Season is upon us!

It is a new day and age for fine jewelry. January 29, 2026, was a historic day for gold prices. Never in history has the price of gold swung so high and low in one day. Today, as I write this on the 30th, it’s not much better. Traders are shaken and taking a step back. Designers and retailers are shaking their heads asking, “How can we work like this?”

Unbelievably, our little shop has never been busier. The repair department is churning out quality repairs at record numbers. We closed out January with record retail and custom sales. The gold prices aren’t scaring off everyone; in fact, it seems people want yellow gold more than ever. I’ve sold several heavy men’s gold chains to younger clients. They’re very savvy customers and when they come to my store, I can tell they have done their research. They don’t want hollow; they want quality and they’re willing to pay for fine Italian-made gold chains. I keep a few interesting links in stock, but most of the time I have to bring them in on a case-by-case basis. The volatile metal markets make this especially challenging. Recently, I locked in the price on a gorgeous anchor chain on Monday past at $4,650/ounce gold. By the time the client arrived with cash in his hand, gold was at $5,000. It was worth more in just five days! Talk about whiplash. As I sit here on January 30, gold has dropped almost $500 per ounce. Nobody knows what is going to happen; these are unprecedented times.

My article from last week was already obsolete when it went to print one week later. By the time readers had the paper in their hands, gold had well surpassed $,5000. It is so volatile. In fact, when we call for pricing, our suppliers inform us that the price is good for one day only. That is bananas. My customers who like to mull things over are sorely disappointed when their project needs to be priced again if they waited too long. That is the most common situation we are dealing with at present: price volatility.

All of this makes for very dynamic workdays at the Harbor Goldsmith! We are making it work. Communication is more important than ever, due to the fast-paced changes literally minute by minute. We have to adapt, we have no choice. My father has been noticeably absent, enjoying a cruise down the Nile and taking in the splendors of Ancient Egypt. He couldn’t have picked a better time to get out of dodge. In the past, January was a welcome little sleeper month before the Valentine’s Day crush. Not anymore! It seems like Marco Island is changing, too. The streets are busier than ever, families and retirees alike are soaking up the sun and enjoying the bounties of Southwest Florida. Even our cold snaps are a welcome change of pace from the frozen tundra-like conditions of the North. Our sea life and nautical jewelry have been the main draw of tourists and locals alike. They love to have a little memento of their beloved Marco Island with them wherever they may go. We always have a great selection in gold and silver.

Funny story…A nice couple was examining our new Marco Island Map Pendants that were on display. I may have been eavesdropping when I heard him say, “Those are corny!” It was hilarious, but I had to call him out. I said, “Hey, I designed those and I’ll have you know I’ve already sold 150 of them! People love them!” His wife slapped him on the arm and we had a nice laugh. Hey, there’s a shoe for every foot. Not everybody is going to like what we have or design, that’s just the breaks! It doesn’t hurt my feelings, it gives me valuable feedback into what people’s likes and dislikes are when I am designing future projects.

Recently, the lab diamond solitaire pendants and crosses have been very hot sellers. The price can’t be beat for the big look. It’s a classic that can be dressed up or dressed down and can become any discerning lady’s signature piece. Yellow gold has been the metal of choice, slightly more than white gold at the moment. Come see for yourself, my selection can’t be beat. Or call for a private consultation to design the piece of your dreams!