NEWS - Retail & Shopping Centers

SBJ Staff Report

Oct. 3, 2011 - International Diamond Center is a company that has not only survived but thrived during a difficult economy, and this week the company will celebrate the grand opening of its second store in the Savannah area, a gleaming 5,000 sq. ft. store at 345 Mall Blvd. on Savannah’s Southside.

The company will retain its current location at 9 West De Renne Ave. to buy jewelry and gold, sell additional merchandise and offer loans for acquisitions.

But it's the beautiful new store on Mall Boulevard, now open with a wide selection of diamonds and jewelry in all price ranges, that is the focus of the company this week.  Headquartered in Tampa, Fl., the company was originally founded in 1983 as a wholesale jeweler selling to larger retailers but International Diamond Center has expanded to include showrooms throughout the Tampa, Orlando and Savannah areas.  Since its founding, the owners have worked to establish relationships that have helped them become a reputable source of diamonds and other brilliant gems from around the world.

Savannah operations are led by Jesse McCain, general manager. The new store is located on the ground floor of the attractive brick building at the corner of Mall Boulevard and Hodgson Memorial Drive across from BB&T bank.

In anticipation of opening the new store in Savannah, the company hired Mike Lepper, guild gemologist and the former owner of Carriage Trade Jewelers on Broughton Street last month. Former president of the Downtown Business Association, he is well-known in the community for his jewelry industry experience.

Customers can choose between loose stones, a large inventory of designer pieces, custom bridal jewelry, high-end watches, and more including jewelry by Verragio, Scott Kay, Ritani, Christopher Designs, Michael M. Henry Daussi, Art Carved, Winston, Chad Allison and Tacori.

The staff offers education to customers on the intricacies of choosing the perfect diamond, designer setting or other piece of fine jewelry, and helps customers make an educated decision about their pending purchase.

Many of the Savannah employees hold certifications in gemology and specific diamond training, so customers can rely on the guidance they receive through the process of finding the perfect diamond for an engagement ring, anniversary piece or a special item for an individual's jewelry collection, according to McCain.

The new Mall Boulevard store will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m.

The official grand opening – complete with festivities and ribbon cutting – will be held this Thursday, Oct. 7 at 10 a.m., to which the public is invited. However, the store is now open. The new store's phone number is 912-354-4344.