We recently connected with Heidi Ortman Sheff and have shared our conversation below.
Heidi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry
In 2024, the trend of lab-grown diamonds continues to gain momentum, driven by changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. Here are some key trends and benefits of lab-grown diamonds compared to natural diamonds:
Current Trends:
Increasing Popularity: Lab-grown diamonds are becoming more accepted and sought after, especially among younger consumers who prioritize sustainability and ethical considerations.
Technological Advancements: Improvements in production methods have made lab-grown diamonds more affordable, higher quality, and indistinguishable from natural diamonds.
Customization Options: Consumers are increasingly looking for custom and personalized jewelry. Lab-grown diamonds offer flexibility in size, shape, and quality, appealing to individual tastes.
More jewelers are incorporating lab-grown diamonds into their offerings, and dedicated lab-grown diamond retailers are emerging, making them more accessible to consumers.
Sustainability Focus: As awareness of environmental issues grows, lab-grown diamonds are marketed as a more eco-friendly alternative, contributing to a shift in consumer behavior towards sustainable luxury.
The Benefits of Lab-grown Diamonds:
Ethical Sourcing: Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments, eliminating concerns about conflict diamonds and unethical mining practices.
Cost-Effectiveness: Typically, lab-grown diamonds are 40-80% less expensive than their natural counterparts, allowing consumers to get more value for their money.
Environmental Impact: Producing lab-grown diamonds has a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional diamond mining, which can be ecologically damaging.
Quality and Variety: Lab-grown diamonds can be produced to high specifications, often resulting in fewer inclusions and a wider range of colors and sizes.
Transparency: The production process of lab-grown diamonds is more transparent, allowing consumers to trace their origin and understand their creation, enhancing trust and confidence in their purchase.
In summary, as the market for lab-grown diamonds continues to evolve, their ethical, environmental, and economic advantages drive their popularity and acceptance among consumers.
Heidi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
DIAMONDS, PRECIOUS GEMS & FINE JEWELRY, EST 1899
J. Ortman Inc. upholds the heritage of a century-old, family-owned legacy celebrated for its unparalleled mastery of Diamonds, Precious Gemstones, and Fine Jewelry. For 125 years, Julius Ortman, Jack Ortman, Elizabeth Ortman, and now Heidi Ortman Sheff have been dedicated to crafting and curating rare and unique pieces for their discerning clientele.
FROM 1899 TO 2024….
When it comes to purchasing diamonds and jewelry, working with Heidi Ortman Sheff from J. Ortman Jewelry offers unparalleled advantages. With over 40 years of industry expertise, Heidi brings a depth of knowledge and a wealth of experience that is hard to match. As the fourth generation in a prestigious family-owned business, established in 1899, her roots in the wholesale diamond and jewelry industry ensure that she has the connections and insights to curate the finest gemstones and jewelry pieces for you.
Heidi’s global network in the wholesale market allows her to access gem-quality natural and lab-grown diamonds, precious gems, and exquisite jewelry at wholesale prices, bypassing the significant markups often associated with retail purchases. This means you can acquire stunning, high-quality pieces without the extra costs, while benefiting from her personal touch.
As your Concierge Jeweler, Heidi will guide you through every step of the process, from selecting the perfect Diamond, Ruby, Emerald or Sapphire, to designing a custom piece that reflects your unique style and budget.
What sets Heidi apart is her dedication to building lasting relationships with her clients. Trustworthy, knowledgeable, and Passionate about her craft, she offers a personalized experience that extends beyond a single transaction. With Heidi, you have a dedicated expert to turn to for all your jewelry needs, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey from start to finish. Choosing Heidi Ortman Sheff means choosing a lifelong partner in your jewelry adventure, committed to delivering exceptional quality and service with every piece.
Heidi Ortman Sheff
914 -643-1553
heididesignz@gmail.com
www.jortman.com
https://www.instagram.com/j.ortmanjewelry/
J.Ortman Jewelry-FB
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
As a wholesale Diamond and Jewelry dealer, I have always been able to provide my clientele with excellent pricing, however, the Internet has affected the nature of my business. I am still “old school” and prefer working directly with my clients, custom designing or curating exactly what they desire.
The rise of internet companies has significantly impacted “mom and pop” traditional retail stores in the fine jewelry and diamond business, leading to several challenges that have reshaped the landscape of the industry.
One of the most pronounced effects is the intense price competition from online retailers. These companies often operate with lower overhead costs, allowing them to offer lower prices on diamonds and jewelry. This pricing advantage makes it difficult for small, local jewelers to compete, forcing many to either reduce their prices or risk losing customers to online alternatives. Since I have no retail overhead, I can be competitive price-wise, however, the online stores have redirected many young buyers to purchase online instead of going directly to someone like myself.
Additionally, the convenience of online shopping has changed consumer behavior. Many customers now prefer the ease of browsing extensive inventories from the comfort of their homes, often leading to a decline in foot traffic to traditional stores. This shift is particularly challenging for smaller retailers that rely on personal relationships and in-store experiences to build trust and loyalty. While local jewelers can provide personalized service and expertise, the convenience of online shopping often trumps these benefits, making it hard for them to attract and retain customers.
Furthermore, internet companies have also transformed marketing strategies in the jewelry industry. The emphasis on digital marketing, social media, and influencer partnerships has shifted consumer attention away from local retailers, who may lack the resources to engage in comprehensive online marketing campaigns. As a result, “mom and pop” stores face not only competition in pricing but also in visibility and brand recognition, which are increasingly dictated by online presence.
Overall, while internet companies have democratized access to fine jewelry and diamonds, they have created significant hurdles for traditional retail stores, leading to a decline in their market share and, in some cases, their viability. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, these small businesses must find innovative ways to adapt, emphasizing their unique value propositions to survive in a competitive environment.
After running my wholesale business in NYC from 1985 to 2018, I’ve found it both exciting and challenging to reinvent myself here in Boca Raton, FL. I’m eager to expand my company and grow my clientele, making this a continuous and evolving journey.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
J. Ortman Inc. upholds the heritage of 125 years, a family-owned legacy celebrated for its unparalleled mastery of Diamonds, Precious Gemstones, and Fine Jewelry.
Julius Ortman, Jack Ortman, Elizabeth Ortman, and now Heidi Ortman Sheff have been dedicated to crafting and curating rare and unique pieces for their discerning clientele.
My grandfather’s father established my company in 1899. I was fortunate to have worked with my grandfather, Jack Ortman for 6 years before he passed away in 1990.
I managed the company in New York City for 30 years with my ex-husband. Since January 2020, I’ve been running it on my own. My daughter, Hanna Sheff, is now working with me part-time, and it would be amazing if she becomes the fifth generation to carry on this legacy!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jortman.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.ortmanjewelry/
- Facebook: J Ortman Jewelry
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-ortman-sheff-a2013316/
- Twitter: J Ortman Jewelry
- Youtube: J Ortman Jewelry
- Other: https://www.bocaratondiamond.com
