b'FINAL THOUGHTSDOES DIAMONDORIGINMATTER? We asked past Retailer Hall of Fame inductees how much knowing a diamondsorigin matters to their engagement ring customers. Heres what they had to say.While not every shopper enters the store asking aboutCountry of origin was a topic many sourcing or origin, many are open to the conversationyears ago when blood diamonds was a when guided by an informed and thoughtful sales associ- hot topic. However, the country of origin ate. If the retailer prioritizes these values, the consumer isis a rare topic and certainly not a critical more likely to take interest. When I first started selling di- one, ever.amonds, no one was talking about cut. As a GG and CGA,JIM ROSENHEIM, TINY JEWEL BOX I understood the importance of cut and helped educate our team, who in turn educated our clients. Today, discussing cut is expected whenFor many of our clients, knowing the origin of their talking about diamonds. I believe the samediamond is a key part of their purchasing decision. As will soon be true for origin. technology develops, consumers are increasingly drawn to TONIA LEITZEL ULSH, MOUNTZ JEWELERS understand where everything is sourced and produced. This is particularly true for natural diamonds, where knowing the Whether diamond origin is a key consideration reallycountry of origin provides a critical level of depends on the client. Todays consumers are more in- transparency and peace of mind.formed, intentional, and values-driven than ever before.LAWRENCE BOCK, BACHENDORFSMany are asking more questions and seeking to feel both emotionally and financially aligned with their purchase. Origin does come up as part of a thought- While I dont have many ask for the ful and intentional buying process, and itsorigin, we offer it and it really helps tell incredibly important to our internal teamthe diamond story. It keeps customers that we educate our clients on responsiblyengaged and then they want to know sourced diamonds. more. And, we all know, natural diamonds STEVE PADIS, PADIS JEWELRYhave a great story!CATHY CALHOUN, CALHOUN JEWELERS76 RETAILER HALL OF FAME 2025'