Rittenhouse Wholesale: Where South Carolina Jewelers and Designers Source Materials

What Rittenhouse Wholesale is and who shops there

Rittenhouse Wholesale is a jewelry supply distributor based in Philadelphia that serves professional jewelers, designers, and repair shops across the country, including South Carolina. The company stocks loose diamonds, gemstones, findings, tools, and finished pieces—the raw materials and components that jewelers use to create custom work, repair heirloom pieces, and build inventory for their own retail operations.

Unlike a retail jewelry store where you walk in and buy a finished ring or necklace, Rittenhouse sells primarily to the trade: people who work with jewelry professionally. A Charleston custom jeweler might order white gold settings and lab-grown diamonds from Rittenhouse to fulfill a client's engagement ring design. A Greenville repair shop might restock their inventory of clasps, chains, and stone-setting tools. Independent designers across the state use Rittenhouse as a reliable source for materials that meet their specifications and budget.

The company has been operating since 1948 and maintains a physical showroom in Philadelphia's historic Jewelry District, though they also serve customers through their website and phone orders. For South Carolina jewelers and designers, Rittenhouse offers the advantage of established relationships, consistent quality, and the ability to see and handle materials before committing to larger orders.

Key Takeaways

• Rittenhouse Wholesale supplies professional jewelers, designers, and repair shops with diamonds, gemstones, findings, and tools—not finished pieces for consumers.
• The company stocks both loose stones and components, allowing jewelers to source everything needed for custom work and repairs in one place.
• South Carolina jewelers can order online, by phone, or visit the Philadelphia showroom to view materials and build relationships with the sales team.
• Rittenhouse caters to the trade rather than retail customers, meaning pricing and minimum orders reflect professional business relationships.

Types of materials Rittenhouse stocks

Rittenhouse carries a broad range of diamonds and gemstones, including natural diamonds graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), lab-created diamonds, and colored stones such as sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Jewelers can order stones already certified or request custom grading for specific projects. The inventory includes both high-end stones for luxury work and more affordable options for everyday pieces and repairs.

Beyond stones, Rittenhouse stocks jewelry findings and components: gold and silver settings in various styles, chains, clasps, bezels, prongs, and mounting systems. They carry tools for jewelers—polishing equipment, soldering supplies, sizing tools, and specialized instruments for stone setting and repair. This range means a jeweler can often source multiple categories of materials from a single supplier, simplifying ordering and logistics.

The company also maintains inventory of finished pieces and semi-finished components for jewelers who prefer to buy ready-made elements rather than fabricate everything from scratch. This flexibility allows different business models—some jewelers buy raw materials and create entirely custom pieces, while others assemble finished components into their own designs.

How South Carolina jewelers work with Rittenhouse

Professional jewelers in South Carolina typically establish an account with Rittenhouse, which allows them to place orders by phone, email, or through the company's online platform. Many build ongoing relationships with specific sales representatives who understand their preferences, budget, and the types of projects they typically undertake. This relationship-based approach means a jeweler can call with a specific need—"I need three GIA-certified one-carat diamonds in the D-to-F color range for engagement rings this month"—and the rep can source options quickly.

Orders can be placed for immediate shipment or arranged for pickup at the Philadelphia showroom if a jeweler is traveling to the Jewelry District. Some jewelers make periodic trips to Philadelphia to view new inventory, attend industry events, and handle larger purchases in person. For those who prefer remote ordering, Rittenhouse provides detailed product descriptions, images, and certification information online.

Pricing for wholesale customers reflects trade rates rather than retail markups. Minimum order quantities and account requirements vary depending on the jeweler's volume and relationship history with the company. New accounts may have different terms than established customers with a track record of regular orders.

Why jewelers choose Rittenhouse over other suppliers

Rittenhouse's reputation in the jewelry trade rests on consistent quality, reliable inventory, and established relationships. Jewelers who have worked with the company for years often stay because they know what to expect: stones are accurately graded, findings are well-made, and customer service understands the demands of the jewelry business. For a custom jeweler whose reputation depends on the quality of materials they use, that consistency matters.

The company's location in Philadelphia's Jewelry District also gives it credibility and access to a deep network of suppliers and industry contacts. Jewelers who visit the showroom can examine stones under proper lighting, compare color and clarity in person, and build face-to-face relationships with the team. For remote orders, the company's long history and established reputation in the trade provide confidence that materials will arrive as described.

South Carolina jewelers also appreciate Rittenhouse's range—the ability to source diamonds, colored stones, findings, and tools from one supplier reduces the need to coordinate with multiple vendors. For a busy repair shop or a small design studio, that efficiency translates to time and money saved.

Getting started as a Rittenhouse customer

Jewelers interested in opening an account with Rittenhouse can contact the company directly through their website or by phone. The process typically involves providing business information, references, and details about the type of work the jeweler does. Rittenhouse uses this information to understand the customer's needs and set appropriate account terms.

First-time orders may require payment upfront or a deposit, depending on the account terms negotiated. Once an account is established and a payment history is built, many customers gain access to net payment terms, allowing them to pay after receiving materials. The company can also discuss volume discounts and special ordering arrangements for jewelers who have consistent, larger needs.

For South Carolina jewelers who have not yet worked with a wholesale supplier, Rittenhouse's sales team can walk through the ordering process, explain grading and certification standards, and help identify which materials fit specific projects and budgets. This educational approach is part of how the company serves the trade—many jewelers, especially those early in their careers, benefit from guidance on sourcing decisions.

Understanding wholesale pricing and minimums

Wholesale pricing at Rittenhouse reflects the trade market for diamonds and gemstones, which fluctuates based on global supply, demand, and commodity prices. A loose diamond that costs $5,000 at retail might be available at wholesale for significantly less, but the exact price depends on the stone's characteristics (carat weight, color, clarity, cut), certification, and current market conditions. Gemstones and findings also vary in price based on quality, material, and market factors.

Minimum order quantities exist for some product categories, particularly for bulk findings or tools. A jeweler might need to order a minimum quantity of clasps or bezels to get the best pricing, though smaller orders are often possible at a higher per-unit cost. Diamonds and gemstones typically have no strict minimums, but larger orders or regular purchasing patterns may unlock better pricing.

Account terms—how long a customer has to pay after receiving materials—depend on the jeweler's credit history, volume, and relationship with Rittenhouse. New accounts often pay upfront or with a deposit. Established customers with a solid payment record may receive net-30 or net-60 terms, allowing them to pay after the materials arrive and are incorporated into finished pieces or repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy from Rittenhouse if I'm just starting out as a jeweler?

Yes, though new accounts may have different terms than established businesses. You will likely need to provide business information and may be required to pay upfront for initial orders. Contact Rittenhouse directly to discuss account setup and what documentation they need from you.

Do I have to visit Philadelphia to shop at Rittenhouse?

No. You can order online, by phone, or by email from anywhere, including South Carolina. Many jewelers do visit the Philadelphia showroom periodically to view inventory in person and build relationships with the sales team, but it is not required to do business with the company.

What if I need a specific diamond or gemstone that Rittenhouse doesn't have in stock?

Rittenhouse can often source stones to order. Contact your sales representative with the specifications you need—carat weight, color, clarity, certification—and they can search their network and suppliers to find what you are looking for. Lead times and pricing vary depending on the stone and current market availability.

Are Rittenhouse diamonds certified?

Many are, particularly higher-value stones, which typically come with GIA or other recognized gemological certifications. Rittenhouse also stocks uncertified stones and can arrange certification for specific purchases. Ask your sales representative about certification options when placing an order.

How do I know if Rittenhouse's pricing is competitive?

Compare quotes from multiple wholesale suppliers for the same materials. Rittenhouse's pricing is generally competitive within the trade, but prices for diamonds and gemstones vary based on market conditions and the specific characteristics of each stone. Building a relationship with a sales representative can also help you understand pricing and negotiate terms as your business grows.