Diamonds to be traded on the .ru zone

Russia's largest lapidary enterprise, Kristall in Smolensk, is commencing trading in unmounted diamonds over the Internet. Kristall's entry to the Internet is a result of the fall in demand for cut and uncut diamonds on the world market (according to ALROSA data the surplus is estimated at $500-700 million). With the opening of the Internet store the company hopes to compensate expected losses. Clients can make use of the services of FSUE Glavny Tsentr Spetssviazi [Chief Special Communications Centre] (it transports for Gokhran and the Bank of Russia), and they don't need to travel to Smolensk to get the goods. Furthermore, the costs of the shipper (0.7 – 1%) are considerably lower than the mark up in the shops (25%). However by no means all experts predict a rosy future. Particular note is made of the fact that Kristall has no experience in retail trade. In addition, diamonds are something that you want to hold in your hand before purchasing, while the Internet is not the most romantic of places for making such a selection.