Local jewelers heading to Antwerp for diamonds

SPENCER — Debbie Basinger and Joshua Barnhardt of Barnhardt Jewelers are leaving soon for Antwerp, Belgium, known as the diamond capital of the world.

They recently joined the Independent Jewelers Organization, which has six diamond offices in the historic city, according to a press release.

Basinger and Barnhardt will be able to buy directly from the diamond cutters and have access to inventory far greater than they could find in the United States.

“We learned that in 2020, Antwerp will celebrate 500 years in the diamond industry,” stated Debbie’s, son Josh. “I know there are other locations for diamond buying, but about two-thirds of the world’s diamonds are traded in Antwerp, and that’s why we’re going.”

Basinger said some people think they can select a stone on the internet, “but there’s no way to tell if that stone has fire, has life. I need it to say something to me. If I’m going to put my name and my reputation behind a diamond, I’m going to be certain it’s the quality for which Barnhardt Jewelers is known.”

Antwerp diamond offices used to be accessible only to diamond wholesalers, according to Jeff Roberts, president and CEO of  the Independent Jewelers Organization. He said his father, the founder of the organization, helped open the door for independents. “I’m proud to say these trips have had a profound effect on our membership, and their customers.”

Barnhardt Jewelers is located at 314 S. Salisbury Ave. in Spencer, and they can be reached at 704-633-0618.

Bradley Personnel opens Mocksville location

MOCKSVILLE — Bradley Personnel Inc. is opening a new office at 41 Court Square, Suite 203, to better serve clients in Davie County, Rowan County and the surrounding areas.

The new Mocksville location will provide the company’s full range of staffing options, temporary to full time, including direct job placement, professional placement, project-based staffing and traditional temporary job placement staffing.

Moreover, Mocksville’s staff look forward to bringing Bradley Personnel’s tradition of developing long-term relationships, with both their customers and their community, to the area.

For more information call 336-596-4966, or apply online at www.bradleypersonnel.com.