Ben Albrecht, a partner in Melbourne fine jewellery store Kozminsky from 2003 to 2012, has branched out on his own with an online jewellery business.
Albrecht told Jewellery World that he launched Ben Albrecht Jewellery as he believed the traditional jewellery retail model might become redundant.
“I think some of the traditional jewellery retail models are becoming untenable due to the cost of stock that retailers need to carry as well as other overheads they have to deal with like security, insurance, wages and rent,” he said.
“Online retailing is rapidly growing, and it’s retail suicide to ignore it.”
Albrecht’s new business provides “discrete sourcing and designing services” for his established base of Victorian, national and international clients as well as new ones.
He said the “simple but revolutionary model for the highly traditional and conservative fine jewellery business” was highly personalised to meet customers’ design and budget needs.
“The business puts the customer in the centre of the retail process.
“Clients will contact me via the website and then I go visit them in their own home to discuss their needs.
“I then source stones they require, design and manufacture the jewellery piece to their needs – and ultimately deliver the finished piece to them.
“Basically the business model ensures that the customer gets the highest quality personalised service without ever having to leave the comfort of their home.”
“The customer doesn’t come to me, I go to the customer.”
In addition to sourcing jewels and designing jewellery for clients, Albrecht’s business offers “a collection of sublime jewels, gems and precious adornments” for sale on the website.
However customers are not encouraged to purchase any of the items without a viewing in their own home.
“Ben Albrecht Jewellery is bringing a bespoke version of Melbourne retail finesse to the front door,” he said.