'Net News

Eugene Biro Corp. has created a Web site template that can be personalized with a jeweler's logo, store history, store contact information, customer-service policy, and other material.

The site contains a complete listing of Eugene Biro merchandise, including certified loose diamonds as well as diamond and gold jewelry. Consumers can search for diamonds according to shape, size, color, and quality. They can also search for rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. All prices on the template are keystone; jewelers can change the prices to suit their own pricing policies.

There is a $35 annual registration fee for a minimum of two years. Eugene Biro provides the jewelry, drop shipping, and a secure server for credit card processing. The company also provides a tracking system that enables jewelers to determine who is coming to the site and what pages they spend the most time examining.

The template site is located at www.5Debc.com. For information, contact Eugene Biro Corp. at 37 W. 47th St., 11th Floor, New York, NY 10036; (800) 223-3535 or (212) 997-0146, fax (212) 764-4506, www.EugeneBiro.com.

Two New York entrepreneurs, Shella Eckhouse and Gil Ben Meir, have founded Inspiration Jewelry Inc., a Web site (www.anyjewel.com) that enables consumers to design their engagement and wedding rings. After the ring is designed, clients can contact Inspiration to purchase the item at a retail jewelry store in their area.

The site also features “Elements of Inspiration” pages, which showcase up-and-coming jewelry designers for clients who are not comfortable designing their own jewelry.

Inspiration Jewelry recently opened an e-commerce store on the Lycos Network, enabling customers to buy high-end jewelry online or click through to the Inspiration Web site to create their own designs. The storefront is found on http://store1.lycos.com/anyjewel.

Leslie's, a Greenwich, Conn., gold jewelry importer, has launched a Web site, www.leslies.com.

Jewelers visiting the site may request a catalog or a visit from a Leslie's sales representative, receive answers to their customer-service questions within 24 hours, and review available merchandise.

The company plans to make the site a fully functional e-commerce vehicle, enabling customers to browse its entire catalog online, review special offers, and order merchandise.

Presentation Box & Display of Pawtucket, R.I., has launched a new Web site, www.JewelryPackaging.com.

Visitors to the site can order boxes and displays online. Featured on the site are Presentation's selection of unimprinted packaging products as well as white leatherette displays.

Ptak Brothers Inc., a New York manufacturing firm celebrating its 53rd year in business, has launched a Web site, www.ptakbrothers.com.

The site offers various e-commerce features as well as an online version of the company's catalog.