Interview with Chris Sanderson, Marketing Manager of Mondera

Advices on buying diamonds and rings

• What kind of advice do you have for shoppers who are buying a diamond for the first time?
  
  a) While considering the budget, they should account for customs duties and taxes.
  
  b) Clarify ring sizes or even obtain a ring sizer from Mondera before order placement
  
  c) As long as the customers has something in mind for the shape and size. Our Client Consultant can take care of the rest and guide them to the best diamonds that will fit their budget.
  
  
• What is the benefit of shopping diamonds and jewellery online?
  
  The overheads are low as compared to retail outlets and Mondera passes on all these savings to the end consumer. Diamonds and Jewelry can be bought at between 10 - 40% below US retail prices. There is no pressure from sales people to buy, a customer chooses when 'they' want to talk to our Customer Support Reps, meaning a less stressful shopping experience.
  
  
• What are the current trends for diamond engagement rings that you are seeing?
  
  The trends in bridal segment are mostly White Metal. Platinum is very popular and if people are concerned about budget, then White Gold is a good choice.
  
  Classic solitaire setting has been on request till present while tapered baguette accent style is also favourable.
  
  
• What are the current trends for the design of wedding bands?
  
  We have a new collection of Stainless steel, Titanium bands in addition to the ever classic Platinum or Gold comfort fit bands. Other collections include Engraved Etruscan style band with or without diamonds and Two tone bands.
  

About your company, Mondera

• How do I buy diamonds and engagement rings online?
  
  There are two ways of placing an order - Online or by calling our Client consultants. Steps involved online:
  
  1) Select a product and add it to the shopping basket
  2) Enter billing and shipping details
  3) Enter payment details and shipping method
  4) Confirm the order
  
  Order placement through the call center
  1) Call 1-800-MONDERA and ask a Client Consultant to help with Order placement
  
  
• What kind of a return / exchange policy do you have?
  
  We have a 30 day return policy which starts from the day of shipping. The return policy excludes shipping and handling charges incurred while shipping back the item. We only refund the shipping and handling charges if there is a problem with our products.
  
  
• What kind of lab certificates do you usually offer with your diamonds?
  
  We offer only GIA and AGS reports (certificates) on the diamonds we sell.
  
  
• What are the safeguards in place to protect the consumer and your company, in case of an accidental loss, or fraud?
  
  Accidental loss: We insure all goods that leave our premises. The Insurance covers any accidental loss by the carrier.
  
  Credit card Fraud: We have a very strict credit check process and the fraud % we see is less than 1%.
  
  
• Many of our audience are in the market for engagement rings. Do you ship loose diamonds to your customers for inspection, before you put the diamond into a ring setting? If so, how would the whole process work?
  
  We allow repeat and long term customers to do this as a benefit of being loyal customers, however the customer is responsible for all the shipping costs and insurance involved while sending the diamond back for setting. If the customer is located outside of the U.S., he/she also needs to keep in mind that the product may be charged for taxes and duties twice, one on the receipt of diamond and then when the finished diamond is sent in.
  
     
• Do you have a physical retail location in the U.S.?
  
  Not presently.
  
  
  
• What sets your company apart from other online retailers?
  
  Mondera, launched in 1999, represents the unique combination of modern innovation with the Mouawad family's 114 years of experience in the gem and jewelry business.
  
  
  To find out more about Mondera, please visit www.mondera.com