In light of diamond prices taking a significant dip, Harry Winston’s made a big change. They’ve quietly launched an e-commerce site called the Harry Winston Online Salon.
It consists of only diamond jewelry, much of which is winter-themed (like at left), ranging anywhere from $6,000 for a pendant to $135,000 for a necklace.
Our first thought: Who the hell drops a mortgage payment online?
Our second thought: Well, it’s Harry Winston, so even though you lose all the magic of the glittering jewels in their boutiques, you definitely know what you’re getting, so the quality wouldn’t be any different than from jewelry bought there in person.
And yet, we still can’t help but feel like:
1. This comes dangerously close to diluting their brand image (Marilyn Monroe singing, the storied old house, etc) by placing their goods in the realm of shame shopping, which usually consists of bags and shoes.
2. Even though Harry Winston has famous standards, we still don’t see ourselves casually charging $20,000 to our Amex, even though it’s technically the same as doing it in the store (assuming you know what ten carats of bling look like on your ears.)
So many questions: Would you buy major jewels online? Or is that left for minor accessories – and should all major jewelry purchases be made in person? (Because, as much as we hate to admit it, we can’t imagine how we’d feel if we were on the receiving end of a major gift, and learned that the necklace/earrings/ring was purchased while watching television…)
Tags: Harry Winston, Jewelry, Luxury, Sothebys, The Daily
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I am guessing that the point of this is not to actually make sales but to give on-line window shoppers a taste of what is available and the approximate price range.
I would not buy a $20K pair of earrings over the internet but now that I know what they cost I would certainly think about them (if we ever get a bonus again). HW has always been very nice to me when I inquired about the price of an item online but that is often a pain (see also, Cartier).
The richer you are, the more money you spend online. This story explains what I’m talking about:
http://www.forbes.com/2008/10/08/shopping-online-spending-forbeslife-cx_ls_1008style.html
The richer you are, the more money you spend online. This story explains what I’m talking about:
http://www.forbes.com/2008/10/08/shopping-online-spending-forbeslife-cx_ls_1008style.html
The richer you are, the more money you spend online. This story explains what I’m talking about:
http://www.forbes.com/2008/10/08/shopping-online-spending-forbeslife-cx_ls_1008style.html
The only time I’ve bought jewelery online is when the store ran out of my size of ring. But still, I saw it in person, they measured me for my exact fit etc. As a woman who indulges in jewels, I would NEVER buy something without seeing it in a store or trying it on. Even if the pictures are great, the magic is gone. I don’t know anyone that would do this, unless they’ve got billions and don’t care if their tennis bracelet looks exactly like they thought it would…
The whole point of buying luxury is the luxury shopping experience….the internet takes away that experience.
Maybe for the benefit of international business? duh.
no, #7, they only ship to the continental us, it says so on the site. duh.
my bf only buys my jewelry online, a few days before xmas, bday etc…. he hatesssss the jewelry store.
my bf only buys my jewelry online, a few days before xmas, bday etc…. he hatesssss the jewelry store.
If you’re a guy shelling out $135,000 to buy your wife/ mistress/ daughter/ whatever a necklace, you likely have a lot of disposable income and not very much time on your hands. Thus online shopping.
yeah, I buy from Tiffany online for gifts and it’s worked out fine.
The premise is a little out of date. Why is this an issue? It makes the Fashionista writer seem out of touch.
The only thing that would dilute the brand would be if everyone had $20k to drop on earrings.
If you find a brand with accessible price points that wants to be exclusive, then you have an argument.
i think you missed an important information – it’s winter-themed for Christ’s sake! who would spend this kind of money, via internet or not, on winter-themed diamond jewellery!?