Amethyst

[bahati]

Hi, I am new to forum. Just looking for an advice about open a wholesale gemstone business in Australia. Just wondering if it is possible to sell gemstone to retail shops / jewellery manufacturers. I am planning to start with Amethyst from Africa. And I don't have any experience in gemstone business but I am ready to learn. I would greatly appreciate for anyone advice.

 

[Aussie Sapphire]

Just my opinion but it is generally not quite as easy as some think.

There is almost no large scale jewellery manufacturing in Australia - quite a few small artisan type silver and goldsmiths but the challenge is to connect with these in sufficient volume to do enough business.  Often these more specialised type of customers will have very specific requirements and a wide variety of suppliers.

Just about impossible to get faceted gems into the retail jewellery trade - they use the established wholesalers like Boltons or O'Neills and get very attractive pricing from them. Getting any kind of decent sales volume into that sector will be a very uphill battle and they wont be interested in rough.

Good quality rough will be in demand but generally through direct sales to individuals or the gem show circuit. You do need to have quality, offer good service (return without hassle) and describe accurately - get this wrong and word will get round very quickly.

My suggestion is to start small so you dont risk too much if it does not work as well as you hope. It will take time to develop a good network. Good luck.

cheers
Leah


cheers
Leah

[bahati]

Thank you for your advice Lean.

[bahati]

Thanks Leah.