It’s Always Something

Everything was chugging along wonderfully, life was good, business was great, and people were wonderful! (Well, not all people). Even though there was a health epidemic, unrest in the Ukraine, a shaky stock market and an economy that put the pinch on many of us and is still affecting many Americans. 

On top of all that we survived yet another disastrous hurricane and put it behind us like we do every single time. We stouthearted Southwest Floridians just shrug it off, roll up our sleeves, clean up, repair and rebuild. Even when all that is thrown at us, we endure it knowing every year there will be another hurricane season. Some folks throw in the towel and leave even after only one encounter with Mother Nature - I have actually lost count how many I have had to endure since my arrival here in 1994. I had just missed Hurricane Andrew, so since then, it has to be four or five at the least. My family up north still thinks I have lost my mind because I’m still living and running as a business here.

Despite an historic pandemic, numerous tropical storms, no lack of hurricanes, you can also add to that the never-ending hogwash of doom and gloom the media has been pumping to all of us who care to listen on a daily basis.                                          

Incredibly, the island enjoyed two fantastic seasons in a row!

This island is incredible! Anywhere else in the country, just one of the things mentioned above could turn and has turned most cities into a dilapidated wasteland.  

There was a noticeable change in the way things had been going previously this past summer - I heard it was called “Spite Traveling,” the phrase coined by the CEO of Delta Airlines himself. It was the result of everyone barricading themselves in their homes for close to two years, the release was everybody everywhere, including their dogs, hit the airports to vacation domestically and abroad. I was in Europe this past summer and all major airports and tourist destinations were packed beyond belief. A customer told me she was in Italy in July and all the major cities such as Florence, Rome and Venice were jam packed. 

I figured “Spite Travel” had to be a major factor and the cause of a decrease in the tourist population and slow business days here this past summer - I, for one, made myself scarce until October.

Things have been slowly percolating for the better these past weeks. It will be interesting to see how this season pans out compared to the last three. 

Once again, it’s November and I’m worried if I bought too much stock or not enough for the coming holiday season (Yes! Those days will be here soon!) One interesting and exclusive line of jewelry I had to have for my discerning island clients, especially for our Pickle Ball enthusiasts, It’s called “PURE DINK”Pickleball paddles and balls uniquely designed in 14kt. gold and sterling silver in a fun selection of pendants, chains, bracelets and earrings.                                                                                                         The Marco Blues line of jewelry, my daughter Lindsay’s brainchild, is a selection of the blues, consisting of precious sapphires and aquamarines and any gemstone Mother Nature creates in the color blue. The collection is off to a great start, and the demand surprised even yours truly… Colored gem jewelry was normally a slow seller for me. Now some good news for my Naples customers… I finally got the Naples Bracelet ^© design to my liking.

 Just like my renowned Marco Bracelet^©, it’s available in sterling silver and two-tone 14kt. gold and sterling. There will be limited editions created in all 14kt. solid gold with diamonds. The Naples Bracelet^©will be available this season for my “Off Island” customers who have been begging (bugging?) me to design one like my Marco Bracelet. I’m hoping it will be a big hit this season.

Through it all, we are survivors, and we’re all still standing, enjoying paradise together because of you folks. This aging goldsmith, who should have called it quits time and time again, is still here designing and creating fine jewelry for those of you who appreciate it…I have a lot to be thankful for! 

A Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!