Of course, there are disadvantages to online auction sites. We must remember that gemstones are not books or CDs and require a level of experience to purchase confidently. Trade-only networks address that problem and have the potential to offer all of the advantages of online auction sites. The fate of individual sites depends on whether or not they can capture enough of the online market to make the site a destination. In the Internet world, success is all about traffic.
Companies hope to attract users to their site by distinguishing themselves from the competition.
Although the sites mentioned in this article offer the same basic services - ability to post and search for individual merchandise, financing options to insure payment, shipping and insurance, etc. Technologically we're superior - we've spared no expense developing this site. We are not owned or controlled by any one entity in the jewelry trade. The goal is first to support the industry and second to make money. This is going to separate us from the other sites out there.