Our story - how we got started with diamonds

Diamond Importing is a New Zealand based, husband and wife business, which we started after we visited South Africa to buy our engagement ring.

What we learned from that trip was that there is a huge difference in cost and value between buying a loose quality diamond, as opposed to a set piece of jewellery such as a ring.

People have traditionally chosen their diamond jewellery based on what it looks like in the shop, and often their most important criteria has been how big the diamond is. We discovered that the size and setting of a diamond are actually often the least important factors, and can distract from the real value of the diamond. After all, any diamond can be re-set into a different piece of jewellery, and a huge diamond that just looks like a lump of glass won't attract many envious stares!

When we realised this, we began to think about buying a diamond rather than a ring. We spent some considerable time talking with gemologists and with diamond cutters and polishers, to find out what it is that makes a diamond really special. We learned about the 'five Cs', about grading and the many other factors that make a good cut, and about fire, brilliance and scintillation. And yes, we did buy a stunning diamond!

When we returned to New Zealand, we had our diamond mounted in a ring setting that we chose together, by a local manufacturing jeweller. This is a picture of the finished item.

Once our engagement ring was finished, we then had it certified, assessed and valued. We were very pleased (although not totally surprised) to find that it was comparable to rings costing at least twice as much in the local shops.
 

Value and Personal Service

It was during our time in South Africa that we realised three things . Firstly, what excellent value buying a loose diamond and having it set was compared to buying a ring from a retail store, secondly how much more meaningful and special it felt to us having chosen it ourselves, rather than just buying a finished ring off a jeweller's shelf and thirdly what fun we'd had learning about and choosing our diamond.

And to make the whole experience even more satisfying, we'd met some professional, knowledgeable people along the way who have since become our business partners and expert advisors.
 

Safe, Easy and Fun

We started Diamond Importing so that other New Zealanders could also buy quality diamonds at much lower prices than they could normally buy in New Zealand (without having to travel to South Africa!), and at the same time have a lot of fun doing it. Because we realise that buying a loose diamond might seem like a daunting prospect, our aim is to take the risk and hard work out of the buying process.

There are many horror stories where people have bought diamonds from so-called 'wholesalers' overseas or over the Internet, only to find that when they received it, they were worth much less than they cost, or that they never arrived at all! That isn't to say there aren't plenty of reputable wholesalers and Internet traders - there are - but how do you tell the good ones from the bad? It's a scary business!

We don't sell diamonds directly over the Internet because we believe in reducing the risk felt by you by providing a more personal service - we prefer to meet you face-to-face so that you can get to know us and see our diamonds before you buy. If this isn't possible, or if you live outside the Wellington area, we'll be happy to consult with you by telephone or email and answer any questions you may have.

We keep a small stock of diamonds that we have personally chosen for quality and value, but we won't try to sell you something you don't want. If we don't have the diamond that you want, we can still provide you with the knowledge and information that you will need to purchase confidently elsewhere.
 

Purchase with Confidence

We'll take the worry out of your decision by providing you with education as to what is and isn't important when it comes to diamonds. (Size is not everything!) Remember, education provides knowledge, reducing the risk and increasing your confidence with your purchase.

Armed with the knowledge we can share with you, and our guarantee, you'll be able to make the best decision in terms of quality and value when you're ready to choose your special diamond. Whether your diamond is for a romantic occasion, a gift or an investment, it will be extra special because you chose it yourself. It is unique to you.

Our business relies on word-of-mouth advertising and on referrals from happy customers. Our South African suppliers are personally known to us and have many decades of expertise as professional diamond cutters, polishers, graders and selectors.

We will strive to make your diamond buying experiences enjoyable, simple, risk free and ensure that you get a diamond of fantastic value. If you like our diamonds and our service, we want you to tell your friends so that they can share our "making diamonds affordable" experience.

We look forward to meeting you and sharing our excitement for diamonds with you.

Contact us now to find out more.

Warmest regards,

Jon and Fran.