Columnists

Creative Connecting: The Digital Sourcing Revolution

ColumnistsMar 01, 2022

Creative Connecting: The Digital Sourcing Revolution

Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams share how jewelers can connect with new suppliers in virtual marketplaces.

2021_JCW-Duvall-Header.jpg
Duvall O’Steen, left, and Jen Cullen Williams are independent communications strategists and senior consultants for the Luxury Brand Group. They can be reached at DuvallOsteenNYC@gmail.com or Jen@JenCullenWilliams.com.
Modern technology has enabled a revolution in business-to-business sourcing and merchandising.

Digital marketplaces have proven their relevance in the fashion industry with platforms like JOOR and NuOrder assisting brands and retailers by streamlining inventory replenishment, educating the sales force, and enhancing sales with easy and efficient merchandise searching.

The jewelry industry is also creating such tech tools, designed specifically for jewelers.

While nothing can replace the vital and important role of trade shows, in-person events only happen at certain times of the year.

Digital sourcing, on the other hand, is available year-round, providing additional sales opportunities and inventory enhancements on an ongoing basis, especially useful with continued supply chain challenges.

There are many digital B2B sourcing platforms to explore. Here we list a few and highlight those with special tools or functionality that helps meet your inventory needs on-demand, 24/7.

But first, we’ll highlight the advantages of using these platforms, as well as a few cautionary pointers to keep in mind.

Benefits of Digital Sourcing

1. Never Miss an Opportunity
For suppliers, listing merchandise on digital platforms is like having a year-round trade show, making your products available globally, 24/7, to every retail buyer who uses the platform.

For retailers, digital marketplaces can create sales even when inventory is low or when customers have special requests that are not in line with your normal merchandising strategy.

As an example, if a retailer does not carry a specific type of diamond or only carries a minimal inventory of lab-grown diamonds, digital sourcing can help them respond to a customer request almost instantly.

Also, if a sales associate is out of the store and encounters someone seeking advice for a significant purchase, some platforms’ digital tools can be used on the spot from a smart device in the palm of the hand to turn that inquiry into a sale.

2. Data Sharing Leads to Enhanced Merchandising
The absence of trade shows for most of 2020 certainly amplified the need for digital solutions.

According to Sherry Smith, director of business development for The Edge Retail Academy, “We found more suppliers and retailers looking toward data and online tools during the pandemic.”

The Edge offers inventory management systems that many vendors use to track sell-through success and better service their retailers by replenishing fast-selling inventory more quickly.

“Some vendors took [these advantages] to a different level by putting retailers on automated replenishment,” said Smith. “One vendor analyzed the data and found that the retailers who were on an automated replenishment plan performed 39 percent better than those that weren’t.”

3. Time-Saving Clienteling
Digital sourcing efficiently allows retailers to prepare for in-person buying by researching new brands, previewing collections, and learning terms and conditions before making appointments in-store or at trade show events.

According to Tanya Nisguretsky, CEO and co-founder of Virtual Diamond Boutique (VDB), digital sourcing also saves time as a tool for clienteling.

“A platform like VDB, which was designed for use with the end consumer, saves both time and money,” she said.

“The consumer-friendly user interface helps retailers to pre-qualify the customer, increasing efficiency and profits by pinpointing the exact item the client wants ahead of time, therefore cutting down on shipping costs and delays, and creating more access beyond the few suppliers you normally do business with.”

Cautions of Digital Sourcing

1. Transparency
Some buyers are reluctant to utilize modern sourcing technology because of their comfort level with long-term relationships and trusted suppliers. But many of the industry’s leading technology experts are working toward building more secure and transparent platforms.

As an example, VDB confirmed it is currently developing a groundbreaking new collaboration with a third-party trade organization to improve transparency and trust among its members, ensuring a more secure environment where buyers and sellers can have more information about each other readily accessible.

Marianne Fisher, co-founder and managing director of the Jewelers Circle added, “Check the industry associations and partnerships that a platform is affiliated with or endorsed by, and always ask about their vetting process for allowing buyers and sellers onto the platform.”

2. Availability
Nisguretsky warns that, unlike physical in-person buying, there is no 100 percent guarantee that items you are looking at on a digital marketplace are available.

Inventory is changing constantly and the back-end programming updates regularly, but occasionally, you might still see an item that is no longer available.

“We suggest buyers or sales staff always manage the customer’s expectations and always reconfirm with the supplier that the desired item is available.”

3. Returns/Shipping
Like all orders, make sure the vendor you are ordering from has an acceptable return policy, as well as adequate shipping insurance and clear language about responsibility for any goods lost en route.

Fisher suggested, “When doing business and before transacting with new vendors, always review their terms and conditions and use resources like a JBT rating, like you would at an in-person trade show.”

Digital Sourcing Platforms for Jewelers

Natural & Lab-Grown Diamonds
Searching for diamonds has never been easier or more efficient, thanks to apps and platforms like VDB, IDEX Mobile, RapNet and Polygon.

Available as apps for smart devices, these platforms connect jewelers looking to locate specific types of diamonds, including lab grown.

Most of the diamonds listed have high-resolution photos, grading reports, and details listed on the app.

VDB, the largest global source for lab-grown diamonds, also popularized the use of high-resolution video of all its products, as videos often show a diamond’s brilliance and cut better than a still photo and are more exciting for the end consumer.

Many of these platforms have options for immediate ordering and a few offer in-app messaging or external messaging through email, text, social media, or WhatsApp.

Finished Designer & Vintage Jewelry, Watches, and Colored Gemstones
There are several B2B platforms that provide opportunities for souring fine jewelry, watches, designer jewelry, vintage, and antique jewelry, as well as colored gemstones from mobile, tablet, or desktop.

The Jewelers Source by JCK is a marketplace for the jewelry industry for sourcing, product discovery, and virtual meetings for designer and private label jewelry, powered by BOSS Logics technology.

With Jewelers Source, jewelry professionals can browse online “showrooms” and meet with the industry’s top vendors and suppliers year-round in high-definition meetings.

Another global online platform, the Jewelers Circle, specializes in trade-only sourcing of rare and exquisite high-end vintage and estate jewelry, designer and signed jewelry, timepieces, natural diamonds and colored gemstones, and other antique collectibles.

Renowned vintage dealers sell one-of-a-kind and historic pieces from design houses such as Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Boucheron, Bulgari, JAR and more on Jewelers Circle.

In addition, the platform offers free educational webinars and a “Meet the Dealers” video series to teach about rare pieces and dealers on the platform.

For those seeking colored gemstones and jewelry, Gembridge offers access to top colored stone suppliers and jewelry featuring colored gemstones worldwide. VDB also offers the gamut of gemstones in all colors and shapes on its platform. 

Each B2B sourcing platform offers a wide assortment of products and has its own unique functionalities and features. Most offer free demos to see what will be most useful to your business.  

In today’s world, there is no need to ever miss a sale because you do not have something in stock to show your customer. Digital sourcing is a way to enhance your inventory and purchasing, as well as to discover or make new connections to better serve your end client. 

 Related stories will be right here …

The Latest

Sylvie Jewelry Auranova Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection

“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Pomellato Nudo toi et moi ring
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Deborah Meyers Experience The Birds Earrings
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ Earrings

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

ejap cohort 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

Melee diamonds from De Beers
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid Uncertainty

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
LIM-401 2024 National Jeweler Supplier Bulletin- iD100 Web and Eblast FINAL (1).jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Wolf CEO Simon Wolf
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. Expansion

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

gia1d100 btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

Iowa jeweler Herman Ginsberg
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

Charles & Colvard moissanite ring
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to Noncompliance

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

Young Diamantaires
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to Nonprofit

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Mined + Found "Hope" Matchbox Locket
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So Charming

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Bulgari’s expanded factory in Valenza, Italy
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in Italy

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Jason McNary accepting FGI Fine Jewelry Rising Star award for Paola Sasplugas
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ Award

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

1999 Cosmograph Daytona, Ref.16516
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to Auction

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

Carmelo Anthony and Jaylen Brown David Yurman campaign
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen Brown

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

Woman wearing Zales jewelry
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine Jewelry

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

JAR Apricot Blossom bracelet
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry Collection

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Avi Levy
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth Officer

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

Scottsdale Fine Jewelers store exterior
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow Independent

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Cartier Exhibition Installation at Victoria & Albert Museum
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Bill and Birdie Levine of Van Cott Jewelers
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 Years

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

IJO Director Samantha Larson
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise Strategy

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.

Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host Convention

The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

Daymond John
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Dukachi Easter Bread Pendant
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ Pendant

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

Bremer Jewelry
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated Store

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy