‘All That Glitters’ Archives
Precious or semi-precious, what’s the difference?
Most retail jewelers will consider this question an easy way to suffocate a sale, but nevertheless it is an intelligent question. What would be expected to be a rare or expensive gemstone has changed over the centuries. We all know the four basic precious gemstones: the king of kings, the diamond; and then, of course, the ruby; the emerald; and [...]
Summer dazed
Another season has passed and the dragon fly summer is in full bloom. Fortunately for me, I had an OK season; I certainly didn’t break any sales records, with the price of gold being at an all time high, not to mention the economy. I’m truly grateful that my two island shops are still functioning and healthy; a special “thanks” to my [...]
Saving Nana’s ring
Not long ago I spent an hour trying to convince a very determined young woman accompanied by her mother not to tear apart a diamond ring she had recently inherited. “But I don’t like it!” she cried. “It” was a ring that belonged to her grandmother who had recently passed away and bestowed to her only granddaughter who she obviously [...]
The cost of indecision
Most of my loyal readers know that I’m primarily a goldsmith, but I am also an entrepreneur and also run a gift and clothing boutique on the island with my wife and there is no more joyful experience than dealing with the public. Please don’t misunderstand the slight sarcasm. I have worked with the public from the tender age of fourteen in [...]
Have you been swindled today?
Many years ago I touched on this subject: Hotel Auctions. It begins with a full page newspaper ad, at a major hotel here or in Naples. Promises of seized jewelry or art to be auctioned off at ridiculously low prices for two days only! (Supposedly procured from drug busts, tax seizures and my favorite, “from the B. Maddoff estate”.) My advice: [...]
Where’s the gold?
I had to do something totally against character the other day: I refused to repair a piece of jewelry for a new customer. Now wait... those of you that know me personally are probably shocked and appalled because normally I will accept all jewelry repairs no matter how complicated or challenging. The hundreds of repairs my shop pushes out a [...]
Jewelry comeback-kids
It’s no secret that jewelry styles and designs tend to follow ladies’ fashion trends. If it goes out of style, sometimes it is only a matter of time before it will be the rage again. Many of today’s fashion statements are actually statements of the past. Lately that would include name pendants, bracelets and even rings. Talk about [...]
Avoid beautifully impractical jewelry
Unusually beautiful and equally expensive, but why is it such a nuisance to wear? In my line of work I am often called upon to right terrible wrongs. No, nothing like the nostalgic super hero Mighty Mouse, yet I am expected “to save the day,” so to speak. I’m talking about jewelry that has issues, like “it hangs all wrong,” or “it [...]
Little Ms. Prongless
So here I go again harping on and on about “Rings, prongs and the women who abuse them!” Oh! It’s touchy subject? Thirty times a day or more, I either offer or I’m asked to clean customer’s rings. Suntan lotion, soap, and most basic food groups can get lodged behind diamonds and gemstones making them dull and listless. But after some [...]
You are what you wear
Years ago I wrote a story about how I could roughly figure a customer’s personality by the kind of watch they might wear. I got many chuckles and bent a few noses out of joint regardless of the fact it was mostly true. And you know what? The same can be seen by the jewelry one wears also. Jewelry personifies sophistication, class or [...]
