Short Arms & Deep Pockets

I never realized when, at a young age when I began my career as a goldsmith, that a degree in psychology would become a necessity in my business. I have a friend who has a degree and is close to retirement. I might consider hiring her part time and put in a drive thru window and don’t laugh, she would be very busy.

It’s not like I have a reputation to rant and rave about the rude habits or outright poor upbringing of the general population (Yeah, right!). Don’t get me wrong I’m not exactly the second coming of Emily Post but manners are manners and just because it’s 2022 and you survived the plague it doesn’t give some people the right to act like absolute barbarians. I recently got cut off and in a near accident by a red-light runner on Collier and he gave me the finger???          

Are there any common courtesies or random acts of kindness out there? 

Yes, I hear it every day; it’s this or that…it’s ruining the fabric of our nation; my life will never be the same, blah, blah. If anything, these past two years we should have learned a lesson or two and mellowed out and be helpful and sympathetic instead of the abnormal behaviors I witness even here in Paradise. That being said, especially during the holidays… “A little courtesy won’t kill you”

Another pet peeve of mine is painfully cheap folks; these are the short arm and deep pocket ones. Come on you know one or two, they are always in the restroom when the check arrives, or if they do kick in a few bucks for the tab, then it’s exactly that… a few bucks.

Needless to say, owning a retail jewelry business I encounter these lovelies now and then; gratefully my articles seem to pretty much keep the ones who can read away. Nevertheless, I still will occasionally get a walk in or two. (My door is wide open!)

What happens next is painful to whoever has to wait on them and hopefully it’s not me! I have a second sense for these folks and I’m like the same side of a magnet, I repel from them. Regretfully sometimes my presence is requested and I have to bite the bullet and the dance begins…

“I know all you jewelry stores have a five-time markup and I will only buy something if I can see your original invoice!” Ok so now I’m thinking this already got off to a bad start, five-time markup!!! In my dreams! Look at my invoice…In your dreams; my own Mom or long-time employees don’t look at my invoices. I’m not that desperate for your business if that’s what you call it! There’s the door, don't let it hit you on the way out.

 After an excruciating hour or so looking at everything in the store he settles on a $29 silver chain. “What’s your best price on this?” My answer: $29! “But I’m looking for a deal. I'm a good customer!” Try spending $2,900 and we can talk a deal. I can assure you I’m not putting down a deposit on my waterfront retirement home in Spain with the profit I’m making on a $29 silver neck chain.

Like I said earlier… That didn’t go so well.

Next a client is interested in a nice two carat diamond solitaire pendant. When I question him on quality, he wants only the best. I ask if there is a budget, he says yes $1,500. Well, that’s a problem. Very nicely I explain the chain and pendant alone will cost that and then there is the matter of purchasing the two-carat diamond. “So how much is the diamond?” That depends on the quality; you want the best, a nice two carat will start around fifteen to twenty thousand or so.

I thought I had to get out the smelling salt and bottled oxygen. Sir what did you expect such a large diamond to cost? “Well not anywhere near that!”  Well, I suggest you set your sights a bit lower because that is a reality price for a fine natural diamond in that size category. Further conversation was going nowhere fast - I’m not saying the guy was cheap he just had no clue to a two carat diamond cost - and refused to settle for anything smaller in that size. The best way I could compare how futile it was to continue his quest was that it was the same as looking for a four-bedroom waterfront home on the island for $200K. Good luck finding that piece of property too!

I’m a reasonable person. When some folks come in with champagne tastes and beer money, I try to explain carefully without injuring pride or causing embarrassment, but let’s face it - there are simply things in life that are expensive and that’s all there is to it. I have had a hankering for a top-of-the-line Porsche all my life, I don’t hang around the dealership thinking I can afford one, wasting their time drooling on the paint job. I have done my homework and know unless I hit the lottery (or sell two hundred two-carat plus diamonds!), I won’t be driving one anytime soon. 

Nice gold or platinum jewelry is expensive and always will be. Large fine diamonds, like a two carat or better in size for example, will also follow suit.

Happy New Year to one and all!

Richard Alan is a designer/goldsmith and owner of The Harbor Goldsmith, Marco’s go to jeweler since 1994. He welcomes your questions and comments about All That Glitters. www.harborgoldsmith.com