September Trip Comes Home to North Georgia

September marked a special point for one local business owner in Gilmer County.

North Georgia Diamond owner Bill Craig recently attended the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), located in Antwerp, Belgium. According to a press release offered North Georgia Diamond, the visit came as a part of Centre’s initiative, “Antwerp Diamond Experience,” to bring jewelers, wholesalers, and manufacturers from major and upcoming markets into contact with and access to the “world’s leading diamond trade center.”

According to the AWDC, 84% of all rough diamonds and 50% of all polished diamonds pass through Antwerp in the World’s 4th largest port, making this not only a historic visit for Craig, but a networking chance to link North Georgia to a hub of the world’s largest diamond market. Craig stated while at the event, he was given a walking tour of Antwerp before engaging in several networking events staged to “bridge the gap” between retailers and the diamond sources. Cutting out several of the “middle-men” in the process presents a reduced price in the diamonds which Craig stated allows him to pass that reduction to our North Georgia area.

Though North Georgia Diamond has not done much in the overseas market beforehand, however, the trip has opened up new relationships and contacts and has already facilitated one shipment which can currently be seen in store.

Craig told FYN that the trip “reignited our passion.” After several years, a type of box mentality had developed, but the trip sparked new fire into Craig’s business. “People are buying differently than ever before,” Craig said as he explained some of the revitalization he felt. New technology and contacts have opened a whole new door in the business including some very innovative ways of design as we look to the future.

It seems visiting the AWDC is just the first step as FYN also got a sneak peek at a brand new system in store. Though details are not yet available, Craig promises to offer a full look into the new possibilities once fully realized in store.