I founded Voltaire Diamonds in 2008.  In the years since, Voltaire Diamonds has grown to become Ireland’s leading diamonds-by-appointment service, enabling thousands of happy couples to purchase beautiful diamond engagement rings at prices below retail.

WHERE VOLTAIRE BEGAN:

Market Insight 1:  During a conversation with a jeweller at a party, I discovered that the markup for diamond jewellery, sold at retail, was surprisingly high. This markup was justified because high street jewellers have significant expenses such as rent in premium locations, staff costs, stock costs and insurance – however – high markup means high prices for customers.

Market Insight 2:  When I investigated the customer experience of buying engagement rings at retail, I discovered that high street retail environments often have an inappropriate atmosphere for couples to relax fully and take their time enjoying the most important jewellery purchase of their lives.

With these insights in mind, I saw an opportunity for a new kind of jewellery business and set about studying with and getting certified by the GIA.

A business model powered by word-of-mouth

I realised a business worth trying was providing a diamonds-by-appointment service, whereby I could meet couples privately in their homes or private offices.

This would allow me to avoid the high costs of retail jewellers and pass these savings onto my customers while creating a more personal, relaxed experience.

The combination of better prices and a more personal experience led to many satisfied customers and my business grew through word-of-mouth, amplified by good reviews people posted online.

Despite being founded during the midst of the recession, Voltaire Diamonds has grown to become a well known Irish brand and now has permanent offices near to St Stephen’s Green and Hatton Garden in London.

The satisfaction of adding a little sparkle

It is a priviledge to operate a business that creates so much joy for customers. I enjoy the moment couples look upon a ring for the first time and then come back months later for wedding bands.

Voltaire Diamonds is a source of continuing satisfaction for me in social settings too, especially when I meet customers in various venues around Dublin and Ireland.  Many remember me and walk up straight away, showing me how their ring sparkles and remark about how happy and delighted they are.

Merrion Vaults is the first independently owned safe deposit box facility in Ireland and is 100% Irish owned and operated. Merrion Vaults provides custodial services to private individuals and businesses, allowing them to safeguard their most valued possessions in a secure state-of-the-art purpose-built vault.

Searching for security:

As I grew Voltaire Diamonds, I encountered many frustrations with finding secure locations to store diamond jewellery in Dublin – my options were very limited.  However, in London, it was common for diamond and precious gemstone traders to store their valuables in private safe deposit facilities so this contrast was clear for me

I envisaged an opportunity to build a safe deposit facility for the Irish market and began by testing market demand.

Validating demand via expressions of interest:

I began by setting up a website that explained a safe deposit box service was forthcoming in Dublin.  By promoting this website, I generated a large number of leads and expressions of interest, which confirmed my personal experience – there was significant demand in Dublin.

In conjunction with my business partner, we set about researching what it would take to build a state-of-the-art facility and investigated suitable locations.  After some false starts with premises that turned out to be less suitable, we found the perfect place and over the next 18 months, Merrion Vaults was launched.  The expression of interest list provided a source of initial customers and we set about promoting the availability of safe deposit boxes in Dublin.

When preparation and opportunity meet:

With Merrion Vaults fully operational and insured by Lloyds of London, we had a lucky break.  Ulster Bank announced to its entire customer base withdrawal of safe deposit box facilities and suggested Merrion Vaults as an alternative.  This boosted our initial customer base and added to our momentum.  This helped us sustain the business as it grew towards profitability.

Merrion Gold offers unrivalled expertise in the precious metals arena. Co-located on site at Merrion Vaults, Merrion Gold allows clients to order and purchase various precious metals to hold as a store of wealth.

Building a bullion business

From supplying top quality diamond jewellery, I was deeply familiar with the market for precious metals.  With Voltaire Diamonds already a successful business, it was straight forward to setup a bullion business.

Bolstered by the growing credibility of Merrion Vaults, my business partner and I also realised that many clients wanted to store precious metals in their safe deposit boxes and some asked us where they could purchase these.  As the options in the Irish market were limited, we added a co-located business that allowed Irish clients to purchase gold.

This allowed for cross promotion with our Vault businesses and for clients to benefit from a highly secure location from which they could purchase, and if they wished, store their precious metals.

Merrion Gold has now grown to become a leading provider of bullion in the Dublin market, supplying customers from all across Ireland.