Case Study: Gary and Laurene's Journey to New York 2024
In 2024, Gary and Laurene, owners of Jade Jewellers, embarked on an incredible journey to the Lafayette Louisiana Bridge Conference, hosted by Stuller, followed by exclusive meetings with Antwerp diamond merchants at their New York offices. This unique opportunity was made possible by their membership in Nationwide Jewellers, Australia’s largest buying group for independent jewellers.
As part of the Global Jewellers Network, Nationwide Jewellers provides members with access to international partnerships, educational experiences, and resources that elevate their businesses. Gary and Laurene’s trip shows how this network opens doors to global insights and valuable connections, allowing them to bring exceptional value and expertise back to their customers in Burpengary.
Nationwide Jewellers' commitment to excellence is evident through partnerships with global leaders like Stuller and the Antwerp Diamond Program. These alliances empower independent jewellers to deliver world-class quality and service to their local communities. 
The Role of Nationwide Jewellers
At the heart of this trip is Nationwide Jewellers, whose mission is to support independent jewellers in competing on a global scale. As part of the Global Jewellers Network, Nationwide Jewellers provides members with exclusive access to programs like the Antwerp Diamond Program, which allows certified members to source some of the world’s finest diamonds directly from Antwerp.
This trip highlighted Nationwide Jewellers’ partnership with Stuller, a global leader in jewellery supply. It is through this alliance that Gary and Laurene (2 of 25 other Australians) were able to attend the Lafayette Louisiana Bridge Conference alongside hundreds of other jewellers from around the world.
Gary and Laurene credit Nationwide Jewellers for not only enabling this once-in-a-lifetime experience but also for providing them with the tools, knowledge, and connections to bring immense value back to Burpengary.
Objectives
This trip was far more than just an opportunity to travel; it was a structured learning and networking experience made possible by Nationwide Jewellers.
The objectives were:
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Education: Through sessions at the prestigious Lafayette Louisiana Bridge Conference and exclusive meetings with Antwerp diamond merchants in their New York offices, Gary and Laurene gained insights into industry trends, upcoming challenges, and best practices for running a successful jewellery business. Topics such as the rise of lab-grown diamonds and their impact on the market, as well as evolving customer preferences, were pivotal in helping them adapt their strategies back home at Jade Jewellers.
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Networking: Gary and Laurene connected with leading international jewellers, Antwerp merchants, and partners like Stuller. These relationships are invaluable, enabling Jade Jewellers to stay ahead of global trends and access diamonds and designs that are otherwise unavailable to local Australian jewellers.
This trip highlighted the immense value of being part of a group like Nationwide Jewellers, whose vision extends beyond borders to ensure members remain at the forefront of the industry.
Leanings – Value brought back to Jade Jewellers
The trip offered Gary and Laurene a great amount of knowledge, as well as useful tools to take Jade Jewellers to the next level. One of the most prevalent topics discussed was the rise of lab-grown diamonds. As overseas production continues to grow and saturate the market, prices have adjusted downward accordingly. Ultimately, lab-grown diamonds are innovatively reshaping the diamond industry. No matter what, rapidly growing trends will always pose challenges, but they simultaneously present great opportunities. In this case, opportunities arise for jewellers to better educate their customers about their options. Gary took this opportunity to enhance his expertise and invested in technology to distinguish the difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds, ensuring transparency and trust in Jade Jewellers. This further solidifies them as a trusted local jeweller. Through Nationwide Jewellers’ alliance with leading brands like Stuller, Gary and Laurene were able to explore these innovations deeply, equipping them with the expertise to guide their clients confidently.
Another standout was uncovering emerging design trends during their visit to the New York Antwerp Diamond offices. They observed a growing global shift towards minimalist jewellery - characterised by sleek, unembellished bands featuring a single diamond. This minimalist aesthetic, highlighted both at the conference and in discussions with Antwerp merchants, has since been added into the Jade Jewellers’ collection. These discussions also led them to the selection of two stunning diamonds. One was for an engagement ring and another for an anniversary ring. These diamonds were custom designed with their clients. These modern, timeless designs, influenced by global trends, reflect Nationwide Jewellers’ dedication to connecting members with the latest international styles.
Gary and Laurene were equally inspired by the behind-the-scenes operations of these international jewellers. They are now focused on elevating Jade Jewellers by improving web sales, enhancing the customer experience, and expanding their team to support growth. These insights highlight Nationwide Jewellers’ commitment to fostering industry expertise while empowering members to excel as thriving business owners.
Gary and Laurene: The Tourists
While the trip was rooted in professional growth, Gary and Laurene couldn’t resist putting their tourist hats on and exploring all that New York City had to offer. For Gary, the highlight was attending a Yankees game and experiencing the warm hospitality of Americans, even spotting Chevy Chase in the crowd. Laurene, on the other hand, loved visiting iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. It was also her birthday while in NYC, this trip was a one-of-a-kind gift that she’ll always remember.
Reflecting on these experiences, the couple expressed deep gratitude for Nationwide Jewellers, whose support not only facilitated this incredible journey but also reminded them of how far they’ve come as independent jewellers.
“We are so fortunate to be in the position that we are part of an Australia-wide group like Nationwide Jewellers, where we can have this alliance with international institutions like Stuller to enhance our own business, in this little place called Burpengary.” Laurene said.
Wrap up
Gary and Laurene’s journey with Nationwide Jewellers showcases the extraordinary opportunities available to independent jewellers who are part of this group. By connecting its members with global networks, exclusive programs, and world-class resources, Nationwide Jewellers ensures that businesses like Jade Jewellers can thrive.
From bringing back exclusive diamonds to adopting cutting-edge trends and new technologies, Gary and Laurene have returned to Burpengary with new tools, knowledge, and inspiration to offer even greater value to their customers.
