Howard Levine steps down from Chalfen of London to start new venture

After more than 12 years, Howard Levine has announced his departure from Chalfen of London.

Citing his reasons for leaving as wanting to “follow his passion”, Chalfen of London will continue as normal with Sonny Akhtar in his place.

Levine will be setting up new company Diamnet to give jewellers a new strategy, innovative instore experience and the ability to compete online.

Saying that it’s “getting harder” for bricks-and-mortar retailers to secure the engagement ring sale, Levine hopes to give jewellers an “answer” with the company

Diamnet says it will reduce costs for retailers whilst making them more competitive and giving their customers more choice. It promises to bring diamonds cutters and ring mount manufacturers closer to the jeweller in a combined effort to bring engagement ring sales back to retailers.

Levine said: “The way diamonds and diamond rings are distributed right now hasn’t really changed in years and something clearly needs to give.

“The internet is eating everybody’s lunch and bricks-and-mortar retailers have to find a new way to compete – I will make the solution both affordable and super easy to integrate.”