BUYING SMART
ALL THAT glitters
Costco jewellery offers quality and savings that sparkle.
BY KATIE COLEMAN
TANG MING TUNG / GETTYIMAGES. COM. AU
When my now-husband and I got engaged 11 years ago, I was shocked to find out my engagement ring, with its gorgeous platinum band and near-flawless shimmering cushion-cut diamond centre stone, was from Costco – the same place we get our rotisserie chickens and athleisure wear. However, I was even more taken aback when it was appraised for a third more than its initial cost. My experience isn’ t out of the norm. In fact, it’ s just one of the reasons why Costco’ s jewellery department continues to – pardon the pun – shine.
Golden opportunity
From one-of-a-kind rings, earrings and necklaces to an array of gemstone jewellery, Costco leverages its buying power while working with fine-jewellery vendors specialising in gold, diamonds and gemstones. Rachel Reid, a Costco jewellery buyer, explains,“ For us on the diamond side, we are able to leverage pricing through our vendor relationships, along with the volume we buy, in order to provide the best value and the bestquality diamonds.”
Kris Cramer, also a Costco jewellery buyer, has a similar approach on the gold side:“ We find vendors that can support
Costco’ s quality, pricing, volume and production timelines. We want to offer better quality at a better price, which is really the crux of everything we do.”
Not so hidden treasure
Costco goes to great lengths to ensure the quality of all the diamonds, pearls and gemstones it sells. Reid says the company employs almost two dozen Gemological Institute of America( GIA) graduate gemologists as part of its quality control measures.
“ We have to pass a rigorous course on diamond grading, as well as identifying colour stones, to receive a graduate gemologist diploma from GIA,” says Lisa Switzer, quality control manager and graduate gemologist at Costco.“ This gives us the tools to be able to verify that our jewellery meets Costco’ s high quality standards.” Many of Costco’ s gemologists worked in the jewellery industry prior to joining the company, and Cramer and Reid stress that these individuals have brought valuable knowledge and experience to Costco’ s quality control team.
A special investment
Quality and value are very important aspects of any purchase, but when you
buy fine jewellery, you want something that’ s truly exceptional and special.“ Costco’ s co-founder, Jim Sinegal, would always say jewellery is one of those departments that sets the tone to the member, because it’ s so unique in what we offer,” Cramer explains.“ You’ re not going to find a lot of pieces that we carry anywhere else.”
According to Reid, Costco sells oneof-a-kind necklaces, earrings and rings that feature gold, platinum, diamonds, gemstones and pearls.“ Our unique jewellery offerings truly create a treasure hunt for our members,” she says.“ And the elevated quality we carry rivals even the most high-end retailers, really showcasing the value Costco provides to our members.”
Thanks to Costco’ s substantial buying power and efforts to provide the best possible items at the lowest possible price, Costco jewellery continues to lend a unique( and literal) treasure-hunt feel to members’ shopping experience. Cramer adds with a smile,“ Seeing jewellery I helped pick out on our members is the best feeling.”
Katie Coleman is an international reporter for the Connection. She is based in the United States.
10 | MAR / APR 2024 COSTCO CONNECTION