In a year when virtual connections replaced real life encounters, a host of brands have sought creative ways to inspire their customers. As in every industry, change has been afoot for jewellers; whether they have overcome an initial wariness about selling online or found new and innovative ways to provide impeccable customer service through a screen.
For some entrepreneurial new businesses, the timing is spot on. Just launched is Once, an elegant online fine jewellery retail platform. Dubbing itself the first fine jewellery e-commerce community, it aims to provide an immersive experience into fine jewels, compensating for face to face interactions with slick tech which makes for an intuitive visitor experience.
A carefully-curated selection of jewellery designers brings established fine jewellers – Boodles, Elizabeth Gage – together with internationally renowned brands – Messika, Amrapali – and independent designers, including Hannah Martin, Anais Rheiner, Dauphin and Bibi van der Velden. In total, over 30 brands are currently available on site.
For ONCE CEO Shezan Amiji, it is an efficient way to bridge the gap between fine jewellery buyers and sellers. ‘It makes the industry more efficient and transparent, while offering a simplified visitor experience,’ he says. ‘Everyone can now discover new and classic fine jewellery designs spanning a range of budgets at one dedicated destination.’ §
