Monday, 20th March 2006 (3852 views)

The online selling of jewellery is increasing quickly, with one diamond ring and four watches being sold every minute on eBay in the United States, Contra Costa Times reports.

Jewellery style director for the online auction site, Sandra Graham, noted that "eBay is around the clock, around the world" and had the benefit of appealing to busy people wanting to spend more time at home.

She added that in the online marketplace, a seller's identity is not as important as the item being sold. Customers "respond to the beauty of a piece," she said.

The most expensive eBay jewellery purchase was a $149,000 pair of Harry Winston diamond earrings in 2004.

But while the online jewellery marketplace is clearly in the ascendant, experts believe there is still a place for the traditional high street store.

"The jewellery industry is evolving and changing with the times," said Helena Krodel of the Jewelry Information Center. "Although other purchasing options have entered the market, people do in fact still like to shop at brick-and-mortar stores."

 

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