Welcome to our blog. As you may very well know, we are the leading place to match your diamond and engagement rings online.
Please come back now and then to see what we're up to.
For now;
Welcome to Engagement Rings Direct -Your direct source for premium diamonds and quality engagement rings.
As technology shapes the new face of the diamond industry, buyers have access to education, products and pricing as never before. However, what is often lost in this high-tech environment is one of the most important factors in diamond buying – the relationship between a buyer and his jeweler.
With over 150 years of combined experience within the diamond industry, Engagement Rings Direct is more than just an online diamond seller. We are trusted consultants, guiding each of our clients through the purchase process and tailoring information and selections to their individual tastes and budget.
Through our extensive dealer network, Engagement Rings Direct chooses only those diamonds that exhibit qualities which offer true value in diamond buying. We inspect each diamond prior to shipping, offer competitive pricing, great service and on-time delivery. We also provide limitless possibilities in custom jewelry design.
Our friendly staff consists of former gemologists from the GIA and our President, Mark Turnowski, is a graduate gemologist and appraiser. We have the experience and knowledge to properly answer any gemological question.
If you have any questions or inquiries, please feel free to contact us directly at 212.221.1594. We look forward to working with you to select the perfect diamond.
Meet Our Representatives:
Meet Mark Turnowski
Mark Turnowski, President of online diamond retailer, Engagement Rings Direct, has been a prominent member of the diamond industry for over 33 years. Mark’s career began in 1976 as a Senior Staff member at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in New York. Mark has held various positions in the diamond industry ever since. He left GIA in 1978 and became a private consultant to the diamond trade, specializing in re-cutting diamonds to maximize their clarity and cut. This position put him in contact with many members of the diamond manufacturing community which he utilizes today when selecting the finest diamonds for his customers. In the following years, Mark has held the position of the First laboratory Director of the International Gemological Institute (IGI). Mark has also been hired as an appraiser for numerous accounting firms such as Peat Marwick and Arthur Anderson. In 1996 Mark started his own jewelry design company entitled MTI Designs, which featured custom designs in rings, earrings, necklaces and pendants.
In 2001, Mark founded the online based wholesale jewelry company, Engagement Rings Direct. ERD specializes in bringing wholesale diamonds and custom jewelry to the online community.
Mark Turnowski has an impeccable reputation both online and offline, from both the diamond industry and the private sector. This reputation has been the foundation of both Mark's success and ensures he will remain servicing diamond buyers for years to come.
Mark can be reached directly at mark@engagementringsdirect.com
Dan Gillen is considered one of the top gemologists in the diamond grading field. To date, he has graded over 400,000 diamonds ranging from 13 points to well over 200 carats - including the 273.85 carat Centenary Diamond.
Dan spent 25 years as a member of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). He was involved with GIA cut grade analysis before its inception and eventually made his way to Director of the NY Diamond Lab. After moving on from the GIA, Dan became the Director of diamond grading at the GCAL. He has taught many of the top graders that went on to promising careers at GIA, IGI and AGS and has given diamond grading presentations in Atlanta, Chicago and Las Vegas.
Dan offers a wealth of technical knowledge which compliments his vast experience viewing the finest cut diamonds and has a respected relationship with many of the top diamond manufacturers in the world.
Dan can be reached directly at dan@engagementringsdirect.com
With over 30 years of experience as a diamond industry professional, Gary Friedman brings to ERD his keen eye as a buyer and his sharply honed skill of selecting the best merchandise for the best price. For two decades, Gary was the senior diamond buyer for one of the nation's largest ring companies, traveling the global markets to source and purchase over $50 million of engagement ring diamonds a year. Many of the well-known jewelry brands in America were quality assured under Gary's watch, carefully screened for excellence and consistency of stone and workmanship.
Gary's wealth of knowledge specifically in diamond rings gives you one of the sharpest eyes in the business to choose your stone for you. The expertise and personal service you expect from a high quality jeweler. Gary is there for you every step of the way to help you make this highly personal decision.
Gary can be reached directly at gf@engagementringsdirect.com
Robert (Bob) Bogel is regarded as one of the leading authorities in the in the world of gemology. In his distinguished career, Robert became one of the first gemologists at the GIA, oversaw cutting at one of the diamond industry’s leading manufacturers. He has been personally involved with sourcing, cutting and selling some of the most desirable diamonds in existence.
Robert Bogel is also considered a foremost authority on natural color diamonds. For the last several years, Robert has been at the center of the exclusive natural color diamond market. Robert was the previous owner of the "Rob Red" diamond, one of the rarest gemstones on earth.
With a reputation for honest, openness and integrity, Engagement Rings Direct is truly excited to have Robert Bogel as a member of the staff.
Robert can be reached directly at bob@engagementringsdirect.com
ERD is proud to announce the addition of Chris Anadiotis to our group of diamond and jewelry experts.
Chris brings 15 years of experience, his love of diamonds and his commitment to design that will result in extraordinary jewelry. During his five year tenure as Director of Sales and Marketing for the prestigious firm "Designs by Vatche", Chris served as liaison to some of the world's most renowned bridal retailers, sharing in their love of creating classic designs. Over the years, Chris accumulated a wealth of knowledge in the elite designer bridal diamond market. His highly trained eye enables him to pay close attention to the tiniest detail, curve, and finish, which are the hallmarks of fine jewelry. His many contacts within the bridal market allow Chris to utilize the highest degree of craftsmanship the industry offers, and bring this passion and creativity to ERD. Chris wishes to focus his attention on providing ERD customers with the ultimate in selection, education and quality that ERD can offer.
Chris can be reached directly at Chris@engagementringsdirect.com
