• Sign In
  • Sign Up
Diamond Discussion
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Education
  • Diamond Search
  • Subscriptions
  • Advertising
Create an Ad More Ads
Undo
Do you want to report this? Why didn't you like it?
Misleading
Offensive
Inappropriate
Licensed Material
Other
Report
DealyShopper.com
dealyshopper.com
DealyShopper.com is a new website that currently focuses on Computer Builds, Financial discussions and Shopping tips
Undo
Do you want to report this? Why didn't you like it?
Misleading
Offensive
Inappropriate
Licensed Material
Other
Report
AIJV - Truly Independent
independent-jewel...
The Association of Independent Jewellery Valuers is a non-profit organisation with representation in ten countries.

Maarten de Witte

  • Updates
  • Info
  • Friends(16)
  • Albums(1)
  • Links(6)
  • Maarten de Witte
    Maarten de Witte added a new post to the forum: AGS Conclave 2011
    • June 19, 2011
  • Maarten de Witte
    Maarten de Witte Who is going to JCK in Vegas? Wanna get together?
    • May 6, 2011
    • View all 6 comments
    • Maarten de Witte
      Jim Summa Gonna skip JCK, loading up the van and heading to Arkansas...
      • May 7, 2011
    • Maarten de Witte
      Maarten de Witte Jim, call me when you find the Next Big Thing!!!
      • May 7, 2011
    • Maarten de Witte
      Adrian Smith Ironically, I am going to be in the area two days prior to it kicking off but need to be back in the UK. Have fun, ..... wish I was there too.
      • May 9, 2011
    • Maarten de Witte
      Evert Botha I am thinking of sponsoring a some diggers and sending them to Arkansas. Yes we can!
      • May 12, 2011
    • Maarten de Witte
      Antoinette Matlins Yes, would love to get together in Vegas! Antoinette
      • May 22, 2011
  • Yoram F.
    Yoram F. is now friends with Maarten de Witte.
    • April 26, 2011
  • PK
    PK is now friends with Maarten de Witte.
    • April 22, 2011
    • PK
      PK always was lol...
      • April 22, 2011
  • Maarten de Witte
    Maarten de Witte The financial markets are getting in the game...
    Cut Diamonds Outpacing Gold Still `Grossly Undervalued': Chart of the Day - Bloomberg
    Polished diamonds, beating gold this year, remain “grossly undervalued” relative to uncut gems and will extend gains on booming demand in India and China, WWW International Diamond Consultants Ltd. said.
    • April 20, 2011
  • Maarten de Witte
    Maarten de Witte Yet another take on the bauble bubble...
    Diamond Prices and the "Bubble" Question - Jewelers' Circular Keystone - JCK
    Diamond Prices and the "Bubble" Question - Jewelers' Circular Keystone - JCK
    Diamond Prices and the "Bubble" Question - Jewelers' Circular Keystone - JCK
    • April 14, 2011
    • View all 7 comments
    • Maarten de Witte
      Maarten de Witte Anyone who is stuck with overpriced goods without a buyer! Oddly enough it is exactly the same principle known popularly as the Ponzi Scheme.
      • April 15, 2011
    • Maarten de Witte
      Paul Slegers It would be interesting to check how little dimaond-prices went up in the past 20 years, especially in non-USD-terms. Maybe, what you now call overpriced is actually reflecting that diamonds were underpriced between 1990 and 2010. And maybe, that also exp...  moreIt would be interesting to check how little dimaond-prices went up in the past 20 years, especially in non-USD-terms. Maybe, what you now call overpriced is actually reflecting that diamonds were underpriced between 1990 and 2010. And maybe, that also explains the lack of new big diamond-finds in the past 10 years: it was not worth looking for them.  
      • April 16, 2011
    • Maarten de Witte
      C. At what point does this really affect, say, my annual insurance premium for my jewelry? I ask because last week, when I asked the person I purchased my engagement ring from if I could still get a replacement through him for the price I'm insured for curr...  moreAt what point does this really affect, say, my annual insurance premium for my jewelry? I ask because last week, when I asked the person I purchased my engagement ring from if I could still get a replacement through him for the price I'm insured for currently, he checked his Rap and concluded that for what he would sell to me at, yes, I am still okay with my current coverage. However, my appraiser, whom I also trust, says the replacement value of my ring has risen by 10k, based on these new rising costs. And that difference is huge in an insurance premium for me. It seems to me, the ones who suffer most are us consumers because we are now told we have to pay this increase even though those rough stones with the latest mark up, have not even come close to hitting the marketplace. Or am I not understanding the situation correctly?  less
      • April 16, 2011
    • Maarten de Witte
      Paul Slegers If your jewellery is currently insured at a realistic value (not inflated) at the time of purchase, I would strongly advise to check current pricing.
      • April 16, 2011
    • Maarten de Witte
      Maarten de Witte C. I agree with Paul on this. Your jewelry insurance should certainly reflect current replacement cost. If your jewelry is worth more now then when you bought it, then underinsuring it would ensure that you unduly suffer upon its loss or theft. P. My a...  moreC. I agree with Paul on this. Your jewelry insurance should certainly reflect current replacement cost. If your jewelry is worth more now then when you bought it, then underinsuring it would ensure that you unduly suffer upon its loss or theft. P. My answer to Jim's question is based on a hypothetical situation, regardless what we may think about current pricing.  
      • April 17, 2011
  • Maarten de Witte
    Maarten de Witte Just to set the record straight. Here is the Syndicate's official version...
    Diamonds.net - DTC’s Shine Confident That Rough Price Hikes Justified
    Diamonds.net - DTC’s Shine Confident That Rough Price Hikes Justified
    Rough diamond prices continue to reflect conditions in the market even with the steep increases experienced in the first quarter of 2011, Diamond Trading Company (DTC) chief executive Varda Shine told Rapaport News. “It’s important to look at the ro
    • April 12, 2011
    • Maarten de Witte
      Paul Slegers I have rarely witnessed them giving such straight figures. Nice.
      • April 13, 2011
  • Maarten de Witte
    Maarten de Witte Top quality diamond discounted by 62.5%... but WTF, it has an IGI cert!!!
    Not Such a Bargain: Costco Sells $1 Million Diamond Ring - TIME NewsFeed
    Not Such a Bargain: Costco Sells $1 Million Diamond Ring - TIME NewsFeed
    Not Such a Bargain: Costco Sells $1 Million Diamond Ring - TIME NewsFeed
    • April 9, 2011
    • View all 9 comments
    • Maarten de Witte
      Maarten de Witte PS Perhaps I am alone in thinking that even with "free" advertising, selling things at or near replacement cost is not a great business model. Especially when those things are superlative in nature and craftsmanship, as in this case a large D, FL Triple ...  morePS Perhaps I am alone in thinking that even with "free" advertising, selling things at or near replacement cost is not a great business model. Especially when those things are superlative in nature and craftsmanship, as in this case a large D, FL Triple X Cut diamond! I firmly believe that accepting, encouraging, and/or condoning this kind of foul practice on any level makes it all that much harder for decent small business people to attract and keep customers.  
      • April 12, 2011
    • Maarten de Witte
      Paul Slegers It is around cost if the grading is indeed correct, and if the IGI-report is accepted in the same way as a GIA-report, for instance. Since this is not the case, the actual Antwerp-cost of this stone is probably lower. I would bet that if you knew the sour...  moreIt is around cost if the grading is indeed correct, and if the IGI-report is accepted in the same way as a GIA-report, for instance. Since this is not the case, the actual Antwerp-cost of this stone is probably lower. I would bet that if you knew the source of this stone, you could offer it for a price slightly under Costco. With better service too.  
      • April 12, 2011
    • Maarten de Witte
      Maarten de Witte As stated, above this stone DOES have a current GIA cert (November 2010) and, it is EX polish symmetry and cut. The IGI documentation is obviously provided for "independent valuation". The thing I object to most is that this gem is being touted as being ...  moreAs stated, above this stone DOES have a current GIA cert (November 2010) and, it is EX polish symmetry and cut. The IGI documentation is obviously provided for "independent valuation". The thing I object to most is that this gem is being touted as being worth $600,000 more than the selling price. This kind of balderdash is an insult to the integrity of honest brokers who need to maintain reasonable margins and ethical practices.  
      • April 12, 2011
    • Maarten de Witte
      Diana proving that even diamonds can be funny: http://color-n-ice.blogspot.com/2011/04/ok-lets-get-12-pack-of-paper-towels-hot.html...  moreproving that even diamonds can be funny: http://color-n-ice.blogspot.com/2011/04/ok-lets-get-12-pack-of-paper-towels-hot.html (in the spirit of transparency, you know it's my blog don't you?)  
      • April 20, 2011
    • Maarten de Witte
      Maarten de Witte Cute Diana. You are everywhere.
      • April 20, 2011
  • Maarten de Witte
    Maarten de Witte Just back from the Smart Show in Chicago. I was there all day Saturday and business looked very slow. I had many private "off-line" discussions about "what (TF) is happening with diamond prices". While it is acknowledged that there ...  moreJust back from the Smart Show in Chicago. I was there all day Saturday and business looked very slow. I had many private "off-line" discussions about "what (TF) is happening with diamond prices". While it is acknowledged that there was a frenzy of buying at the Hong Kong Show and strong demand at Basel, the big unanswered question is whether all the buying will actually result in sell-through to the end consumer. If not, then we are in the throes of a speculative upward spiral with the last buyer (left holding the goods) being the biggest loser. Because, ultimately reorders are the basis of sound pricing and fundamental business.  less
    Constant rise in diamond prices a concern
    Constant rise in diamond prices a concern
    In the past two years, the prices of some categories of low-end roughs have risen by 300 per cent.
    • April 4, 2011
  • Evert Botha
    Evert Botha is now friends with Maarten de Witte.
    • March 23, 2011
  • Maarten de Witte
    Maarten de Witte Here is a very interesting piece about the skyrocketing price of rough from Chaim Evan Zohar...
    IDEX Online News - The Rough Market: A Nice Place to Commit Suicide
    IDEX Online News - The Rough Market: A Nice Place to Commit Suicide
    IDEX Online News - The Rough Market: A Nice Place to Commit Suicide
    • March 17, 2011
    • Maarten de Witte
      Jim Caudill - DD Admin Wow! The candor and subject mater of this article make it a MUST read. Does anybody else see a similarity here? …bubbles bursting… Thanks Maarten! Jim Caudill, DD Admin
      • March 17, 2011
    • Maarten de Witte
      Paul Slegers Indeed, a must-read article. But I would advise against the mistake of blaming all developments on this one cause. There are various developments at play.
      • March 18, 2011
  • Valerie
    Valerie is now friends with Maarten de Witte.
    • February 27, 2011
  • Maarten de Witte
    Maarten de Witte is now friends with Diana.
    • February 24, 2011
  • Maarten de Witte
    Maarten de Witte → Q: Does the Q really look like Kojack?
    • February 17, 2011
    • Maarten de Witte
      Q I guess my avatar's hair is a bit off, but the other features are pretty accurate. I tend to wear t-shirts, for example. And I have a neck.
      • February 17, 2011
  • Q
    Q is now friends with Maarten de Witte.
    • February 17, 2011
  • Pete
    Pete: You can't go wrong being friends with Maarten.
    • February 16, 2011
    • Pete
      Maarten de Witte Oh, for Pete's sake.
      • February 17, 2011
  • Pete
    Pete is now friends with Maarten de Witte.
    • February 16, 2011
  • Maarten de Witte
    Maarten de Witte → Pat Henneberry: Hey, good to see you Pat. Where on Earth have you been hiding?
    • February 9, 2011
    • Maarten de Witte
      Pat Henneberry So, so busy with The Jewelry Coach. Things are going great! How about you? Love the profile pic...would like to be on the beach right now (;
      • February 10, 2011
    • Maarten de Witte
      Maarten de Witte Me too. Its too cold in Scottsdale, heading back to California on Sunday.
      • February 10, 2011
  • Maarten de Witte
    Maarten de Witte is now friends with Pat Henneberry.
    • February 9, 2011
  • Maarten de Witte
    Maarten de Witte Thanks for the advice on the photos Jim.
    • February 9, 2011
    • Maarten de Witte
      Jim Caudill - DD Admin My pleasure… Thanks for taking the time! I encourage everyone to check them out. Jim Caudill, DD Admin
      • February 9, 2011
  • Lieve Peeters
    Lieve Peeters is now friends with Maarten de Witte.
    • January 28, 2011
  • Maarten de Witte
    Maarten de Witte is now friends with Brian Denney.
    • January 27, 2011
    • Maarten de Witte
      Brian Denney Urbana to Cali huh. Can't say I blame ya. I went to college in urbana
      • January 27, 2011
  • Maarten de Witte
    Maarten de Witte is now friends with Brian Gavin .
    • January 5, 2011
  • Paul Slegers
    Paul Slegers is now friends with Maarten de Witte.
    • January 5, 2011
  • Jim Caudill - DD Admin
    Jim Caudill - DD Admin is now friends with Maarten de Witte.
    • January 4, 2011
  • Maarten de Witte
    Maarten de Witte is now friends with Wink Jones.
    • January 4, 2011
  • Maarten de Witte
    Maarten de Witte is now friends with John Pollard.
    • January 4, 2011
  • Maarten de Witte
    Maarten de Witte Thanks to Jim for getting this started. Looking forward to seeing it fly.
    • January 4, 2011
    • John Pollard likes this.
  • Maarten de Witte
    Maarten de Witte has just signed up. Say hello!
    • January 4, 2011
View More
Loading ...

Personal Information

  • First Name Maarten
  • Last Name (public-optional) de Witte
  • Gender Male
  • Birthday October 25, 1951
  • Current City Petaluma, CA
  • Hometown Urbana, IL
  • About Me I'm a diamond worker. I love designing, crafting, refurbishing, appraising, branding, researching, and teaching about fine diamonds.

Professional Information

  • Degrees-Credentials Graduate Gemologist, Certified Gemologist, Bachelor of Arts - African Studies - University of Illinois, Master of Science - Minerals Geography - University of Illinois
  • Company Name The Diamond Worker
  • Company Sector Research-Education
  • Company Facebook http://www.facebook.com/maarten.dewitte
  • Company Country United States
  • Jim Caudill - DD Admin Valentine’s Day… HELP! Any suggestions from the pros???
  • Wink Jones I posted something about many jewelers not liking custom work in the forum, Jim has suggested I link to it from the main page here.  This is intended more for consumers than for the pros that are here now, but you may enjoy it also. Wink
  • Paul Slegers Just saw a consumer-discussion on a diamond-forum, where 8 potential diamonds were discussed. For the fun of it, I checked how much I would offer maximum on each stone, in order to re-cut them to our quality. Results compared to sales-price ranged from 51% to 83% of the sales-price. The two scoring more than 80% probably represent correct value for the consumer. Too bad about the other 6.
  • Pete Hey Neil:  Welcome aboard!  How's it going up in the Great White North?  The way the weather seems to be changing I wouldn't be surprised if you said it was above 0 up there.  
  • John Pollard
Previous
Next

  • Wall Photo­s 1 photo

Previous
Next
  • Cut Diamonds Outpacing Gold Still `Grossly Undervalued': Chart of the Day - Bloomberg
    Polished diamonds, beating gold this year, remain “grossly undervalued” relative to uncut gems and will extend gains on booming demand in India and China, WWW International Diamond Consultants Ltd. said.
  • Diamond Prices and the "Bubble" Question - Jewelers' Circular Keystone - JCK
    Diamond Prices and the "Bubble" Question - Jewelers' Circular Keystone - JCK
  • Diamonds.net - DTC’s Shine Confident That Rough Price Hikes Justified
    Rough diamond prices continue to reflect conditions in the market even with the steep increases experienced in the first quarter of 2011, Diamond Trading Company (DTC) chief executive Varda Shine told Rapaport News. “It’s important to look at the ro
  • Not Such a Bargain: Costco Sells $1 Million Diamond Ring - TIME NewsFeed
    Not Such a Bargain: Costco Sells $1 Million Diamond Ring - TIME NewsFeed
  • Constant rise in diamond prices a concern
    In the past two years, the prices of some categories of low-end roughs have risen by 300 per cent.
  • IDEX Online News - The Rough Market: A Nice Place to Commit Suicide
    IDEX Online News - The Rough Market: A Nice Place to Commit Suicide
Copyright ©2012  -  Terms of Service  -  Privacy Policy  -  Website Rules  -  Contact